Tag: film

Film Feedback: Come Alive with The Greatest Showman

Published on by Kelly Deeny7 Comments

I love The Greatest Showman. No, adore is more fitting! I adore everything about this fantastic, heartwarming, toe-tapping, inspiring musical. If you have yet to see the film, bookmark this post and go buy the digital, DVD, or streaming copy – it’s worth your time and your money.

As I sat in front of the computer to write my film review of this award-worthy film, I struggled. I was not at a loss for words – just the opposite; the words flooded my mind and heart. The classic review-style post I’d drafted, while detailed in appreciation, was impersonal. The blog writer put the review aside to make way for the artistic spirit within.

In recent months I rediscovered that the beauty within is far superior to the exterior. Embracing all that you are, broken mirrors and perceived imperfections abound, is not only possible but essential and attainable.  For as the award-winning anthem states, “I am brave/I am bruised/I am who I’m meant to be/This is me.”

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I am a straight, white female – one who’s never experienced hatred or violence due to the color of my skin, weight, gender identity, or sexual orientation. I do not know what’s it’s like to be in Ann’s trapeze-artist shoes or Lettie’s position and yet I know self-doubt, low self-esteem, and how it feels to not love the reflection staring back.

Open heart surgery as a toddler meant living with a scar that seemed massive for my smaller-than-typical frame. It morphed as I grew, the physical reminder of my “broken” heart fading as the emotional one spread. I never believed myself to be beautiful. I’m pretty, but not gorgeous. I don’t turn any heads when I walk in a room. If someone showed a romantic interest, then I’d run for the proverbial hills leaving a trail of regret behind.

I am an artistic spirit, pulled toward art’s ability to heal the soul and inspire the spirit. I gravitate to the entertainment arts – singing, writing, acting, celebrating film/TV/theatre in blog form. While others my age played sports, gossiped about boys, or frequented clubs/bars, I remained true to what interested me. I am an entertainment girl at heart and in spirit, one who’d rather spend a movie night with good friends then get wasted at a party.

I felt separate, different, odd when I compared myself with those around me. I didn’t feel as though I fit in a world obsessed with frivolity and superficial conversations. It wasn’t until I performed “On My Own” in my college Actors’ Showcase that I came alive. As the house lights remained dim and silence pulsated around me I thought. This is what matters. This is where my heart is. This is me. My artistic spirit soared in that moment of belonging, and recalling it still brings me joy.

 

I experienced the gloriousness that is The Greatest Showman in the company of my 8-year-old niece and 6-year-old nephew. I smiled and my heart swelled with joy at seeing their reaction to the story on-screen. They were completely engaged, their eyes wide and their feet moving. When Zendaya came on screen, my niece cheered. When the townsfolk spouted hatred and violence, my nephew turned to me and asked, “Why are they being so mean?” I hope that The Greatest Showman inspires them in the way the musicals of my generation did for me.

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As we navigate the world of adult responsibilities, expectations, and societal roles, may we remember though we are bound to change the core of who we are never will. What makes us different does not separate us; it calls us to champion one another and the beauty within us all.

You…are…glorious!

 

*Disclaimer: No endorsement by any of the films, studios, talent, or associates is intended or implied.*

Award Show Weekend Prep

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Award Show Time

Today marks the start of Golden Globes weekend and though I’d much rather be in Hollywood interviewing artists on the red carpet, I’m still excited for the telecast regardless of my location. Granted, I don’t watch any of the nominated TV shows nor have I seen any of the film nominees, but this is the time when I decide which ones interest me enough to spend my time or money.

I originally planned to host a viewing party, as I’ve done in years past. However, this year’s viewing will be a low-key event involving my couch and some themed desserts. As I look ahead to Sunday’s telecast, I included some of my earlier blog entries regarding award shows and why they fascinate me so.

Enjoy!!!!

CHAMPION THE ARTS – “...So while my friends and family may plan for the big play-off party I’ll be waiting with excitement for the upcoming entertainment award show season.”

A GOLDEN REQUEST – “I have no desire of ever attending a Super Bowl but I do have a goal of going to each major award show at least once in my lifetime.  And the Golden Globes are the ones I seek to attend next!”

REQUEST DENIED – “I arranged to visit my sister and her family in Los Angeles once I found out the date of the Golden Globes.  I figured I’d multi-task; spend time with family and check off “attend the Golden Globes” from my bucket list. ”

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with the Golden Globes telecast, the HFPA, or their affiliates/sponsors/subsidiaries is implied.*

 

Entertainment Blogging Questions

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

*I reached out to one TV network and received what amounted to a non-answer.  Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of research and someone who understands legal-speak.*

Visit kellydeeny.com to read the Artistic Spirit Pledge entries.
Visit kellydeeny.com to read the Artistic Spirit Pledge entries.

As you can tell from the large gap between blog entries, I haven’t written any new “insights” about my favorite films, television shows, or theatre performances in a while.  Part of the reason is due to the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge that I focused on from October until the end of January (the full list can be found on my author website). For 111 days, I wrote about the link between art (in its various forms) and spirituality.  Given my love for film, television, and theatre, many of the pledge entries were entertainment-focused.  Here are just some of the ones relevant to entertainment:

The other reason I haven’t written anything new is an admitted lack of knowledge and information about blogging rules and guidelines.  The idea that I could be infringing on copyright laws or improperly citing a TV show or film title (unintentionally, mind you) worries me enough to delay posting.  I went out into the great, wide world of the internet to search for “blogging about TV” or “entertainment blogging guidelines”, but found a lack of helpful information.  So, what do I want to know?

  • PHOTOS:  Including images in blog posts adds an extra layer of professionalism and helps catch a reader’s attention.  Yet, when writing about a film, tv show, or musical/play, can I include a photo?  If so, where do I find them and do I need to request permission in order to embed the image?
  • VIDEOS: Similar to photos, can I include clips of shows or movie trailers in my blog posts? If so, do I need permission or are they notified when I copy/paste an EMBED link?
  • TITLES/NAMES:  Whenever I mention a TV show, film, or musical/play, I always include a hyperlink (whenever available) to the original/official website.  I want to make sure that readers interested in learning more about the titles I write about can easily find the original source.  Are there guidelines/rules in place for including links to official sites of using the names or shows/performers?
  • TAGS:  Are there any restrictions to including a television network or actor’s name as a meta tag in a blog post entry?

I hesitated writing about this topic for fear that I would appear unprofessional or come off as an amateur.  Then, I realized there are probably many more entertainment fans (like myself) who are as interested in blogging about their favorite shows as I am.  I sincerely doubt I am the only one wondering about how we can best promote and support the industry without violating any copyright or infringement rules.

I’ve obtained some helpful feedback from fellow writers, but I am interested in expanding my knowledge of this specialty in the ever-advancing blogosphere.

 

Award Show Viewing Parties: Sharing in the Excitement

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I took a leap of faith by traveling to Los Angeles to celebrate the film industry’s beloved award show, and it inspired me in ways different from what I expected.

As I’ve stated before, award shows are to entertainment fans what sport competitions are to devout followers of athletic teams.  I might cheer on my local team if they make it to the play-offs, but I’m not very engaged in the world of athletics.  I’d much rather spend my time conversing about my favorite television shows, catchy Broadway musicals, or memorable films.

It got to be quite lonely sitting on my couch, eating popcorn, and cheering on nominees  with no one who was as excited about the results as I was.  My parents and siblings gave me the “Oh, Kelly” looks and went to bed long before the host stated “That’s a wrap!”  I wanted desperately to share my excitement with others, so I started having viewing parties at my (aka my parents’) house and invited close friends.  I’ll never forget the first viewing party I threw about ten years ago when my friend made cupcakes decorated like clocks in honor of “The Hours”.

Last year, my mom made “Shepherd’s Life of Pi”, and I made “Pretzel Lincoln Logs”, bruschetta with a French baguette, and other themed menu items.  I decorated my apartment with streamers, clapboards, gold/silver stars, and created a red carpet for guests.  While attendees enjoyed the appetizers, we watched the pre-show activities and played games.  It was an evening filled with laughter, good fun, and great company – all that a party should include.

This year I decided to fly out to California and attend a viewing party in Hollywood.  The day before the awards, my sister, brother-in-law and nephews took me to the area where the award show would take place.  I stood in awe at the gold statues covered to protect them from the rain.  I cried tears of joy as I stared at the red carpet and understood the enormity of putting such an event together.  I felt at home in a way I can’t quite comprehend or express without further reflection.  As impressed as I am with what occurs on-screen, I’m even more intrigued by what goes into the behind-the-scenes preparation.  To know that you were part of such an incredible event, that must be a proud moment whether you stapled the red carpet or stood guard in front of the theatre doors.

Award Show ready

The day of the big show, my sister and I got all dressed up and headed out to mingle with others who would be as excited to watch the awards show as we were.  The main dining area (VIP seating) was decorated rather elegantly with gold chairs, pristine table settings, and beautiful accents.  Attendees followed the “black-tie preferred” request, and cocktails were served as we waited for the show to start.  Once the show began, we got directed to the “No Seating/General Admission” area and mingled with some very engaging individuals.  About halfway through, our feet told us it was time to go.  We stopped to grab something to eat on our way home and watched the last 30 minutes of the show from the comfort of a couch.

While it’s an experience I’ll have forever, I realized that I’d prefer to spend the next award show differently – either working the event, sitting in the theatre, and/or celebrating with friends and family.

Block your calendars now for my Broadway party in June!!!  Themed menu to be planned upon the nomination announcement.

Saved by Entertainment

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

My father and I have a routine every Saturday evening – after dinner, the two of us watch a movie.  We have very different interests but there are some films we can agree on, and they’ve become are our go-to movies.  I enjoy this habitual activity, not only because I love movies but because I love spending time with my dad.  On July 26th, 2013 this routine ended up saving my life.

Well, sort of!  That Friday evening, the apartment building I lived in caught fire.  Friday night is pizza night in our family.  From work I went straight to my sister’s house for dinner and before my dad left to return home he said, “If you feel up to it, stop over and we’ll watch a movie.”  It was a Friday, not a Saturday – out of our routine, but my mom was out-of-town so the two of us had to stick together.  So, when I left my sister’s around 8:30pm I headed directly for my parents’ house.  I felt like watching one of those “classics”, a film that we’ve seen time and again and is always entertaining.  Shortly into the film, we heard a plethora of sirens and said to one another, “That sounds bad.”  Little did we know just how right we were.

Halfway through the movie, my sister called the house line, frantic to reach me.  “Ohmigod!  You nearly gave me a heart attack.  You didn’t answer your cell,” she cried.  “Dad didn’t answer his cell.”  Then she proceeded to inform me that my apartment complex was on fire.  We paused the film and spent the next hour searching the local news websites for details and trying to verify which particular building(s) were up in flames.  By the time it was confirmed to be the building I lived in, my nerves were shot and my head spinning.

There was nothing I could do that night.  I was safe.  I had a place to stay.  I had food, shelter and company.  I thought about my laptop, about the novel I’ve been working on for the past 3 years.  I gasped when I recalled that my grandmother’s stereo/record player was at my place.  My mind raced thinking about all the CDs, DVDs and musical theatre programs I’d collected over the years.  I am an entertainment girl through and through.  It’s key to my identity.  To know that so much was likely destroyed…I couldn’t fathom it.

“Come on,” my dad instructed.  “Let’s finish the movie.  It’ll distract you.”  And that it did.  I got wrapped up in the action of the film, one that I’ve seen and enjoyed many times already.  By the time the movie ended, I was exhausted.  Dad gave me a great, big hug and made me smile.  I cried myself to sleep that night, overwhelmed with what was lost.  With each realization of another piece of memorabilia gone, I felt embarrassed and ungrateful – they were just things and could be replaced.  I was alive and well.  I had a roof over my head, food to eat and a safe place to stay.

I woke up ready to face the day.  I needed to know what the reality of the situation was and handle what I could control.  I’ve always been inspired by characters who, when faced with adversity, look inside and find strength.  This was my life, my story to write.  And if I needed to start from a blank slate…so be it.  My dad told me that day, “Keep moving.  Keep busy.  If you stop to think, it will eat you up inside.”  He went with me to see the damage, kept me company and was the one to call my other relatives so that I didn’t have to.  While my father didn’t physically save my life, he did provide comfort, companionship, and enough space to pick myself up and dust myself off.  And for that I’m eternally grateful!

P.S.  Now that I have to rebuild my collection of theatre programs, I’ve decided that dad will be the first one I take with me back to Broadway!!!!

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ Makes a Touchdown!

Published on by Kelly Deeny2 Comments

An incredibly well-written script, brilliant performances and overall seamless production makes Silver Linings Playbook one of my favorite films this year!

So, okay the year’s just started but that means the films that follow will have a great deal to live up to.  I am very particular about the films I deem “excellent”.  There are those that merely entertain me, those that make me smile and those that wow me on an artistic level.  Silver Linings Playbook moved me.  Impressed me.  And got me examining my life and the choices I’ve made.  Quite truthfully, a film that can achieve such a feat deserves my praise and support.

I had every intention on seeing the film for many reasons.  For starters, its star Bradley Cooper has impressed me since his time on “Alias” many years ago.  Jennifer Lawrence’s proven acting range gave me no hesitation that this acting pair would create quite an intriguing and engaging duo on-screen.  But, the kicker – I’m a life-long Philly suburb girl and this film pays tribute to the city that I love so well.

Adapted from the book by Matthew Quick, David O. Russell’s script takes you on an emotional journey.  From the moment we first meet Cooper’s character of Pat Solitano we care about him and that of his family who struggle to offer support and understanding at the same time.  We want him to succeed, cheer him on when he does and feel for him when he falters.  We can see parts of our own family idiosyncracies in that of Pat’s as he balances his inner turmoil with the help that’s waiting for him to accept.

The actors in this film are astonishing.  They breathe life into their characters.  Give them range, depth and complexity.  As the matriarch of the family, Jackie Weaver effortlessly blends raw emotion with a serene beauty.  The love this character holds for her family is evident in her every action.  Robert DeNiro’s stellar career has earned him the well-deserved respect of his peers and colleagues but also that of the moving going public.  His performance in this award-recognized piece proves exactly why he’s so well-respected.  He brought to life a character that’s as flawed as his son.  A man who loves his family and loves his “Birds” with nearly equal fervor.  He showed an incredible range with each scene and has me considering this one of my all-time favorite Robert DeNiro performances.

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper complement each other perfectly in this film.  They match each other in intensity, in depth and in range of acting ability.  As their respective characters battle their inner demons we see the power in subtlety.  These actors manage to take these roles and give us just enough without overdoing it; creating waves of emotional strength.  From gut-wrenching declarations to quiet moments of admission these two brilliant actors excelled in their craft; ultimately allowing the audience to accompany them on a ride that’s both heart-breaking and fulfilling.

In closing, Silver Linings Playbook succeeds in its genre due to the blending of each aspect of film.  From the cinematography, to the score, to David O. Russell’s skilled directing.  I highly recommend finding out for yourself just why this excellent film deserves all of the award recognition it has received so far this season!

Request Denied

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

The Golden Globes came and went.  Neither did I watch them on television nor did I attend despite my written request a few weeks ago.

I arranged to visit my sister and her family in Los Angeles once I found out the date of the Golden Globes.  I figured I’d multi-task; spend time with family and check off “attend the Golden Globes” from my bucket list.  After doing some research and realizing that tickets are not made available to the public I decided to step outside of my artistic box and hope that by just believing hard enough a door would open.  In the meantime, I set my DVR at home to record…just in case.  Ironically enough, despite my brother-in-law’s feverish attempts we were unable to watch the award show Sunday evening.

I have never before lowered my guard and asked for a selfish request to be granted.  That is, until I wrote a blog entry imploring the entertainment world to grant me access to the Golden Globes.  I shared the post numerous times on social media, linked it to entertainment organizations, TV show and film profiles and well-known talk show hosts.  I hoped deep down that my words would move someone into action.  That my deep sincerity and love for the creative arts would tug at some high-level executive’s heart-strings.  That they’d say, “Did you read this?  Let’s send this girl to the Globes!”

By noon on Sunday I had accepted the reality that no one was going to knock on my sister’s door with a camera crew and announce, “Are you ready to go?  We’ve got a team ready for hair and make-up.  You didn’t bring a dress?  That’s okay.  We have a selection for you to choose from.”  I suppose my life-long Cinderella fascination finally took shape.  There was not to be a fairy godmother to whisk me off to the award show ball.  No one to magically know how much I truly wished for my request to be granted.

I put myself out there in a way I never have before and it’s mildly embarrassing and greatly frustrating that I allowed myself to rely so heavily on the power of positive thinking and the actions of others.

The greatest lesson from this experience?  To focus on my own creative pieces (whether it’s the YA fantasy novel that’s nearing completion or the screenplay that’s in progress) and less on those of others.  To complete my own work, to the best of my ability, and know that when I do go to the Golden Globes it’ll be because I’m nominated!