Help Make a Film Musical!

As the world’s most avid movie musical fan, I was pleased to interview independent filmmaker Gary King on my Movie Addict Headquarters radio show last week. Gary talked enthusiastically about his exciting plans to make a feature film musical titled "How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song." He reported the signing of two very talented singers/actors -- Joe Schermann (who is also writing songs for the movie) and the lovely Christina Rose -- for the lead roles.

This worthwhile project is currently in the fundraising stage via Kickstarter, a unique “crowd-funding” approach that allows people to pledge different amounts and receive various “thank you” gifts in return.

So, if you want to be a part of "How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song," please go to www.JoeSchermannSong.com for more details. You will see and hear Gary, Joe and Christina in videos about the film, including samples of the songs already written.

I can hardly wait to see the finished product!

(And, yes, Gary promises there WILL be tap dancing.)

Maureen O'Hara's Voice

On this St. Patrick's Day, I want to congratulate Irish actress Maureen O'Hara for her beautiful singing voice. Although I'm a fan of O'Hara's acting and always looked forward to her movies (wasn't technicolor invented just for her?), I had no idea she's also a trained singer.

After watching and listening to her lovely rendition of "Look to the Rainbow" on a recent PBS presentation, I'm very sorry she never got her wish to star in one of those big MGM musicals. What a treat it would be to hear her sing a variety of numbers on the big screen!

Happy St. Paddy's Day, Maureen.

Oscar® Highlights

Although getting off to an awkward start, last night’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards Show included some interesting highlights. Here’s a list of my favorite moments:

■ Christoph Waltz, Best Supporting Actor winner, delivering an exceptionally well-thought-out acceptance speech about his exciting Inglourious Basterd’s journey under the direction of Quentin Tarrantino.

■ Sandra Bullock, Best Actress winner, giving the most gracious (and amusing) acceptance speech of the evening while looking so beautiful in her sparkly lace-trimmed silver gown.

■ Mo’Nique, Best Supporting Actress winner, reminding everyone how important it is to “do what’s right instead of what’s popular.”

■ Presenters Robert Downey Jr. and Tiny Fey humorously bantering about the different ways an actor and a writer look at screenplays.

■ The dynamic group dance number performed to the nominated musical scores.

■ Funnyman Ben Stiller, made-up as a Na’Vi from Avatar, presenting the Best Make-Up Award to the Star Trek folks.

■ A woman, Kathryn Bigelow, finally being named Best Director.


Unfortunately, some parts of the show didn’t work for me. Am I alone in this, or was there too much George Clooney teasing going on? Sure, George is a good sport, but co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin went overboard in this regard. And I’m disappointed about not hearing the original song nominees. While clips of them from the movies helped, I would prefer longer versions sung live during the show. And, most of all, I desperately missed Hugh Jackman.

Priscilla Leona's Bucket List

“I want to make sure Oprah reads your CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT!” declared the effervescent Priscilla Leona while interviewing me recently on Question Reality, her upbeat and fun LA Talk Show radio program. “It’s going on my bucket list,” she insisted.

What a delightful, complimentary thing to say!

I had a great time discussing movies with Priscilla. She knows her stuff, and her listeners sent in some excellent questions. Best of all, she asked me back on her entertaining show. “I’m saving you for Christmas,” she announced enthusiastically. The date has been set for December 19, 2010, when we will talk about the best movies of this year. I definitely look forward to being her guest again.

Question Reality airs each Sunday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Here’s the link:

www.questionreality.us