Kate Beckinsale is back in the new Underworld, Underworld: Awakening. I have been a big fan of the series and I was very worried that this would ruin the streak they’ve been on. This film doesn’t break any new ground but it was clever enough to be more than I expected. If you are a fan of the series, you’ll be happy with this one. The fight scenes are great and Kate Beckinsale looks terrific back in leather. Don’t expect this to be a Len Wiseman film, but look forward to some good fun with vampires and werewolves.
Locale is my favorite restaurant in Astoria. It helps that I used to live right next door, but that doesn’t change the fact that the food is great, the service is upper level, and the prices are reasonable. Locale is a great date restaurant. And don’t forget to go there when the weather gets better. They have great outdoor seating. Visit their site here: http://www.localeastoria.com/
The Norma Jean discography. Probably the most consistently badass album artwork put together through a band’s career. Makes you feel like the music inside might actually hurt you. Let’s hope they continue down this path.
Valentine’s Day is for men too. Get them something awesome, like a lithograph. Check out these from the Mourlot Collection.
Valentine Gift Guide for Him. Contact us at info@galeriemourlot.com for more information.
What’s the best way to spend Sunday morning? Watching CBS Sunday morning. It’s an hour and a half long. It’s informative and in-depth. It’s sometimes positive, sometimes heartbreaking. Best of all, it’s relaxing. Wake up to CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. Then when it’s over, head out to brunch.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this but everyone should tune into MTV on Thursdays at 11pm. I know it makes me sick to my stomach, too, but weirdly enough, they’ve actually made a good scripted show. Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I saw the one hour series premiere of I Just Want My Pants Back last night and I was impressed. Let’s hope they can keep it up. Either way, tune in and give it a shot. Click on the picture to go to their website.
After 18 seasons, Inside the Actors Studio is still one of the best interview shows ever. I randomly caught a new episode with George Clooney the other day and it reminded me just how much respect and insight the shows provides. No manufactured drama here. Support good television by tuning into Bravo for this award winning show. Click the picture to go to their website.
Choosing a watch can be a difficult affair. I looked for almost a year before I found what I was looking for. When I was visiting my family in Europe, I walked into a Massimo Dutti store for the first time. I had heard great things but never had a chance because they do not have any stores in the U.S. yet. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Massimo Dutti is primarily a clothing store but they also have a great deal of accessories. When I checked out the watches, my search ended. I picked a limited edition dual time piece with a brown leather band. Surprisingly, it did not break the bank. If you’re in Europe or go on vacation there, don’t miss this great brand. I also picked up a much needed brown leather belt. Sometimes you never know when you’ll get lucky walking into a store. Click on the picture to go to their website.
Sweet Afton is my renewed favorite place in Astoria. It has a quiet exterior, great wood and metal interior, a great staff, delicious beers, awesome food, and a back patio. Can’t go wrong there. Located in my hood. Say hi if you see me. http://sweetaftonbar.com/
One of the most influential rock bands of the 90’s has reunited. Ladies and Gentlemen, REFUSED. You may not have heard of them before but their influence is undeniable. Check out this badass video for their single New Noise, off the album The Shape of Punk to Come. Great recording, great album, great rock. The band has decided to play some shows. Unfortunately, they’ve sold out in minutes just about everywhere. Better luck next time, I guess.
Film’s most prestigious awards are once again upon us. In just a few short weeks, another set of movies, actors, and production people will be honored. This year’s nominations had some surprises and in my opinion, some major snubs. Click on Oscar to get the full list of nominees.
I can’t take credit for this picture, but it’s beautiful none the less. This is a picture under the elevated subway, in my favorite neighborhood in New York, Astoria. I just moved back and I couldn’t be more excited. Things may have gotten slightly more expensive but you the bars, restaurants, and stores have improved. Even more exciting are the completions of the Museum of the Moving Image remodel and the Kaufman Astoria Studios extension. Add those to a great movie theater and two awesome beer gardens and Astoria is one of the best places to live.
Currently the funniest show on TV, Archer fires on all cylinders. Great writing, inappropriate story lines, and nonstop laughs. Set your DVRs to record on Thursdays at 10 pm on FX and you’ll always have something great to watch. Word of warning though, don’t be fooled by it being animated. This show is definitely for adults only.
Patterned knits are in this winter and I don’t see them going away anytime soon. I bought mine at American Eagle, like the ones in these pictures. Most major brands have their own version of the style, so take a look around. And don’t forget, your hat, gloves, and scarf don’t need to match!
Over the years, Roman Polanski has developed a body of work that is hard to argue with. If you ignore his personal life, it would be difficult to say that he has made many bad choices in his film career, or that he has made many, if any, bad films. The beginning of this review may lead you to believe that I did not enjoy Carnage, which is untrue. I liked it a lot. The film, based on a Broadway play of the same name, was very enjoyable and got better as it went along. The cast was outstanding. Foster, Winslet, Waltz, and Reilly were all terrific. The scenery, directing, cinematography, and everything else was good. The problem, if you can call it one, was that it was a play on screen. There is no delusion, at any point, that this is a Broadway play on screen. And to tie back to what I was talking about earlier, there was nothing Polanski or anyone else could have done to make it anything more. So, go see this movie, but don’t expect it to have any Polanski trademarks, touches, or anything else. One could argue that he affected the acting and therefore the movie, but I’m not buying that these actors would not have done just as sufficient a job under someone else’s direction. In conclusion, go see the movie and enjoy it. But, if you’re itching for a Polanski film, see Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown, or one of his most recent works, The Ghost Writer. Click on the poster to watch the preview.
