STARLETS GRACE RED CARPET AT 2012 MET BALL

Hilary Swank, Dakota Fanning, Amy Adams, Emma Stone & Ginnifer Goodwin at 2012 Met Ball

The Schiaparellli and Prada: Impossibly Conversations Costume Institute Gala was held tonight in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's bringing together Fashion, Art and Starlets on the Red Carpet. Unlike many other Red Carpets throughout the year, this Evening lauds Fashion risks. It's not only about being glamorous, it's about making a statement and being bold.

After perusing some of the beautiful choices made tonight, I must say I am most in-love with Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli Couture. Pure, classic elegance.  Emma Stone never disappoints and looked super-cute in a short Lanvin Number - a proud display of red. Ginnifer Goodwin has hit her best stride at last, rocking her Pixie Cut and a tangerine Monique Lhuillier Gown.  Hilary Swank looked absolutely stunning in  a red Michael Kors Piece, showing us an even softer side of her than ever before; classic Hollywood.  Dakota Fanning also not only looked perfect, but age-appropriate in Louis Vuitton.  Amaze.

Tonight's Gala was chaired by Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Actress Carey Mulligan and Designer Miuccia Prada.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

ENTER TO WIN A "THE MUPPETS" BLU-RAY COMBO PACK

The Muppets Wocka-Wocka Value Pack

One of my favourite films of 2011 can soon be owned and I want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of it, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada! Join Walter, the world's biggest Muppet Fan, his Brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's Girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, on their vacation to Los Angeles. Together, they discover the nefarious plan of Oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage a Telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno Casino Tribute Band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size Fashion Editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for Anger Management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing Magnate.

Fresh off its win at the 84th Academy Awards in the category for Music (Original Song) with Man or a Muppet, The Muppets will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand formats, March 20, 2012.

In addition to owning the $150-million-grossing Box Office Smash, those who purchase the 3-Disc Wocka-Wocka Value Pack, get all sorts of stellar goodies, including:

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, AMY ADAMS & CLINT EASTWOOD TO STAR IN "TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE"

Still from In Time

Hot on the heels of Moneyball's success, another Baseball Drama is on its way. In tandem with his 31st Birthday today, it was announced that Justin Timberlake will be starring alongside Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood in Trouble with the Curve. The Film is to be directed by Robert Lorenz, a production partner of Eastwood's.

In what will be Eastwood's first time starring in a Film not directed by himself since 1993's In the Line of Fire, the five-time Academy Award-winning Director/Producer/Composer and Actor plays an aging Baseball Scout who is losing his sight. Heading on a road trip to Atlanta with his Daughter (Adams), they cross paths with a younger Baseball Scout (Timberlake). It is said that Timberlake and Adams' characters have a romantic story line.

Warner Bros. is set to release Trouble with the Curve on January 13, 2013.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)

"THE MUPPETS" - FILM REVIEW

Still from The Muppets

The long-awaited return to the Big Screen for The Muppets is finally before us. This latest Revival from Flight of the Conchords Director James Bobin, centers around three Muppets Fans who visit Hollywood in search of their Idols only to learn of wealthy Tycoon Tex's (Chris Cooper) plans to destroy the historic Muppets Theater in order to access an Oil Reserve beneath it. Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) convince Kermit to gather The Muppets once again after many years apart, for a Reunion to raise $10 million in an effort to save the Theater from its demise.

Like many other Children, I grew-up with work of Jim Henson, hence particularly I have been excited about this Film, but does it deliver?  By all means.  Bobin crafts a movie-going experience which at once is highly fun and also heartfelt.  Kermit the Frog voiced by Puppeteer Steve Whitmire, is the perfect Underdog Hero, lovable in his Self-Doubt as he gathers the troops one more time for a Reunion and ultimately he hopes to win-back Miss Piggy's (voiced by Eric Jacobson) over-dramatic heart.

Segel who serves triple-duty as Executive Producer/Writer and Actor truly is a Talent, singing and dancing his way to our affections as the Boyfriend of Mary and also Big Brother of adorable Muppets Fan Extraordinaire Walter (voiced by Peter Linz). We feel Gary's genuine struggle to decide whether he is a Muppet or the Man who Mary wants him to be, as he gets pulled in different directions.  Adams in her incessant pleas for a bit of undivided attention from her Gary is endearing, proving again with her performance why she is at the top of Actresses in her Generation.  Not many Actresses can get away with pulling-off Mary so ably.

The Muppets truly is something for everyone, entertaining Kids with its infectious Melodies and also as a colourful Spectacle.   At once, Adults equally find amusement in its awareness of its own over-the-top tendencies.  And if the abundance of familiar-faced Cameos from the likes of Feist, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Emily Blunt, Ken Jeong, Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Silverman, Zach Galifianakis and Jack Black aren't enough to make you smile, wait til you see a maniacal Cooper wow you with his Rapping and Singing abilities.

NEW CLIPS FROM "THE MUPPETS"

Official Promotional Photo for The Muppets

With less than three weeks to go until Disney's The Muppets hits theatres, three new Clips from one of this Fall's most eagerly-awaited Titles have surfaced.  Each of these build-up a bit of Back Story leading to the most ultimate Reunion in recent memory.

Here we have Brothers Gary (Jason Segel) surprising his little Brother Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) with Tickets to The Muppets Studios!  And so the Journey begins...

Here we have Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) & Walt (Linz) gearing-up to find Kermit the Frog and present him the idea of a Muppets Reunion:

JASON SEGEL IN TORONTO FOR "THE MUPPETS" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Jason Segel & Mr. Will-W.

The brilliant and charming Jason Segel is gearing-up for a Promotional Tour in support of Walt Disney Motion Pictures' The Muppets and Toronto is one of his first stop-offs.  Not only does he sing, dance and act in the Film, but he Co-wrote its Screenplay and also serves as one of its Executive Producers too.

I was fortunate enough to screen a Cut of The Muppets, directed by James Bobin last week, and although a proper Review is forthcoming when I see its Final Cut later in November, I can say with confidence that I loved what I saw. I laughed, I cried and I adored the Music.  Segel was thrilled to hear my response in surely what will be a chain of praise to come.

This Film centers around three Muppets Fans - Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) who visit Hollywood, only to learn that a rich Oil Tycoon named Tex (Chris Cooper) wants to drill under the storied Muppets Theatre.  Together, they try to persuade the original Muppets - led by Kermit the Frog - to reunite one more time and put on a Show to raise money to save the historic Theatre from destruction.  The Muppets hits theatres nationwide Friday, November 23, 2011.

"THE MUPPETS" OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER

Official Artwork for The Muppets

It's out! The official Trailer and Poster for The Muppets, starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams! 

When Walter (Peter Linz), the World's biggest Muppet Fan, his Brother Gary (Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.

The Muppets also features appearances from: Donald Glover, Leslie Feist, Alan Arkin, Kristen Schaal, Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo, Ken Jeong, James Carville, Rico Rodriguez and Judd Hirsh.

Watch the Trailer below:

The Muppets hits theatres November 23, 2011.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

JASON SEGEL & KERMIT THE FROG TO VISIT TORONTO FOR "THE MUPPETS"

Still from The Muppets 3-D

2011 has been a stellar year for Walt Disney Motion Pictures with Blockbusters like The Lion King 3-D and The Help having fared exceptionally well at the Box Office.  Perhaps their biggest not-so-secret weapon though is The Muppets, which hits theatres nationwide on November 23, 2011 starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams.

Torontonians might have been saddened by his noticeable absence from TIFF 2011 festivities, but they will be thrilled to hear that Star/Executive Producer/Co-writer Segel will be making a visit to the City later this month.  But get this - accompanying Segel will be the Icon himself, Kermit the Frog! The Duo will be doing Press for one of this year's most eagerly-awaited Musical/Comedies!  More details to come on this sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppet-ational announcement!

In the meantime, watch this Trailer for The Muppets:

OFFICIAL CANADIAN TRAILER FOR "THE MUPPETS"

Still from The Muppets 3-D

Too ridiculously cute. The official Canadian Trailer for Disney's The Muppets has just surfaced and after seeing it in the Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, I have been thinking about it repeatedly since.

Although it doesn't hit theatres until US Thanksgiving on November 23, 2011, you can enjoy these 90 seconds of pure delight below:

DISNEY'S "THE MUPPETS" PREVIEW

Muppets One-Sheet

... and here's your official Synopsis for the new upcoming The Muppets Movie due on U.S. Thanksgiving Day:

"On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theatre and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theatre, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.".

How completely absurd and ridiculous!  Just the way I like it.  Although the official Trailer hasn't surfaced online yet, I did see it during Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and it looks absolutely adorable.  Amy Adams!  Jason Segel!

Visit the official website for Disney's Muppets here. 

DIEGO GONZÁLEZ BONETA CAST IN LEAD ROLE FOR "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

Diego González Boneta

After much deliberation, a Lead Actor finally has been chosen for the upcoming Feature Film adaptation of Rock of Ages from New Line Cinema (Warner Bros.). 21 year-old Diego González Boneta has been cast as Drew Boley, a young Man who moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of making it in the Music Industry.

He will be supported by a talented Cast which includes Julianne Hough as his love interest Sherrie, in addition to Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Alec Baldwin. Amy Adams is said to be in talks to star also as a Reporter who is the love interest of Cruise’s character, Stacee Jax.

For those of you who are Fans of the ABC Family Show Pretty Little Liars - and I know many of you are - you might remember Boneta as Alex Santiago. He also stars in TV series 90210 as Javier, also a Singer.

(Photo credit: Francis Bertrand)

THE FIGHTER REVIEW

Still from The Fighter

The Fighter is a remarkable film in that with the throw of a punch, Director David O. Russell covers an inordinate amount of ground in this Biopic about former Welterweight Boxing World Champion "Irish" Mickey Ward. Is it a Comedy? At moments. Is there Drama? Lots of it. Is it a Love Story? Sure, there is. Is it an Action Film? There are many intense, tightly-choreographed Fight scenes, so I'm inclined to say yes. Is there heart and soul to the story? It's a Technical Knockout.

The Film recounts Mickey's (Mark Wahlberg) rise to the top, starting off as a young man Boxing out of financial necessity in Lowell, Massachusetts. Overshadowed by his older Brother Dickie (Christian Bale) whose claim to fame once was defeating the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, Mickey struggles to find his own identity as a Boxer. Managed by his domineering Mother Alice (Melissa Leo), he finds himself questioning his own best interests as both she and Dickie seem more fixated on launching the latter's Comeback, having battled many years of setbacks due to his Crack Addiction.

Dickie soon finds himself in legal trouble after being driven to Crime out of financial desperation,  landing himself in Prison. Mickey is no longer able to support the questionable ways of his older Brother and this causes a divide between him and his Family.  Above this, Dickie's lack of focus and dedication in guiding Mickey's career continues to leave him with lackluster results.  Mickey finds comfort and self-confidence in tough-talking Girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams) and a new Trainer, much to the disappointment of Alice and Dickie who had been an integral part of his career all along.  We wonder, will Mickey ever realize his full potential as a Boxer?  Also, will he become a Casualty of War in being pulled two polar opposite directions by the people who matter most to him?

EARLY REVIEWS FOR "THE FIGHTER" POUR IN

Still from The Fighter

Early reviews are coming in for The Fighter and although the reviews are generally positive, I'll let you decide just how positive they are based on comments from some my favourite Critics.

Peter DeBruge at Variety feels, "The Fighter feels like kind of a mess, lurching from one scene to the next as if the film itself has taken a few hits to the head, that's not entirely a bad thing."

Kirk Honeycutt at The Hollywood Reporter wasn't as kind in his review stating, "True story of Boxer 'Irish' Micky Ward is played for domestic drama about a dysfunctional family that never quite earns your sympathy."

Kris Tapley at InContention notes, "I’d say we’re looking at a solid contender for a Best Picture nomination. The film played like gangbusters and I’ve heard from numerous critical minds responding likewise, so erase all doubt."

Our friends at Awards Daily have a few more reviews posted here for those who are curious.

I am excited particularly about Amy Adams' performance as she's been quiet of late and this will be a bit of a transformation into a tougher role which sees her throwing a punch or two as Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) wife.  And if all else fails, Wahlberg will be shirtless (again) for much of the film so you just can't go wrong!

TWO-MINUTE TRAILER FOR "THE FIGHTER" REVEALED

Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter

David O. Russell's (I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings) The Fighter won't be out until December 10, 2010, but a two minute-long Trailer of the film which aired during last night's Mad Men Season Finale, sure got a few people excited.  The Academy loves a good Boxing movie as evinced by Best Picture winners, Million Dollar Baby and Rocky.

The film about Boxer Mickey Ward before he established himself in the professional ranks, looks rather intense and sure packs a punch especially with glimpses of its supporting cast including a barely recognizable Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, who all transform into their characters.  And I haven't even mentioned Mark Wahlberg's impressive physical transformation as lead character Ward.

Visit the official site for Paramount Pictures' The Fighter here.

AMY ADAMS TO PLAY JANIS JOPLIN

Yes!  At long last the much-talked about Janis Joplin Biopic tentatively-titled Piece of My Heart, has founded Janis!  Prior to her death, Brittany Murphy was rumoured to be attached to the project, as was Oscar winner Renée Zellwegger.  Separately, Zooey Deschanel and P!nk were also said to be considered at one point too for other Joplin-related films, but all have failed to surface.  Alas, it will be Oscar nominee Amy Adams in the coveted role of the ill-fated singer according to Access Hollywood. 

Although I am a huge fan of Adams, I'm not quite sure how she will be in this role, but The Academy loves to see actors transform come Oscars time and I'm sure the actress will be up to the unflattering challenge.

(Photo credit: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott/Vanity Fair)

REVIEW: LEAP YEAR

Director Anand Tucker has been pretty quiet since his 2005 project Shopgirl, but despite terrible reviews for his latest work Leap Year, I loved this film.  The romantic comedy starring one of my new favourite actresses Amy Adams (Doubt, Julie & Julia) and strapping Brit Matthew Goode, turns the tables on convention with its premise of instead having the woman to propose to the man.  After having dated her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) for four years, Anna (Adams) has yet to receive a proposal from him.  Jeremy is sent to Dublin for work and to follow a family tradition, Anna decides to fly from Boston to propose to him on February 29th, which is recognized as the one day a woman can propose to a man.

Along the way, Anna meets barkeeper Declan as her flight to Dublin is detoured.  Declan offers to drive Anna to Dublin and though their personalities clash and several misfortunes happen along the way, the sparks between the two go a-flying.  This of course, throws a wrench into Anna's plans to propose to Jeremy.

Let me say, the pairing of Adams and Goode is just perfect.  The chemistry between these two is magical and genuinely, I was in tears when it came down to the crunch in Dublin and reality had to kick in again for Anna.  Though the same bloody story has been told time and time again in some form or another, Leap Year is special.  At the end of the day, its message is still empowering and refreshing - we all deserve love and if we aren't happy with what we have, there are questions we need to ask and evaluations we need to make.

Adams is absolutely beautiful and I could not keep my eyes off her.  Also, despite being a bit of a cynical grouch most of the film, I challenge you not to develop at least a little crush on Goode after seeing him here. Newton Thomas Sigel's incredible cinematography is romantic and breathtaking.  It sure makes me want to go to Ireland!  Leap Year from Universal Pictures is now in theatres and is the perfect date movie or movie for girls' night out.  Grade: B+

AVATAR, UNSTOPPABLE

Avatar is unstoppable.  Pulling in $48.5 million this weekend at the Box Office, it is now only a question of how many weeks it will be before it gets toppled by another film.  It's been on top for four weeks now, which is pretty much a rarity in this day and age.

In second position was Sherlock Holmes, which still brought in a healthy $16.6 million in its third week, which on any other week would be enough to place it on top.

Lions Gate Films' Daybreakers was the top debut in fourth this week, taking in $15 million.  The well-reviewed vampire action film stars Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke and is well on its way to recouping back its $20 million budget.

Leap Year starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode debuted in sixth this weekend with $9.2 million in earnings.  The film set in Ireland has a Transatlantic appeal with its American in Europe theme and should do well overseas when it sees a release there.  Read my review of it here.

The Weinstein Co.'s Youth in Revolt starring Canadian Michael Cera opened in ninth with $7 million.  The film which may have seen further revisions since its premiere at TIFF in September, has also received great reviews.

REVIEW: JULIE & JULIA DVD

This is the movie which inspired me to blog and although I don't intend to review many DVDs here, I will make an exception for this one. Julie & Julia, directed by Nora Ephron, is something special. Based on the novel Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously, this film intertwines the real life stories of celebrity chef Julia Child and blogger-turned-author Julie Powell.

We are introduced to Child (Meryl Streep) who relocates to Paris with her husband Paul Child (Stanley Tucci). Having worked a government job in America previously, Child has no other real passion in life other than eating. She decides to take cooking lessons at one of the finest culinary institutes in Paris, starting off on shaky ground. Determined not to be a "frivolous housewife looking to kill time", Child soon proves that with determination and some elbow grease, she too can chop an onion and debone a duck with the best of them. One thing leads to another and she finds herself developing the first ever English language French cookbook. But of course, Child is not met with her share of rejection and opposition along the way.

Simultaneously, we learn the story of Powell (Amy Adams) who worked at a crisis-counselling Call Centre after 9/11. Miserable and uninspired, she finds passion and inspiration in Child's famed The Art of French Cooking. Hungry for a challenge, she makes it her goal to prepare each and every one of the 524 recipes from that cookbook within one year. To document the journey, she launches a blog where her readers lend their encouragement as she sets out to reach her ultimate goal, successfully deboning a duck. In the process of emulating her idol, Powell encounters some roadblocks in mastering Child's recipes. The unwavering dedication she places on her culinary craft leads to mounting tension between her and amazingly supportive husband Eric (Chris Messina). Powell's blog becomes wildly successful, generating much media interest. We learn that even she manages to the catch the attention of her beloved idol in the process of becoming a successful author.