0 Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns

The Best of the Preliminary Gowns...

Miss New York USA Johanna Sambucini--keep reading for what I thought of her and her Evening Gown...

Continuing with my "Beauty Pageant Minute" postings---we are DONE with looking at those oh-so-last-week Evening Gown Portraits...it's all about what the "Miss USA 2012" contestants actually wore on last night's very important "Preliminary Competition" which was held at the site of Sunday night's LIVE telecast, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

This is the night where the Top 15 Semi-Finalists are picked by a panel of Preliminary Judges. Usually the Preliminary Judges are comprised of local dignitaries and/or "industry" insiders in the pr, entertainment and/or fashion and beauty world--as opposed to the LIVE telecast where the judges are usually from the NBC/Universal "family" (since the telecast airs on NBC) and/or actors, well known celebrities, and yes, a sports figure sometimes. Some of the Preliminary Judges included Alison Taub, an Associate Producer with "Inside Edition", Kim Wagner, Co-Anchor of "Wake Up with the Wagners", Randall Winston, Producer of "Scrubs" "Spin City" and "Cougar Town"and Renee Simon, Vice President of Current programming at the Style Network.

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella co-hosts last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition

The Preliminaries were hosted by the reining Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella and Chet Buchanan, host of the local Vegas radio show "Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo" on KLUC 98.FM. The show was streamed live on the web via UStream. OK, now that we got all that out the way...Wanna know what I thought of the Gowns?? Well, here were my Top Picks:

Go On Mija! Miss New York USA 2012 Johanna Sambucini: 25 year old 5' 9" tall Johanna was born in the Dominican Republic and HUNEY, it shows! She WORKED it overtime in the gown portion of the Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition. She wore a see-through nude-colored halter-neckline style gown with encrusted crystals. I wouldn't be surprised if her gown was by one of those Puerto Rican and/or Dominican fashion designers who design for Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Dominican Republic Universe. Or if she went straight to the "Pageant Gown" Source and payed the extra thousands for a Venezuelan pageant gown designer. Whatever--and whoever she chose--it was FABULOSO!

Miss Oklahoma USA 2012 Lauren Lundeen: Next on my Top Picks List is this lovely woman representing Oklahoma. Not sure if it is a coincidence but she wore a similar gown to "Miss New York USA 2012". It had a nude-colored base, fitted and filled with encrusted mirrored crystals. The difference, it was not a halter-neckline style. The 5' 9" beauty once again, vibed her best "Miss Venezuela" confidence/look, and went for it, when it came to her evening gown. Love the hair, make-up, the fit of the gown. She's basically a TIE for "Best Dressed" of the Miss USA 2012 Evening Gown Preliminaries. At least for me. Only negative: those shoes! Too big, too stacked heel, too Drag Queen/Stripper. A pair of gorgeous silver strappy ones would have been perfect. 

Miss California USA 2012 Natalie Pack: Interestingly enough, Natalie wore the same gown she was featured in the "Miss USA 2012 Website Evening Gown Portraits". I liked this gown there and I still like it now on her. As you know, she was a contestant on "America's Next Top Model" so hopefully she knows how to work a runway and a gown. It's funny how she looks very UN-model and more-Miss Pageant. There is a difference. I like the peachy-pink color on her and the diagonal asymmetrical gathering and draping. The slit IS "HOOCHIE" HIGH but oh well, you can't win 'em all...

Miss Nevada USA 2012 Jade Kelsall: Jade looked like Beyonce-Meets-Cleopatra...in this white strapless gown she wore for last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition. Except for the too-high stacked heel "Disco" pumps (seriously Ladies, why all the tacky shoes with these gowns??), the dress was stunning, elegant (HELLO: No HOOCHIE slit, nasty boob-revealing neckline!). I love the gold and silver metallic midriff section. I just want to be fanning her and serving her grapes!

In the Red Category, these two ladies--and their gowns--were my favorites:

Miss Tennessee USA 2012  Jessica Hibler: Jessica is only 5' 6" (these pageant girls--especially the ones who are winning as of late--seem to be on the 5' 9" or taller height spectrum) but with that said, she looked GLORIOUS and statuesque in this strapless gathered bust/draped chiffon lipstick-red gown. The big ol' bun on her head adds height and I am happy she didn't do the "Pageant Tacky" and put on 12" platform Drag Queen/Stripper heels to make herself seem taller. The gold pumps were a good choice. P.S. to all short(er) pageant girls: I've spoken to actual Miss USA and Miss Universe judges and they've told me that (they) can see the 12" platform heels and the first thing they think is "Oh Huney, she must be SHORT!". Just saying. Back to the gown--it's very "Hollywood Glamour". Nothing directional or overtly sexy but it looked very nice on her.

Miss Utah USA 2012 Kendyl Bell: Yes, she's very "Pageant Betty Elegant" in this, but that's why I am giving her "Pageant Gown Props" for it. She could have gone "I am a 55 year old 'Real Housewife of Orange County' at a Black-Tie Wedding" (wait until you see my "Oh Huney" posting!) but she chose to go for a more "Pageant Classic". This red gathered bustier with fitted taffeta gown with a one-shoulder sequined trim is a very standard Pageant/Prom/Evening Dress that one can find online or at a "Pageant and Prom" boutique, but at least she chose one of the better ones. Nothing wrong with this look on Miss Utah USA...except, for yes...those PUMPS!!!

Miss Illinois USA 2012 Ashley Hooks: I like Ashley's gown and therefore I felt she was one of the better ones from last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition. It fit her like a glove, yet not too tight, I like the high-neck halter style, open back, degrade sequins and iridescent gold color. She looks like a "Miss Bermuda" at a Miss Universe or Miss World competition and that's fab for me!

Finally the Gionni Straccia Girl:

Miss Nebraska USA 2012 Amy Spilker (left): Amy's gown is very similar to a gown designed by Venezuelan Pageant-Go-To Fashion Designer Gionni Straccia. It's also similar to the gown that
Morgan Woolard Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 (right) wore two years ago and in which she almost got the Miss USA title (she was First Runner Up). I'm assuming the gown Miss Nebraska USA 2012 wore last night is by Straccia. If not, he might want to sue someone. Just saying. Irregardless, I like this white strapless gown on Amy and especially, the coral-colored sequins highlighting the Empire/underbust and high-hip area.


**Up Next: My "OOOOOH GURL, Is it 1988...and Why Are You Dressed like a Peacock?" Girls from the Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition

0 Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Evening Gown Portraits--My Favorites of the Bunch!

Pageant Betty Good:

Miss California USA Natalie Pack: Former contestant on "America's Next Top Model" reality show, Natalie Pack is "one to watch" since HELLO, she actually IS a Model (as opposed to how some girls put that down as their job, but we all know better). Anyhow, she chose this peach-colored satin strapless draped gown which I think suited her very well. Loved the side-swept Rita Hayworth hair and those big ol' crystal-encrusted earrings. Those pumps are a bit questionable, but I forgive her.

The 61st Annual Miss USA pageant is happening as I type...the Preliminaries were tonight and Sunday, June 3rd is the Final Telecast LIVE from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 51 contestants--50 US States plus District of Columbia, of course--have been in the "Sin City" for several weeks now for rehearsals, appearances, swimsuit fashion shows, and well, doing what beauty pageant girls do: looking flawless and trying not to sweat but rather "glisten" under the scorching Vegas sun.

Last week, the Miss Universe Organization released the "Evening Gown" Portraits on the Miss USA Website. Many pageant insiders know that for the most part, these are NOT the gowns the girls will wear for the Preliminaries and/or Final Telecast competition, but it's still fun to see what they chose and yes, to give my "Nick Two Cents". In my last post, I reviewed the "Plunging Cha-Cha", High Slit and unfortunate "Armpit Pose" ladies, so now, here are my "I Likey" girls:

Canary Pretty:

Miss Michigan USA Kristen Samantha Danyal: looks very "Sofia Vergara Miami Exotic" in this strapless yellow gown with cowl draped side, gathered midriff, full skirt and sequined detail. She's very "Miss Colombia" in this. Yes, there's A LOT going on, but somehow--for me--it works. It's all helped by the fact that she wisely let her hair go simple and non-Pageant Pouf-ed. Her "Oh Yes, I'd love a Mojito..." and "Oh Is That Your Beautiful Wife?" pose is FABULOSO!

Miss Ohio USA Audrey Bolte: Miss Audrey looks like a WINNER--stunning, perfect Barbie Blond, statuesque (5'10"). Hope she knows where Iran and Syria are and who Sarkozy lost the French Presidential elections to (Final Question suggestions!!), 'cause if she also comes out looking somewhat intelligent, she might get the crown. This is the gown she chose (or was given to her, who knows!), for the Miss USA 2012 Website Evening Gown Portraits. Canary yellow, heavy satin fitted gown, with a gathered over-skirt. Is it very late 80's/early 90's? Yes, but on Audrey it looks regal and Red Carpet-ready. I can see her at Cannes...like yesterday! I'm really liking her and this gown--it might be the lack of a HOOCHIE plunging neckline and TOO-high slit, and too-stacked heel showing.

Miss Oklahoma USA Lauren Taylor Lundeen: The emerald green chiffon shirred gown with one-shoulder sequin applique trim looks great on Lauren, Miss Oklahoma USA. This is a typical "Go-To" Pageant Gown style that EVERY pageant-and-Prom clothing manufacturer has in their Look Book. And for good reason--because it works. The "swishing" pose and modern flat with bangs hairstyle makes it look fresh and (somewhat) modern.

Miss Missouri USA Katie Kearney:  I think this is a very sexy gown but without the too-high slit and too-low plunging neckline. The sequined nude fabrication--along with the multicolored chiffon godet pieces--add a bit of drama and "Hollywood Starlet" allure. Is it a bit "Dancing With The Stars"? Yep. But, I LIKE it! It also fits her OH-MY-GOD-SHE'S-SO-SKINNY body perfectly.

Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb: OK, let's just begin with "HUNEY YOU ARE GORGEOUS!!" That hair, the eyes, the look. She should be "Miss Venezuela"! I know she's from the "South" but she looks like she should be from "SOUTH AMERICA"! I like the gown except I just feel it did not need the slit. But I "get it" since she was so "covered up" with the high neck and drop shoulder cap sleeves...The torso is VERY "Figure Skating 101" but if you know just a little about me...you also might realize, I kinda like that.

Finally...

Miss Rhode Island USA Olivia Culpo: The color on this Empire-waist style gown is exquisite. It's Grecian, it's Pageant, it's Haute Prom, and it's got the subtle crystal trim detail to add just enough bedazzle! And need I add, I am LOVING the "I'm just walking by and Oh, is that a Photographer??!!" pose.

It will be interesting to see what gowns these girls actually chose to wear to tonight's Miss USA 2012 very important Preliminary Competition--where the Top Semi Finalists are chosen for Sunday night's Final Telecast. I'll have my "Best" and "Oh No She Didn't" of the Miss USA 2012 Preliminaries soon..Stay Tuned Pageant Kids!

0 2012 GLAMOUR Women Of The Year Awards: A Star-Studded Affair

The high heels and fancy gowns were out in full force as the stars arrived for the GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards held at Berkeley Square Gardens in London, England on Tuesday (May 29).

Some of the women pouring out on the red carpet for the event included a brightly dressed Eva Longoria, as well as Lea Michele, a lacy and layered Jessica Alba and "Modern Family" vixen Sofia Vergara.

Also stepping out for the honorable event was a lacy cut out of Naomi Watts, Jessie J and an emerald dress clad Lily Collins.

Looking stunning in a beautiful blue ballgown, Miss Michele tweeted as soon as she hit the red carpet, writing, "So happy to be here with my good friend miss Lily Collins:)".

The 25-year-old "Glee" star recently opened up about her fame by saying, “Women in powerful positions get labeled with the D word, but you have to use your diva-ness for good as a way to show your strengths,” adding, "I have this fire in me, and it’s only getting stronger.”

Fresh-faced Miss Alba also took to Twitter to announce she was "Heading 2 #GlamourAwards" and followed up by posting a string of pictures of celebrities at her table including Miss Vergara, Miss Longoria, and British journalist Piers Morgan.

As for the esteemed honorees, the complete list of 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Award winners is as follows:


Solo Artist Of The Year: Jessie J
Theatre Actress Of The Year: Amanda Holden
Presenter Of The Year: Holly Willoughby
Sportswoman Of The Year: Hayley Turner
Comedy Actress Of The Year: Sofia Vergara
UK TV Actress Of The Year: Jessica Brown Findlay
Writer Of The Year: Caitlin Moran
Radio Personality Of The Year: Fearne Cotton
Accessories Designer Of The Year: Charlotte Dellal
Entrepreneur Of The Year: Jessica Alba
Band Of The Year: Florence Welch
TV Personality Of The Year: Kelly Rowland
US TV Actress Of The Year: Lea Michele
Pandora Breakthrough Of The Year: Lily Collins
Film Actress Of The Year: Viola Davis
Inspiration Of The Year: Eva Longoria
Man Of The Year: Tom Hiddleston
Fashion Designer Of The Year: Donatella Versace
Editor's Special Award: Michelle Dockery
Outstanding Contribution Award: Kylie Minogue         Credit:celebrity-gossip.net

0 Men In Black 3 (Movie Review)

Science fiction and humour can be a potent mix. Imagine having almost an endless array of things to play gags with. In such a scenario, one is limited only by one's imagination.

While the last outing of "Men in Black" wasn't a patch on the original, this part manages to get the fun and humour of the series right back and tops it up with the right dosage of sentiment, sprinkled just at the right time.

Though it does not trek unchartered territories, choosing to stay in its now familiar universe, it works up a fun film.

Agent J (Will Smith) is always busy either trying to make his partner Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) smile or wondering the reason for his seriousness.

After Boris The Animal (Jemaine Clement) escapes from a prison, goes back in time, kills agent K and unleashes destruction that will end the world, J too has to travel back in time, team up with the young K (Josh Brolin) and try to save the world.

What he does not know is how this is as much about saving the world and K, as it is about him.

The strength of film, despite the obvious and a very linear plot, is that it manages to include the idea of a popular science fiction film and mesh it up into a convincing film.



Thus, it has a tug-of-war between our heroes, shows the earth at great risk, throws in some cool gadgets, a dangerous extra- terrestrial villain while managing to add an extra spice: a good dose of emotional engagement right at the climax of the film.

The characters are also memorable. Josh Brolin as a fun, younger version of Tommy Lee Jones does well. The villain is ugly and deadly and inspires fear in the viewers.

Yet, what takes the cake is the ending.

You have the actual climax of cool and intelligent action demonstrated by our man in black. But beyond this, the film relies on another climax, an emotional one that rounds up the story and missing explanations (for example, how did he remember the time before time was changed) and sets you off smiling from the theatre.

Will Smith does well to keep the humour going. He is as at ease with Tommy Lee Jones as he is with Josh Brolin. Together, the trio make it a worthwhile watch for lovers of both comedy and science fiction films making this outing a film not to be missed by fans of either. Credit:santabanta.com

0 Arjun lacks humour, but makes up for it with suspense

The moment you think of Arjun, a picture pops up in your head that has a lot to do with BR Chopra’s popular 1980s television series. If not, then a textbook sketch from Amar Chitra Katha would be it.

However, the Pandava prince in this film is a rare mix of both of them. And a lot more indeed. Here, he’s not simply someone who excels in archery alone (he has mastered Kalaripayattu too).

Also, he won’t be just fighting the Kauravas (he’s battling his conscience too).

Furthermore, in this animised take on one of the most glorious Indian heroes—legends and otherwise—things are a bit different.

Not only are some parts of Mahabharata deliberately tampered but also some facets totally ignored, so as to keep the plot crisp and intact.

Having said so, director Arnab Chaudhari and his team have done a credible job in this regard by overcoming stereotypes usually associated with mythology. After all, the world’s greatest epic can’t possibly be served within 96 minutes. Besides, this film deserves a sequel.

The Hindi narrative follows Arjun’s transformation from a precocious boy to a confident warrior. To make him appear dominant, fellow characters are evidently subdued.

Despite this, a few like Shakuni and Bheem manage to be vivid when they are being funny. What this film lacks in humour, it makes it up with suspense. Not to mention, high-octane action.

Vishal -Shekhar’s enigmatic music merely adds to the visual magic.

Though Arjun: The Warrior Prince is not at par with groundbreaking flicks like WALL·E (that came from the same production house), thanks to moments of technical amateurishness, it’s definitely a forward step for animation.

Moreover, it’s not another children’s film and can be relished by grown-ups as well. Indian kids who are neck-deep in Japanese anime might experience something fresh and adults will be compelled to test their memory. Credit : santabanta.com

0 Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Portrait Evening Gowns--The Plunging, High Slits & Armpit Pose Girls!

Slits and "That's My Armpit" Pose Galore!!!

Plunging: Miss Georgia USA 2012 Jasmyn "Jazz" Alexandria Wilkins shows off her leg and her sisters....in her "Miss USA 2012" website portrait evening gown photo--She's gorgeous and HOT HOT HOT...but in this white too-plunging and too-high slit gown, I am thinking "Is she wanting to be Miss USA or Miss Stripper USA?

This Sunday--June 3rd, 2012, 9 PM on NBC--is the Miss USA 2012 Pageant. The 61st annual pageant will take place LIVE from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. Since it will air at 9PM, that means that the actual pageant will begin around  6 PM PST time.

So yes, kids, that means, I will be making nachos, guacamole and my infamous Cadillac Margaritas...to watch the the fabulous beauty pageant, and especially check out the bedazzled gowns so I can review them and bring back my "Nick Beauty Pageant Gown" two cents to you right here on my little ol' blog.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella puts her hand prints Planet Hollywood's Resort's Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Nevada

Last week, the Miss Universe/USA Organization posted on their website the "Miss USA 2012 Evening Gown Portraits". These were provided by one of the sponsors (Sherri Hill) and for the site, they were contractually obligated to wear them, I am assuming. Some, might in fact wear these as their final LIVE Telecast evening gown, and a lot, will probably not, since they have already chosen an evening gown to "feature" for the Preliminaries and the Final Telecast this coming Sunday.

Bronzed Slit: Miss District of Columbia USA 2012 Monique LaShone Thompkins, is working her one-shoulder side applique gown with an UBER high slit. After you get a look at how high that slit is...take a look at them platform heels. There's nothing more obvious to tell that a short girl is SHORT than by SHOWING them big platform heels. Miss Monique: HIDE them platforms huuuuney! Like NOW!

The "It's 1998 Beauty Pageant Gown" Award Goes To....

Alaina Bergsma Miss Oregon USA 2012:  She's absolutely stunning. Yet, she looks like a pageant girl from a pageant in...1998, in this black and silver silver sequined halter necklined-and-high-side-slit number. It is THE definition of a "Pageant Betty" gown. I think I remember seeing Mary Hart back in some Entertainment Tonight episode from 1996 actually wearing something like this! I just wished she could have chosen something else; maybe something closer to the 21st century.

Plunging + High Slit + Backless = Too Mucheeeyy... 

Kelsey Dow Miss Arkansas USA 2012 chose to wear this pale blue-green gown for her "Miss USA 2012 Evening Gown Portrait". While the previous dress was very 1998, this dress has arrived at 2001. There's the plunging neckline showing the "sisters", then there's the high center front slit. And if that was not enough, yes there seems to be a cut-out back exposing that section as well. Seriously, can we stop all that???


Why the Armpit Pose??? Why???

These three contestants should have known better. I give them "Party Girl" points and would probably LOVE to have many a Cadillac Margarita with them...however...for the official Miss USA 2012 Pageant Evening portrait, they should have chosen another pose. Or at least, they should have befriended the photographer and convinced him NOT to chose that one!

Rebecca Hodge Miss Iowa USA 2012: Rebecca is SO cute, I cannot even stand it!! Just look at her. I even (sort of) like her gown. Sequined, gunmetal, halter, no UBER-high slit or too-plunging neckline...so far so good. It's just that pose. Beyonce is credited for the "Arms Up In The Air" pose, but even she stopped that. It's like "Yes, I waxed...take a look!"

Next up...Miss Lousiana USA 2012 Erin Edmiston: Once again, I do not have much of a problem with the nude-colored sequined one-shoulder gown. OK, well, it should have been fully lined, but...other than that, well done. Again, it's the pose. She's very beautiful and doesn't need the arm-behind-the-head pose. Here, the message is "I waxed AND my Gown has NO lining!"

Finally--in the "Armpit Pose but Nice Gown" section...we have Miss Maine USA 2012 Rani Williamson: Once again, this woman is so gorgeous. Look at that perfect face, lips, hair...the gown isn't even bad. It's just the "Come-hither" and "I'll Steal You From Your Boring Wife" pose that gets me. Once again, I'd love to hang out with her and hear her "husband-stealing stories" but at the same time, I don't think this would be a good evening gown image to send to the world if you want to be the next...Miss USA.

Honorable "What Is She Holding Up Pose/Too Much Polyester in One Gown" Mention:

Miss Mississippi USA 2012 Myverick Rashea Garcia: First off, THAT name! Some Drag Queen in Mississippi is really bummed that she didn't choose this as her stage name! Seriously, MYVERICK RASHEA. Moving on. Two things here: what is she holding? I think that is all the train of the dress. And if it is: Lordy!! Is this a Wedding Gown or a Pageant Gown? I don't think it is necessary to have that much train unless, well, you're Eva Longoria and showing up to the Cannes 2012 Red Carpet. Just drop all that and let the photographer's assistant sweep it around you. Now, speaking of all that train: there is far too much polyester and figure skating costume-like applique happening in one gown. On a good note, this tacky-licious gown can do TRIPLE DUTY: it's a pageant, wedding gown and Figure Skating Costume all rolled up into one dress!


*Up Next; The "Nick Approved" Miss USA 2012 Website Portrait Evening Gowns...Stay Tuned.

0 'Men in Black 3': what the critics think

LOS ANGELES: Nearly a decade after they last saved the earth from aliens, the Men in Black are back - and critics seem pretty okay with that.

The science fiction sequel earned a 66 percent "fresh" rating, according to the critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. That's a far higher number than those received by recent box office duds "Dark Shadows" and "Battleship." At the very least, most reviewers preferred "Men in Black 3" to the critically reviled second film in the series.

Not that everyone was happy to see the UFO chasers return to the big screen. TheWrap's Alonso Duralde praised the time-travel plot that sees Will Smith's Agent J transported back to the 1960s to save Tommy Lee Jones' Agent K from an alien with a grudge. But he accused the two actors of going through the paces strictly to collect a fat paycheck.

"Smith tries to recapture his wisecrackery of yore, but it's apparent that he'd rather be brooding his way through another 'I Am Legend' or 'Seven Pounds' instead," Duralde wrote. "Jones, meanwhile, feels so distanced and distracted that it's as though he'd filmed his entire performance in front of a green screen at a remote location."

In the New York Times, A.O. Scott said that the two stars' chemistry was "creaky," but enjoyed the film and Josh Brolin as a younger version of Jones' character.

"'Men in Black 3' arrives in the multiplexes of the world with no particular agenda," Scott wrote. "Which may be part of the reason it turns out to be so much fun."

Brolin's uncanny impersonation of Jones drew the lion's share of the critical raves, with many reviewers crediting the actor with breathing new life into the franchise.

Rolling Stone pundit Peter Travers gushed, "Brolin's take on Jones' deadpan delivery (they co-starred in "No Country for Old Men") is spot-on and spectacularly funny. Better yet, Brolin brings in a true actor's grace, adding humor and heart that help explain the origins of Agent K's moody blues."

Also enjoying himself was the Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert, who said the third installment was better than the first "Men in Black."

"Let me say that although I liked the first 'MiB' movie, I wasn't particularly looking forward to this belated sequel," Ebert wrote. "But I had fun. It has an ingenious plot, bizarre monsters, audacious cliff-hanging, and you know what? A closing scene that adds a new and sort of touching dimension to the characters of J and K."

Perhaps the harshest critique was from Mary Pols, in Time magazine.

"It's silly to feel sorry for a big studio movie, especially a second sequel bound to make buckets of money, but director Barry Sonnenfeld's 'Men in Black 3,' arriving 15 years after his original and 10 after 'Men in Black 2,' is so creaky and out of touch it inspires pity," Pols wrote.

If hordes of moviegoers disagree, Pols may find herself reviewing "Men in Black 4" before too long.

0 Raj Kapoor's 'Awaara' in Time's 100 greatest films

MUMBAI: Time magazine has included Raj Kapoor's 1951classic Awaara among 20 new entries added to its All-Time 100 list of the greatest films made since 1923, the beginning of the prestigious US periodical.

Rethinking the movie masterpieces, Time critic Richard Corliss describes Raj Kapoor as "the great star-auteur of India's postcolonial golden age of movies - Cary Grant and Cecil B. DeMille in one handsome package."

"The '50s films he headlined and directed became huge hits not just in his newly freed homeland but also across the Arab crescent from Indonesia to North Africa," Time noted.

Kapoor, who modelled his screen persona on Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp, was 26 when he filmed Awaara (The Tramp).

Time calls Awaara as "a glistening showcase for Kapoor and the great India siren Nargis (his lover onscreen and off)."

"And of course it's a musical, whose main song, Awaara Hoon, by the famed Shanker-Jaikishan duo, soared to the top of the pop charts in India, the USSR and China."

The original All-Time 100 list published in 2005 included Satyajit Ray's The Apu Trilogy, Mani Ratnam's Nayakan and Guru Dutt's Pyaasa.

Bollywood composer A.R. Rahman's score for Mani Ratnam's Roja (The Rose), the tale of a woman whose lover is kidnapped by terrorists, was also among 10 Best Soundtracks.

Last week, Time magazine ranked Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 film Devdas eighth among the ten greatest movies of the millennium (thus far).

0 65th Cannes International Film Festival: List of winners

CANNES: The 2012 Cannes Film Festival announced its winners on Sunday. Following is a list of the main awards.

1. Palme d'Or (Best Film) - 'Love'/Amour (Austria) by Michael Haneke

2. Grand Prix (Runner-up) - 'Reality' (Italy) by Matteo Garrone

3. Jury Prize (Third Prize) - 'The Angels' Share' (Britain) by Ken Loach

4. Camera d'Or (Debut Film) - 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' (U.S.) by Benh Zeitlin

5. Best Director - Carlos Reygadas for 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Mexico)

6. Best Screenplay - 'Beyond the Hills' (Romania) by Cristian Mungiu

7. Best Actress - Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur in 'Beyond the Hills'

8. Best Actor - Mads Mikkelsen in 'The Hunt'

0 Sweden wins Eurovision Song Contest

BAKU: Sweden's Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan on Sunday before an international TV audience of 100 million, days after angering Azeri authorities by meeting rights activists critical of the host country's human rights record.

Opposition groups have used the Eurovision spotlight, intended by Azerbaijan to promote the oil-rich country as a destination for tourism and business, to demand democratic reform and the resignation of the government.

Dozens of peaceful protesters have been arrested this month in Baku. Activists say some buildings in the centre of the city were torn down to make way for the Eurovision arena, an extravagantly illuminated 23,000-seat "Crystal Hall" on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and residents were forcibly evicted without proper compensation.

The 28-year-old pop singer won with the song "Euphoria" in the annual competition of 42 countries, delighting viewers and the contest's professional judges and dancing barefoot as she sang. After the show, traditionally heavy on kitsch, bizarre costumes and dramatic presentation but low on politics, Loreen steered clear of any controversial statements.

"This is about all of us! Thank you so very much!" she told a news conference. "Time has stopped," Loreen said about her feelings after she was announced as winner.

Russia's entry, rural folk group Buranovskiye Babushki (Grannies from Buranovo), dressed in traditional peasant dress and somewhat incongruous in the dancing spotlights, came in second. Serbia's Zeljko Joksimovic was third.

0 Yeh Khula Aasmaan (Movie Review)

It was that great poet-thinker Harindranath Chattopadhyay who said, ‘It’ s very simple to be difficult but very difficult to be simple. ’ By that logic debutant director Gitanjali Sinha has pulled off a reasonably admirable feat in this simple staright-from-the-heart film about the relationship between a neglected boy Avinash (Raj Tandon) and his lonely grandfather.

The film vaguely echoes L V Prasad’s 1970s’ tearjerker Bidaai though not in any overt way.

That the grandfather who embraces the boy’s loneliness and insecurities is played by Raghuvir Yadav is a happy coincidence, and one that fills up the rather austere spaces in the film’s narrative. The small-town ambience in Bihar, the old sprawling houses with acres of greenery stretching out from here to eternity, furnish the film with a burnished exterior.

As for the interiors, don’t look too deep. Director Gitanjali Sinha seems content skimming the surface of the emotions gliding along gently as the boy finds a new beginning in his grandfather’s company.

Dramatic conflicts are created through some villainous elements creeping in with embarrassing inopportunity into the placid ambience. The build-up towards a kite-flying contest is negotiated with disarming naivete.

Yeh Khula Aasmaan is an old-fashioned simple and transparent tale told with a straightforwardness that challenges current filmmaking trends of irrelevant complexities.

The narration is kept simple and largely formulistic. A romance between the gawky hero and the girl nextdoor (Anya Anand) is teased into the tale. The real hero of the film, besides the small-town ambience, is Raghuvir Yadav.

He is in his element, even pitching in with a folk song somewhere down the line. While the youngsters at the helm serve their purpose Yashpal Sharma as Avinash’s sophisticated tycoon- father is completely miscast. Credit:santabanta.com

0 Indonesian hardliners force Lady Gaga's show cancelled

JAKARTA: Pop Deva Lady Gaga show in Indonesia has been cancelled, her promoters said on Sunday after Islamic hardliners threatened "chaos" if she entered the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

"This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her," he added.

Earlier this month Jakarta police refused approval for the show after the hardline Islamic Defenders Front threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a "devil's messenger" who wears only a "bra and panties" on stage.

The promoters had indicated that a deal was being hammered out to tone down the star's racy show, but her management vowed no compromise to appease religious conservatives or censors.

Big Daddy president director Michael Rusli said it was "unfortunate" that the show had to be called off.

"For the past few days we have communicated with the government and Lady Gaga's side. The government has given support, but this is not about the permit," he said. "The cancellation is really due to concerns over security."

0 Keira Knightley engaged to British rocker

LONDON: British actress Keira Knightley is to marry the singer with rock band the Klaxons, James Righton, the couple announced Friday.

The 27-year-old "Pirates of the Caribbean" star has been dating Righton, who also plays keyboards in the band, since early last year.

"I can confirm that Keira is engaged to be married to James Righton," Knightley's spokeswoman said, declining to give any further details.

Knightley, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2006 for her performance in "Pride and Prejudice", had previously dated her co-star in the film Rupert Friend for several years.

She and Righton, who is currently working on a third album with the Klaxons, have kept a low profile during their 15-month romance, rarely attending celebrity events together.

0 Sanjay out! Salman to host Bigg Boss 6

NEW DELHI: Salman Khan does not need a partner this time. The actor has agreed to host Bigg Boss 6 on his own, reports Mid Day.

Sanjay Dutt who co-hosted the previous season along with Salman would not be a part of the upcoming season.

"Even though Salman is presently shooting in Thailand for a film with Katrina Kaif, the makers have already sounded him about being part of the new season as well. He has agreed to host it. He alone will be the host for the sixth season,” a source told the tabloid.

Madhuri Dixit's Jhalak Dikhla Jaa will go on air before Bigg Boss.

“The dance reality show which has Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar and Remo Fernandes as judges will go on air first followed by a talent hunt show. Only then will Bigg Boss air," the source added.

Though Sallu's date diary is choc-a-block, the actor would still take out time for the show as his family members are avid watchers of the show

0 Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting Macy's Valley Fair San Jose "Brasil" Event--The Recap!

San Jose Goes Brazilian!

Apresentando...Nick: Nick Verreos Hosts "Brasil" Fashion Presentation Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

To wrap up my fun San Fransisco Bay Area Macy's "Brasil" hosting appearances last week/weekend, here's my RECAP of the last event I hosted at the Macy's Valley Fair in Santa Clara/San Jose last Saturday. If you've been keeping up with my blog here, last Thursday I hosted a very fun event at the Macy's San Francisco "flagship" in Union Square.. So, now, I was ready to  "Go South" and make sure the San Jose area got a little Brazilian!

Macy's, as you know, just introduced a fabulous new "Spring/Summer 2012" campaign promoting the South American nation of Brasil, it's beauty, culture, fashions, music...so I was happy when they called and asked me to help out with a couple of the "Brasil" events...

I put on my turquoise-colored TopMan jacket (one of my faves!), skinny black jeans, skinny coral-colored TopMan tie, Gucci boots and well, I was ready! I arrived at the Macy's Valley Fair to a bright and sunny day as the second floor Macy's Impulse Department was preparing for today's fashion presentation.

 

 Macy's Valley Fair "Brasil" Event: DJ Antonio Guedes

 

The Scene at Macy's Valley Fair "Brasil" Event: Flower display/table onstage (right)

There was a mini catwalk stage set up, with gorgeous flower displays, seats set up like a Fashion Week runway show my new bestie DJ--DJ Antonio of Braza!--was already spinning some samba lounge tunes getting all the shoppers in the mood.

Nick Verreos, Purple Plant Smoothies stand, Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose "Brasil" event

Purple Plant was also on hand giving out free samples of their DELICIOUS smoothies while shoppers and runway show attendees were getting ready for the show.

Macy's Brasil Accessories Table, Macy's "Brasil" Fashion Presentation Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

I headed backstage to check out the fashions, accessories and models...and then it was "Show Time"!!! The "Brasil" Macy's Valley Fair Fashion Presentation consisted of many, many looks, showing trends, silhouettes and styles, that were Brasil-inspired and all (of course) available at Macy's.

Purse Happy: Nick Verreos with models--and purses--Macy's "Brasil" Fashion Presentation Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

 I don't know why but I was OBSESSED with purses today while hosting the Macy's Valley Fair "Brasil" presentation. Several times when the models came out in front of the audience, I had to point out the fun colorful purses...(I think it was because I wanted them!).

Carlos Falchi handbags for Macy's, Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Now speaking of purses, as part of the afternoon's Macy's Valley Fair "Brasil" event, Accessories/handbag designer extraordinaire Carlos Falchi--who happens to be from Brazil-- was THERE! (I know, SHUT the Brazilian Front Door!)

Purse Boys: Nick Verreos and Carlos Falchi, Macy's Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose "Brasil" event

After I did my Fashion Presentation hosting duties, I RAN downstairs to Level One, so I could meet the one-and-only Carlos Falchi. He was AMAZING: so sweet, affable, forthcoming and well, let's say he's my new Brazilian "Poppa Bear" (I didn't really have one before so, it's just him!). Meeting him really made my day and capped off a FABULOUS Macy's "Brasil" hosting weekend! Until next time San Francisco Bay Area...Thanks for always being so fabulous!!!