fête à fête

Here are a few more film reviews for the upcoming San Francisco International Film Festival, which starts tomorrow through May 8:

Solitary Fragments (Spain) is a close examination of family dynamics within the circle of human relations. Director Jaime Rosales weaves a natural and unbiased study of people struggling with everyday challenges while Yasuhiro Ozu's creative use of the split screen pieces the intersecting stories together.

Single mother Adela (Sonia Almarcha) leaves her provincial town in search of a better life in Madrid with her infant son. Struggling with a bland job, she moves in with Carlos (Lluís Villanueva) and Inés (Miriam Correa). The roommates become friends and open up to each other about their personal lives over shared meals. Inés’s mother Antonia (Petra Martínez) soon becomes an indirect acquaintance. A widow with three daughters, Antonia is literally the rock in the family. Dealing with one daughter's cancer prognosis and manipulated by another to help supplement her selfish ambitions, the normalcy of daily life unexpectedly ends for these these women when tragic events occur. The survivors have to find the strength to carry on, and the viewer is strongly drawn to the well-being of each character. I liked how certain silent scenes reflected the inner strength of the main characters. Lonliness, grief, and isolation surround them like an invisible wall yet they manage to maintain their dignity as life goes on, with or without them.

Click here to watch the trailer (Click on "Watch" link on the lower right corner of the movie still).

Secret (Taiwan) is a beautifully shot teen romance. Taiwanese pop artist Jay Chou built some acting chops in Zhang Yimou’s "Curse of the Golden Flower" and he refined his skill with "Secret." Directing his own script, Chou plays Yeh Hsiang-Lun, an extremely gifted music student entering a prestigious academy. Innocent flirtations abound amongst students and the days are filled with lectures, sports, hi-jinks, and “piano battles”.

One day in an old music room, Lun encounters Lu Hsiao-Yu (Kwai Lun-mei) playing an alluring tune. This melody and the coquettish Yu begin to haunt Lun day and night. Eventually Lun discovers a photograph of Yu with his father (the matchless Anthony Wong), and the plot rises to a very dramatic and supernatural turn. Delicate and sweetly mysterious, Yu is the film’s emotional center as she and Lun performs their magical symphony for all time.

Click here to watch the trailer (Click on "Watch" link on the lower right corner of the movie still).

Just Like Home (Denmark) is a wry comedy about trust and community within a small Danish town. Filled with eccentrics, the characters share their angst and loneliness, including a woman on the lam (Ann Eleanora Jørgensen), an angry pill-popper dealing with his childhood (Peter Gantzler), a stuffy poet (Peter Hesse Overgaard), and an optimistic civil servant (Bodil Jørgensen) with a shaky hold on her job.

Director Lone Scherfig does a fine job of painting a tableau of a conservative society as the residents struggle with the rumor of a male streaker in their midst. A local pharmacist opens up an anonymous hotline to find the culprit and calamity ensues as the townsfolk use it to air their grievances. Despite their initial misgivings, the hotline volunteers learn to find their voice, help each other, and heal the community. If you've seen "Italian for Beginners," you will want to check this out.

For tickets and information: go to www.sffs.org or call 925.866.9559

See you at the film fest!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, film, Film Festival, Film Stars, movie, San Francisco, San Francisco event

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Film lovers will have a lot of wonderful screenings to explore at the upcoming 51st San Francisco International Film Festival. The 15-day extravaganza will not only present nearly 200 films from 49 countries, but it will also feature the work of 39 women directors. Opening on April 24 with Catherine Breillat's "The Last Mistress," the festival will close May 8 with the West Coast premiere of "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson." Award honorees include Maria Bello of "The Yellow Handkerchief" (Peter J. Owens Award), Jason Lee, and Rose McGowan (both for Midnight Awards).

Here are a few select reviews from the festival:

"Shadows in the Palace" (Korea) is part lavish historical drama, part murder mystery set during Korea’s Chosun era. Totally entertaining with non-stop plot twists (for the squeamish folks, there will be a few gory torture scenes), the film is a solid rendition of Korean palace intrigue and the complex power struggles amongst the court maids, imperial concubine and the empress.

The smell of constant fear permeates the palace in everyone's effort to win the emperor's favor. Rigid court rules strip off the spirit of the maids as they work within the thick confines of the palace. After one of the maids is found dead, female court doctor Chun-ryung suspects foul play and decides to expose the murderer. Risking her position and her life, she soon digs up an ugly mess of deception as the battle for ultimate power unfolds. The acting is well done, as well as the costume research and set design, but the special effects are a bit too dramatic for Western viewers.

"In the City of Sylvia" (Spain) presents the idea of possible romance as a young romantic (Xavier Lafitte) searches for Sylvia, the would-be lover he met from several years before. Beautifully set in Strasbourg with gorgeous-looking stars, Lafitte resembles a version of Gael Garcia Bernal, while gamine Pilar López de Ayala steals the limelight. The film is a simple pleasure to gaze at. Director José Luis Guerín encourages the viewer to engage themselves to sound and light, paring down the dialogue significantly. The sense of city life is heightened, with the everyday sound of locals strolling, students chatting, and the sound of a tram ambling around the winding streets.

"Glasses" (Japan) is a zen jewel of a story, about an uptight teacher visiting an idyllic island retreat. Upon arrival at the Hamada Inn, Taeko (Satomo Kobayashi) is subjected to the peculiar business habits of the owner (Ken Mitsuishi) because he doesn't want too many guests. Fellow guest Sakura (Masako Motai) leads the townspeople through daily “merci exercises” and all the guests practice 'twilighting' in the evenings.

Through the seemingly strange practices of the local inhabitants, Taeko learns to let go literally and figuratively, changing in small degrees with each passing day at the beach. Western audiences might not be used to the quiet pace of Naoko Ogigami's direction, but this is a great example of how in slowing down one's life, one might actually see the gems within.

More film reviews to come - stay tuned!

For tickets and information: go to www.sffs.org or call 925.866.9559

See you at the film fest!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, Film, Film Festival, Film Stars, international, movie, San Francisco, San Francisco event

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wong Kar Wai is one of my favorite directors, and with good reason. The visionary is a regular on the Cannes circuit, and his "In the Mood for Love" has set a new standard in international cinema. He has an inimitable gift of letting each frame ooze with glamorous sensuality. It's a luxe quality that isn't found in many films today, and I can't get enough of it.

Shifting his focus to a Western landscape, he returns with "My Blueberry Nights." It's a debut for Wong in many ways. It's his first English language feature, and the lead actress (singer Norah Jones) is a fresh visage on the silver screen. It's also one of the rare instances that Christopher Doyle isn't present for this project, welcoming instead cinematographer Darius Khondji. The result is a beautifully tailored dance of color, light, music, and passion that lingers within you long after you leave the theatre.

The story opens up with Elizabeth (Jones), a heartbroken young woman drowning in the sorrows of her recent breakup. She befriends cafe owner Jeremy (Jude Law), eating blueberry pie and taking refuge in his romantic outlook. With the pain so close to home, she takes off on a long journey across America, trying to forget her past.

Along the way she witnesses other troubled souls battling their own relationship demons. In Memphis she gets caught up with a forlorn alcoholic cop (David Strathairn) and his hot-headed estranged wife (Rachel Weisz), then ends up with a flirty, fast-talkin', double-your-money-back-or-bust gambler (Natalie Portman) in Nevada. These characters are somewhat of a mirror image to her loneliness within her long inner journey.

For a first timer, Jones is valiant in her attempt to convey her emotional range, but it comes off a bit awkward. Portman's spunky performance provided the sizzle the film needed, and it's a darn shame she didn't have more screen time.

The soundtrack, as usual, is a work of art in itself with Wong at the helm. His extremely deliberate choice in music heightens the entire experience, and sometimes the tracks themselves do enough emoting for everyone and beyond. With Ry Cooder (Buena Vista Social Club) scoring, you get to cozy up to sultry croons from Norah Jones, Cat Power, Otis Redding, and the like. For "In the Mood for Love" fans, you will find a treat here - a harmonica version of "Yumeji's Theme."

www.weinsteinco.com

-Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, Film, Film Stars, movie, movie soundtrack

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

With true Italian sophistication, Giorgio Armani Beauty brings rich coffee shades to the lips this Spring/Summer. The new black of this season is lacquered brown, and his new Caffè Collection is a bold statement ranging from transparent mochas to deep noble browns.

The ArmaniSilk Caffè lipsticks have a special new formula to perfect the balance between high color and long lasting comfort. Available in eight easy to wear brown-beige shades, I liked the No. 59 Caffè Granita - a frosty mocha that can be worn alone or with a gloss. The star shade, No. 62 Ristretto, is a bit too dramatic for me, so I toned it down with Lip Shimmer No. 45 - a beautiful shimmery bronze that is also great for a nude lip.

A tribute to the historical origins of perfume, the new Armani Prive – Les Eaux collection is inspired by the legendary gardens of the world. Rare and exquisite, the notes are selected with great care. Vétiver Babylone is a lavish interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's love for his wife Amytis, who dedicated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to his beloved.

The perfume opens up with bright bergamot and citron notes, blending with juicy mandarin. Spicy green cardamom, coriander and pink pepper excite the senses, echoing the primal energy and heat of the desert. Earthy patchouli rounds out the base note, reminiscent of the intermittent shade within the sparse trees. It's a sexy fragrance that is mysterious, seducing you into the lush gardens of paradise.

Available at: Select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Barneys and www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

-Tami

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Three Custom Color Specialists teamed up with celebrity makeup artist James Vincent to create a look inspired by the golden glamour of Miami's international style. The new shades are: Peacock Eye Shadow, a festive teal flecked with glittery shimmer and Poppy Lip and Cheek Stain, a bright warm coral.

To get the look:

Use Peacock Eye Shadow wet as an eye liner and buff the edges for a smoky gradated look. A soft smudge of Peacock Eye Shadow can also be added along the lower lash line. Use a bronze shadow to blend int the crease for contouring. Add a dash of Poppy Lip & Cheek Stain on the center of the eyelid. Apply a navy liner on the inner rim of the eye to define and finish with black mascara on the upper lashes.

For lips & cheeks, blend the Poppy Lip & Cheek Stain onto the cheekbones and dab onto the lips. For added glamour, finish with a lip gloss for a sparkling accent.

www.threecustom.com

-Tami

Tagged as: blush, cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, makeup, Makeup Artists

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since the launch of Emerson Hart's solo debut Cigarettes & Gasoline, the pop-rock album is still making waves with his stirring lyrics. The former lead singer of Tonic mines his painful past for inspiration and it shows. A couple songs I like are the accoustic "Green Hills Race for California," "Friend to a Stranger," and the title track "Cigarettes and Gasoline." Great lyrics in his work - all Tonic fans need to add this to their collection.

www.emersonhart.com

-Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, vocals

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Domestic Goddess strikes again! Trust Nigella Lawson to deliver another sassy cookbook for the busy home cook. With time-saving shortcuts, the Food Network celeb's latest title, Nigella Express, will provide inspiring menu ideas for every night of the week. The gorgeous photos will have you drooling as you run to the kitchen to try out all 130 recipes.

Craving Italiano? Just flip to the Hey Presto section and you'll find lightning-fast and yummy recipes for Pollo Alla Cacciatora, Black Pasta with Red Mullet, and Budino Di Cioccolato. Feeling Frazzled? Head to the Instant Calmer chapter for Cheddar Cheese Risotto or Rapid Ragu. Unexpected guests? Not a problem - just make the Curry in a Hurry from the Storecupboard SOS chapter. Check out the Scallops and Chorizo recipe below - it's a pretty crowd pleaser.

Scallops and Chorizo

I’ve long been a fan of scallops and bacon and scallops with chile, and this is my combination of the two, using chorizo — the sausage, not the salami — to ooze its paprika-hot orange oil over the sweet, white scallops. It’s quicker than the speed of light to make and quite as dazzling.

4oz chorizo sausage
1lb small scallops (halve them to make 2 thinner discs if they are very fat)
juice of half a lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Slice the chorizo into rounds no thicker than 1/8 inch.

Put a pan on the stove to get hot and then dry-fry (the chorizo will give out plenty of its own oil) the chorizo rounds until crisped on either side; this should take no more than 2 minutes.

Remove the chorizo to a bowl and fry the scallops in the chorizo oil for about a minute a side.

Return the chorizo to the pan with the scallops, add the lemon juice, and let bubble for a few seconds before arranging on a serving plate and sprinkling with lots of parsley.

Serves 4 as a main course with the chickpeas and arugula that follow; would be fine with just a little leafage for 8 as a starter.

Recipe printed with permission from Hyperion.

www.nigella.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, chef, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, dessert, dinner, food, food & drink, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another lush and ethereal release by glam electonica duo Goldfrapp, the fourth release Seventh Tree is quite a departure from the signature synth beats. Nevertheless, Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory show off their music chops by reinventing themselves with slower, sensual, and accoustic melodies.

As they take us through another euphoric adventure, the listener finds him/herself dancing through Alison's dreamily hushed vocals. Dashed with hints of electronica, the mood is upbeat, to the point where you wonder if you should be frolicking through some meadows as you listen to "Caravan Girl." "Happiness" rocks with their tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and the hypnotic "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" is a nice reminder of earlier work in Felt Mountain.

Some fans might dismiss this album as it's clearly not Supernature Part II. But it will grow on you, as this is another brilliant evolution from a group that refuses to conform to commercial pop formulas.

www.goldfrapp.com

-Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, vocals

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Academy Award winner Frances McDormand and Academy Award nominee Amy Adams are on a mission to find true love - all in one day! In "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day," the charming comedy promises lots of glamour, elegant fun, and snappy dialogue between the two leading ladies.

Set in 1939 London, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Ms. McDormand) is a middle aged governess who finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. Seizing an opportunity, she intercepts an assignment as “social secretary.” Miss Pettigrew is soon thrown into the glamorous and chaotic life of American actress Delysia Lafosse (Ms. Adams). Swept into a heady dream world of high-society, Mrs. Pettigrew helps Delysia navigate a love life and career, both of which are complicated by the three men in Delysia’s orbit.

Opens Friday, March 7th, 2008 (in select cities); Starring Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, Lee Pace, Ciarán Hinds, Shirley Henderson, Mark Strong

www.focusfeatures.com

See you at the movies!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, film, Film Stars, movie, movie soundtrack

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Seriously sassy and full of glam, The Puppini Sisters' brand new CD The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo is pure toe-tapping fun with their famous retro harmonies, pop, and swing. These gorgeous ladies sure know how to put on a show, and what a blast this sophomore release is from Verve Records.

Named after their favorite lipstick, this album includes amazing versions of The Bangles' “Walk Like and Egyptian” and Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”. The lovely trio (Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Stephanie O’Brien) also wrote some original tracks as well, including “I Can’t Believe I’m Not A Millionaire” and “Jilted". I just loved their rendition of “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)". I wanted to pop up and jitterbug across my hallway.

Listen to: “Crazy in Love” verve.edgeboss.net/qtime/verve/puppini/ruby_woo/audio/10_crazy_in_love.mov

www.thepuppinisisters.com

See ya on the dance floor,

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starting today, the fourth color in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter lipstick series makes its anticipated debut on lancome-usa.com. Previous colors were created for fashion designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, and Peter Som.

The Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink is a pretty sheer raspberry shade created by emerging designer Thakoon and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman for his Fall 2008 show at New York Fashion Week. Get it while it's available on lancome-usa.com or on March 1st at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques.

-Tami

Tagged as: clothing, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, fashion show, makeup, Makeup Artists, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My friends have raved about The Kin for a while, and I finally got to listen to their recent album release 'Rise & Fall'. Not only are the Koren brothers (Isaac and Thorry) enticing eye candy, their gorgeous vocals blend rather perfectly within each song. I especially liked the catchy 'Romeo', along with the lovely storytelling behind 'Abraham'. I tend to be drawn towards the non-epic songs, since they really highlight the beautiful songwriting and amazing melodies. In a world filled with overplayed commecial acts, this is an indie group to keep an eye on.

Check out their upcoming tour dates below:

Feb 11 – Club Infinity in Buffalo, NY
Feb 12 – Harper’s Ferry in Boston, MA
Feb 13 – Highline Ballroom in New York, NY
Feb 14 – State Theatre in Falls Church, VA
Feb 15 – The Khyber in Philadelphia, PA
Feb 16 – 8 x 10 Club in Baltimore, MD

www.thekin.com
www.myspace.com/thekin

-Tami

Tagged as: album, concert, music, music review, performance

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's a fun sneak preview from the new movie Mad Money, opening this Friday the 18th. Starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah, it's a madcap caper involving three sassy women, money and the law. A comedy about ordinary women who decide to do something extraordinary (rob one of the most secure banks in the world), this is a guaranteed fun ride.

See you at the movies!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, film, movie

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Get the latest updates on the Golden Globe Awards coverage from TV Guide! The 65th annual awards show will be abuzz with celebrity fashion, gossip, and much more, so check out the video below...

See you at the awards show,

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, fashion, film, Film Stars, show, Television

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)