Thursday, August 26, 2010
Film / Event Sonia and Ed at the Takers red carpet
Local celebs and fans make their way to film premiere at Atlantic Station
Posted by Edward Adams and Sonia Clark on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 3:57 PM
So, the Red Carpet at Atlantic Station was all abuzz last night for the screening of Takers. And everyone, including the free pass holders were enjoying themselves - even in the humid heat of the evening.
Some of the first celebs to arrive were Yung L.A., Drumma Boy and Young Dro. No matter the question we asked, all were happy for T.I. and were there to support him. They also praised Atlanta as the new Mecca for entertainment. Even Takers film director John Lussenhop assured me, he would be back to film here.
A few other celebs passing through were Judge Hatchett, Angie Stone and Terri J. Vaughn (The Game, All Of Us, The Steve Harvey Show). Too nervous to talk to the Judge (she’s so stinking smart and articulate!), but as a big fan of TLC, I damn near climbed over the security guard’s back to talk to Chili. I figured as single parent chilling on a night out, we would be kindred spirits. She advises that yes, she was done with the school shopping and although her daughter wanted to come out, it was a “school night.” So with parent duties in check, I ask, “What does Chili want?” Her answer, simply, “Paul Walker.” No surprise, that some of the other woman on the red carpet said the same. Lisa Hartwell of The Real Housewives’ of Atlanta echoed the same name answer just minutes later. Once I saw the Fast & Furious star up close and in person I, too had the same wish.
Paul, here in Atlanta to film Fast Five (the fifth Fast & Furious), says the heat here is not a concern. “You know people talk about Atlanta’s heat. We just got in from Puerto Rico and this is nothing.”
Shoot, I try go for broke with T.I. and Michael Ealy, but only manage to ask two questions. With Michael I wanted to know what is next for him and even suggest a musical. He balks advising, “I just don’t sing well enough, love to do much more action.”
As for T.I. he answers my queries with the suaveness far beyond his 30 years. He would not say exactly what is on tap for him next, but whether or not he will do another genre up film is up in the air. “Can’t call it. Whatever I can do to diversify myself as an actor.”
Takers opens Friday, August 27 in area theaters.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Event / Film Scott Pilgrim fever hits Criminal Records
Hundreds line up to meet cast of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Posted by Edward Adams on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 at 2:33 PM
Not even the blistering 93 degree temperature yesterday could keep fans from weathering the heat just to meet the stars of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
On Tuesday, actors Michael Cera who plays Scott Pilgrim in the film was accompanied by Jason Schwartzman - his onscreen nemesis Gideon Gordon Graves and the film's director Edgar Wright for a meet and greet with fans at Criminal Records in Little Five Points.
Hundreds of Pilgrim fans lined up to have posters, comic books, albums and other items signed by the trio, oftentimes holding the autograph session line to express their love for the book and the movie which screened here in Atlanta last week.
After 30 minutes, Schwartzman was rushed out of the record store to make another appointment but was gracious enough to chat and autograph items for fans waiting in line before his departure.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is based on the comic book series of the same name by Bryan Lee O'Malley. In the series Pilgrim, a Canadian slacker/bass player must battle the seven evil x's to woo his new love interest, Romona Flowers.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World opens in area theaters Friday, August 13.Photos by Edward Adams
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Thursday, July 8, 2010
Film / Event Twilight Celebs invade Atlanta for 'Eclipse' release week
Posted by Edward Adams on Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 6:16 PM
On Saturday, June 26th, at a outdoor screening of Twilight: New Moon in the square at Atlantic Station, Twi-hards and other unsuspecting urbanites had a meet and greet with actor Daniel Cudmore who portrays Felix, the Volturi's ghoulish, undead muscle. During his session with the fans, Cudmore answered questions and judged an ultimate fan competition sponsored by 95.5 The Beat.
The following weekend, another member of the Volturi, made a stop through Atlanta to meet and greet twi-hards throughout the metro Atlanta area. Cameron Bright who plays the brooding vamp Alec made an appearance at Six Flags Over Georgia on Friday July 2 to meet the Twilight fans. On Saturday, Bright made several stops at local theaters to meet Twi-hards at Mall of Georgia, Discover Mills and Atlantic Station.
Bright's visit was part of a nationwide event where cast members from the Eclipse film visited theaters in select cities. Actors visited cities across the U.S. and Canada including Nashville, Tenn., Las Vegas, Nev., Chicago, Ill. New Orleans, Lou. and several cities in New York and California. Principle cast members Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson made an appearance at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles. Conyer's own Dakota Fanning made two appearances during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, both in Los Angeles.
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
TV Speakeasy with ... Kate Levering
Posted by Edward Adams on Tue, Jun 29, 2010 at 2:47 PM
- Kate Levering is Kim Kaswell on Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva.
Kim Kaswell is just the latest character in the Levering's arsenal. Levering, a veteran of stage and the small screen received a Tony nomination for her role in Chicago and has appeared in more than 20 television shows spanning over 10 years. With Drop Dead Diva gaining momentum in the midst of its second season on Lifetime Network, Levering's character comes back with a new look and a new outlook - but not too much, she still has it out for Bingum. Recently CL spoke with Levering about her role on the show, the new season and what its like living in Atlanta where the series is filmed.
Drop Dead Diva starring Brooke Elliott, Margaret Cho, Kate Levering and Jackson Hurst airs Sunday nights at 9 P.M. on the Lifetime Network.
So now tell me about your character. You play a no nonsense lawyer on the show but I feel that the jury is still out on you - are you good or bad?
Obviously because I play her I cannot like see her as bad, because you know, nobody is all good or all bad. I think that she’s conflicted and I think that she’s misunderstood by a lot of the people around her but I think, the key to, you know, playing a character who’s seemingly a villain or a nemesis you know is breaking it down into everybody behaves the way they do for a reason. She can’t be your stereotypical bitch, and I don’t think the writers want her to be so last season and this season-towards the end of last season- she softened up and continued to see that through this season. And I think that her actions come from insecurity and you know fear of being hurt, fear of love, fear of not being in love, fear of not succeeding, the same, you know, issues we all deal with, hers just manifest themselves into you know this hardened kind of exterior.
What is the tension, in your opinion, between your character, Kim, and Jane (Brooke Elliott)?
That’s a great question. You know it’s interesting because as writers we haven’t really gotten into it. I think the underbelly of the conflict that the audience sees right away is that Kim has only ever dealt with old Jane-old Jane, the pushover, old Jane the, uh, you know the kind of grumpy, insecure version of Jane. So what they haven’t addressed is Jane is now Deb or that Deb is now Jane, Kim is dealing with a totally different person. So all of a sudden, overnight, Jane is standing up for herself, dressing differently, Jane is pushing Kim’s buttons in a way that she doesn’t recognize. And so I think that a lot of reactions from Kim are because she’s like “Who is this person, you know?” So that creates a really fun push and pull as actors for us to recreate. But I think it hasn’t really been addressed with the audience that this is a totally different personality Kim’s dealing with at work that she’s not used to. She did not have any competition in that law office until Jane came back as Deb, you know.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Uncategorized Top Chef's Kevin Gillespie meet and greet at W Hotel Midtown tonight
Posted by Edward Adams on Wed, Jun 2, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Flipping through my press releases, I spied a nifty little gem today from the W Hotels. Top Chef season 6 finalist and fan favorite - Woodfire Grill's Executive Chef, Kevin Gillespie will make an appearance to meet and greet foodies tonight from 8pm til 10pm at the W Hotel's Midtown location.
Today's announcement was just a peek at the hotel chain's latest promotional tool: a custom "insider deals" text messaging system. The perk for tonight's event is a $5 discount for self parking at Colony Square.
Here's how the press release explains the new service:
1. Simply text TGIW to 99699 every Wednesday, beginning June 2 to score the weekly deal.2. Within seconds, receive a message from W Hotels of Atlanta containing the offer of the week.
3. You’ll have one week to redeem your wonderful offer by showing your insider text message when you visit the participating hotel.
In no time, you’ll be enjoying exclusive SIPS at Whiskey Blue, Whiskey Park, WETBAR and DRINKSHOP, basking in bonuses on products and services at Bliss Spa, savoring the culinary creations of BLT STEAK, Savu, Spice Market, Market, and accessing the hottest summer parties plus much more – all exclusively from W Hotels of Atlanta.
... Sounds swanky, don't it?
Without spouting a bunch of legalese, updates will be available every Wednesday morning after 9am and standard text rates apply.
The W Hotel Midtown is located at 188 14th Street, Atlanta, GA.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Uncategorized Michaelangelo L'Acqua celebrates style with 'Symmetry'
Posted by Edward Adams on Tue, May 25, 2010 at 9:12 PM
From the cutting edge architecture of each property to the themed scapes and swanky accoutrement, the W Hotels are known for delivering a posh, experience for trendy travelers and party goers. With such a reputation, it should come to no surprise the hotel chain has its own music director to add a unique acoustic flair to the chain's notoriety.
Last week the W-Hotel Buckhead threw an intimate shindig celebrating the release of the hotel's latest music CD, Symmetry - a collection of music compiled by their Global Music Director, style maven Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
Charged with integrating music into the overall brand of the worldwide hotel chain, L'Acqua steps out in bold fashion blending smoky ambient remixes with glam dance tracks for his latest compilation. Symmetry features music from Mike Snow, Little Dragon, Sebastien Tellier and a host of other "Ibiza-inspired" artists.
Before working for W Hotel Worldwide, L'Acqua created atmosphere for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. His production company, Onda produced fashion shows for Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and a host of others.
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Friday, May 14, 2010
Uncategorized Review: Super Street Fighter IV
Posted by Declan Rabun on Fri, May 14, 2010 at 2:48 AM
I still remember that spring day of 1993 at my friend Josh's house when I first played Street Fighter II on Super NES. A higher echelon of gaming competition was introduced to me invoking a fury in my soul. I loved it. Most players of the game can confirm the cocky satisfaction that fills you after vanquishing your buddy with a well-timed shoryuken. Street Fighter II was the revolution of mano-a-mano gaming and became the grand pappy of many, many… many fighting games to come. Like a fried Twinkie, too much of a good thing can be monstrously destructive. The genre suffered a powerful decline earlier this decade partly due to consumers being bombarded by fighting games, sequels and updates. It seemed that every few months you had a new game with the Street Fighter or Capcom name: X-Men vs Street Fighter Ex, Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter, SNK vs Capcom, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Street Fighter 3 Double Impact, Marvel vs Capcom, blah blah blah. All of these were great, but it got heavy on the wallet, and doesn't include all the other miscellaneous fighting games from Capcom, SNK or Namco (Remember Fatal Fury, King of Fighters, Samurai Showdown, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure?). I won't bother going into the 3D fighters, the point is made that there were a lot. Marvel vs Capcom 2 was truly the reason to buy a Sega Dreamcast in 2000 as it brought together all characters from five years of Capcom crossover fighting games. Sadly, we gamers later found that MvC2 represented the apparent end of 2D fighters, a depressing realization that set in as 3D gaming became the mainstream. Capcom even stated there would never be another numeric Street Fighter title. But Producer Yoshinori Ono changed the fate of world warriors when he pitched the revival of the series to Capcom bigwigs in 2006, it was a go with one condition: it had to be done proper.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Uncategorized Boondocks focus on Obama in season 3 premiere
Posted by Edward Adams on Sat, May 1, 2010 at 6:15 PM
Its finally here, yeah nucca - The long-awaited return on Aaron McGruder's animated series The Boondocks kick off it's third season Sunday, May 2, on Adult Swim. The premiere episode pokes fun at the hysteria and rockstar status of #44 - POTUS Barack Obama.
According to a recent post on Atlanta Magazine's website, the episode entitled "Its a Black President, Huey Freeman", Huey (voiced by Regina King) is labeled a domestic terrorist by a cable news show for befriending Obama on MySpace. From the teaser vids posted on Boondocks Bootleg, McGruder and crew seem to satire the groundswell support and sometime mindless adoration for Barack Obama.
The Boondocks "Black Magic" Trailer from Okayplayer on Vimeo.
South Park has already had their fun mocking the nation's polarized views about having a Black President the season 12 episode "About Last Night", which showed the citizens of South Park using the newly elected president as a catch-all excuse to party, while McCain supporters (including Ike) prepared for the end of days. Later we find out the Presidency is only a ruse - a distraction on a national level orchestrated by Obama, McCain and their team to pull off an Ocean's 11-styled jewelry caper.
The LA Times reports that this season will have guest appearances by familiars Ed Asner and Charlie Murphy, but also will feature Bill Mahr, Billy Dee Williams and Marion Ross. The Times (dem Bitches) also have an exclusive trailer on their site promoting the new season. Rumors on the interwebs report that the series will also
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Uncategorized Review: Final Fantasy XIII
Posted by Declan Rabun on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 at 6:50 PM
- POWER-PUFFED GIRL: Impressive HD graphics and new features can't compensate for the list of problems with Final Fantasy XIII. Available in retail stores now.
Most gamers know of Final Fantasy. Seriously, a gamer who has not at least heard of the franchise is like a movie goer whose never heard of Star Wars. The innovations and cult-like fandom of this Japanese series has definitely made its mark on the world's gaming culture. It can be argued Square's ingenuity in gameplay and story telling opened the door to games for development of a bevy of intense story-arced series such as Mass Effect and World of Warcraft.
In regards to the franchise, Final Fantasy's VI and VII introduced me to a mind-blowing level of epic narrative in games. However the series lost its momentum in previous releases due to an uncharacteristic lack of finesse for the series. Now with the release of the latest version: Final Fantasy XIII, it seems Square is attempting to correct their pass faults by throwing in everything but the kitchen sink. Yeah it has some interesting new features and stunning visuals but sorely, too many ideas were attempted without thinking them through.
Hear me out, This is a great game with some shining points, but there are tedious moments. Check it!
Uncategorized Confessions of a Gamer Dad
Posted by murray on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 at 5:37 PM
- WORLD WAR CREW: Players of all walks form guilds to wreak havoc in World Of Warcaft, the multi-user online game.
"Good Night Guildies."
That is what we hear almost every raid night during our five minute, usually more like 10-minute break from Justin, the 7-year-old son of a World Of Warcraft guild member I'm a part of. Justin has become almost symbolic of what our motley band of thirty-to-forty-something year-olds is about. Most of us have spouses and kids that take precedence over our addictive gaming hobby. If we didn't have kids we probably would be raiding five-to-six days a week for several hours a night instead of the three days a week for a couple of hours each of those nights.
