PAM GRIER IN TORONTO TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Clement Virgo, Pam Grier & Sharon Lewis in Toronto - February 2012

Iconic Actress Pam Grier graced the City of Toronto in celebration of Black History Month this evening. Together with TD Bank, The Canadian Film Centre hosted An Evening with Pam Grier tonight at Varsity Cinemas, chatting with Director Clement Virgo and Actress Sharon Lewis at the intimate affair.

Grier first gained popularity as the "World's First Female Action Star" in cult hits like Foxy Brown and Coffy.  A major resurgence would occur in 1997 when acclaimed Director Quentin Tarantino cast her in the lead role of his critical success Jackie Brown, eventually garnering her a Golden Globe nomination.  She also would be known as Kit Porter in popular Showtime Lesbian-centric Series, The L Word from 2004 through 2009.

A youthful and vibrant 62-years-old, Grier prides herself on being in-touch with the trends of the day, telling Media on the Red Carpet that she loves her iPad, regularly Tweeting her loyal Fans. "I never know quite what to do on these things", she comments in front of the Media Wall before planting herself firmly and taking direction from Photographers. She also reveals that she is a huge Fan of Glee to Maurie at KISS 92.5, and is rather excited about upcoming NBC series, Smash.  Her affections for Canada run rather deep, especially having filmed The L Word in Vancouver, garnering her NAACP Award nominations on multiple occasions.

Pam Grier & Mr. Will-W.

I caught-up with Grier earlier in the day after an appearance at George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, where generously she thanked Fans who waited out in the cold for her, hoping for Autographs. "Without Fans, there would be no Actors!", she declares.  "I thank you all for over 40 years of support".  She was absolutely lovely in a cute orange Faux Fur Coat, taking her time to chat with everybody.

After seeing her again on the Red Carpet shortly after, she singled me out, telling me "You better be Tweeting this out in the next three minutes!".  I hope this two-hour delay isn't too late. Even I can't keep-up with this Legend!  We'll be seeing a lot of Grier in the coming year with four Films on their way including: Mafia, Skinny Dip, The Man with Iron Fists and Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day.

See more Photos of Grier below:

LARRY CROWNE - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Larry Crowne

Although not necessarily his meatiest material to-date, Tom Hanks shines bright in latest self-directed and co-written Rom-Com, Larry Crowne, about a 40-something Man fired from his Job at a Discount Retailer. Due to changes in the current economic climate, Larry is forced to upgrade his skills and thus decides to return to College where among other courses, he studies Speech Delivery under a de-motivated yet immensely attractive Professor Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts).

Unable to afford Gas for his SUV, Larry buys a Scooter from his Neighbour Lamar (Cedric the Entertainer) at a Yard Sale and then is introduced by classmate Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) to a group of Scooter-riding, well-meaning Misfits who help turn his life around. As he begins to apply himself to his studies in trying to maintain a work/life balance, his feelings for Mercedes grow stronger. There is only one catch though – Mercedes not only is his Professor which presents professional risks to her by being involved with Larry – she also is married still (albeit unhappily) to husband Dean (Bryan Cranston).