Stallone’s
‘Rambo’ wins Audience
The
premiere of Lions Gate’s “Rambo” held at Planet Hollywood was an exciting one,
with fans screaming
for the man who overcame all obstacles—Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone
stood by his beliefs when he first submitted his script Rocky Balboa to the
naysayers at the studio, and he was victorious. His determination to star in his
own film came to fruition.
Years
later, “Rambo,” which is based on the atrocities in Burma, is Stallone’s
passion. He is adamant about presenting the truth about this long-standing war.
After
Sly got his screaming fans to quiet down during his interviews, he gave his
thoughts on the message of his film.
“The
world is changing, and people relate to characters like Rocky Balboa and Rambo.
It’s not about the actual fight, the fight is symbolic of how people struggle in
life.”
When
asked if he thought he’d do more Rambo films, Stallone shrugged and said, “We’ll
see.” So far, the film “Rambo” is a hit with moviegoers and reports show an
$18.7 million gross in its first three days.
ASCAP’s Sundance Success
The
American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers had another great year at
the Sundance Film Festival in Park, Utah. ASCAP has produced the Sundance Film
Festival Music
Café
for 10 years and featured many new upcoming artists. ASCAP Music Café is one of
the more popular draws
at the festival. It is dedicated to showcasing top new talent, emerging and
established songwriters, and veteran artists. Among this year’s featured artists
and songwriters, are “poet laureate of
punk” Patti Smith, Sea Wolf,
John Rzeznik, and Walk Hard songwriters Mike Viola and Dan Bern. It also
provides a place where filmmakers can meet and interact with film composers and
songwriters to encourage collaborations. Music Café is produced by ASCAP Vice
President Loretta Munoz.
ASCAP,
established in 1914, is the first and leading U.S.-based performing rights
organization in the world. The organization represents over 8.5 million
copyrighted musical works of every style and genre in its repertory produced by
more than 310,000 songwriters, composers and music publisher members.
Hawaiian Tropic Sizzles
Dennis
Riese, the chairman and CEO of the Riese Organization, has produced Hawaiian
Tropic pageants in Manhattan, N.Y., for many years. The pageants were created by
Hawaiian Tropic’s founder Ron Rice. Just a few years ago, Rice encouraged Riese
to expand the brand’s vision to form a restaurant theme that would incorporate
the Hawaiian Tropic beauties.
It
wasn’t before long after being encouraged by his wife that Riese built the first
Hawaiian Tropic Zone Restaurant Bar and Lounge in New York City, and now one is
open in Las Vegas. His restaurants cost just over $10 million. The Las Vegas
grand opening recently, as well as the Saturday night red carpet event on Jan
26, was enthusiastically received by the crowds of guests and media.
Somewhat
of a new concept, in addition to its eclectic food menu, Hawaiian Tropic Zone
has a video wall where the dancers perform. It’s a great show that entertains
patrons who dine or just gather at the bar. There are also dancers on the
open-air patio overlooking the Strip.
Charles Durning Gets Lifetime SAG Award
Actor
Charles Durning, the most decorated veteran of WWII and distinguished actor,
received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Screen Actors Guild’s recent awards
show. It was one of the highlights of the awards show that went on after
receiving a waiver from the striking Writers’ Guild.
Burt
Reynolds, who introduced the honoree, said, “Durning is the best actor in the
business today.”
Durning
has countless memorable roles to his credit and has played a wide range of
characters. He continues to display professional determination. Earlier, when he
was told over and over again that he did not have what it takes to become an
actor, he proved to all those so-called experts that they were wrong and he was
right. The fans and peers in his revered Guild agree.
A
veteran dance instructor, as well as stage actor, Durning has been nominated for
Oscars in supporting roles for “To Be or Not To Be” and “The Best Little
Whorehouse in Texas.” He was recently nominated for an Emmy for a role in
television drama “Navy CSI” episode, and he was previously nominated for other
awards for numerous roles. Durning earned a Golden Globe and a Tony, along with
his recent SAG honors.
2008
Phenomenal Woman
The 2008
Phenomenal Woman Awards ceremonies will honor singer-actress Mary Wilson with a
Founders award on March 10. The awards event celebrates women of color who,
through their passion, vision courage, power, faith, dedication, wisdom and
general service to their communities, represent the truly phenomenal woman. The
event, produced by EVibe, will be held at Cili Restaurant and Bar at the Bali
Hai Golf Club on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, email phenomenal@vegasevibe.com.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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