Last week, I boarded the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach for Focus Feature’s new film DARKEST HOUR. I attended a panel discussion with the film’s talent, a tour of the Winston Churchill exhibit, and a special reception with a cigar bar and whiskey tasting. This sensational film is a MUST-SEE and can be seen in select theaters in Los Angeles and New York, and everywhere December 22nd…

Congratulations to the DARKEST HOUR team on their recent four Critics Choice nominations for: Best Picture, Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Score, and Best Hair and Makeup!

Thank you Focus Features for inviting me to screen DARKEST HOUR and attend the press conference. All opinions are my own.

About DARKEST HOUR

During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms.  As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman).  While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds.  Directed by Joe Wright, DARKEST HOUR is the dramatic and inspiring story of four weeks in 1940 during which Churchill’s courage to lead changed the course of world history.

This remarkable documentary gives history buffs and movie goers a look at the historic timeline, where Churchill executed crucial decisions to guide the British army.

Gary Oldman’s onscreen performance was exceptional. It was to no surprise, when Randolph Churchill marveled about Oldman’s resemblance to his great grandfather at the press conference.

Randolph looked at Oldman and said, “And then suddenly through the door… I didn’t recognize Gary at all. It was my great grandfather!  I promise you our family was completely dumbstruck, and your whole appearance, the mannerisms, how you captured my great grandfather.”

In real life Winston Churchill mumbled, was unpredictable, scatty, and was a bit hostile. Oldman no doubt nailed this role, and who better to confirm this but Churchill’s own relatives.

I was drawn to the cinematography while screening this incredible film. The cameras moved flawlessly through the walls, and brought clear focus to this era. The contrast of natural light and silhouettes were used to highlight different pivotal moments in the film, and the camera zoomed in when Churchill (Oldman) tapped his ring and was in deep thought. The ring worn by Oldman was a replica of Winton’s actual ring.

The set design and costumes were beautifully created and were historically dead on. Oldman’s suits were tailored and were exact replicas of Churchill’s attire.  

At the reception, we smoked cigars and sampled whiskey in honor of Winston Churchill and the new film…. It was memorable, and I enjoyed it to the fullest!

The Queen Mary was the perfect venue for this celebration… The ocean breeze and harbor view was wonderful.

As you can see, Churchill loved good cigars and whiskey.

“Smoking Cigars is like falling in love. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor, and you must always remember never, never to let the flame go out!” ~ Winston Churchill

Cheers Sir Winston Churchill, may your legacy live on! Go see DARKEST HOUR in theaters with your entire family…

Visit he Queen Mary In Long Beach for the DARKEST HOUR Exhibit

The Queen Mary opened their latest exhibit, Their Finest Hours. This incredible exhibit will showcase several Churchill artifacts and letters along with set pieces from DARKEST HOUR, including the replicas of the War Rooms where Winston Churchill and the Allies plotted Hitler’s defeat. Learn why the Queen Mary was Churchill’s secret weapon and see where history was made!

Address: 1126 Queen Mary Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802

The holidays can be stressful and a little family drama can create utter chaos…

Last week I screened Daddy’s Home 2 and I was taken on a fun comedy ride full of adventure, family dysfunction, and belly laughs. More daddies, more problems… The dads are back in this new sequel!

Thank you Paramount for inviting me to screen Daddy’s Home 2. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

In the sequel to the 2015 global smash, father and stepfather, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) and Brad (Will Ferrell) have joined forces to provide their kids with the perfect Christmas. Their newfound partnership is put to the test when Dusty’s old-school, macho Dad (Mel Gibson) and Brad’s ultra-affectionate and emotional Dad (John Lithgow) arrive just in time to throw the holiday into complete chaos.

C0-parenting can be difficult, and these dads and grandfather’s parenting styles are the complete opposite. When these blended families decide to go on a holiday getaway, things get cray cray and spin out of control.

Mel Gibson’s character is a ruthless stud, who plays the inappropriate grandfather. Dad (Gibson) and his son Dusty’s (Wahlberg) relationship is dry and disconnected. They show little or no emotion towards each other, and Dusty holds some deep grudges with his father.

On the other hand…

Brad (Will Ferrell) and his father (John Lithgow), are teary and overemotional. Brad regresses when his father is around. Just imagine a middle aged man and his pops talking like babies and hugging constantly. Weird right? Yes, but sooo funny!

Mel stirs up drama and causes conflict with the two co-dads. The tension escalates, and the family vacay turns to shit…

Family is everything, and in this film you can feel the love. These hilarious dads eventually learn to “co-dad” and make it work.

There were many unexpected surprises and twists that kept the audience laughing hysterically.  It was relatable, delightful, and heartwarming!

 Don’t miss this family comedy of the holiday season. Daddy’s Home 2 hits theaters November 10th!

Parents Note* There is some adult humor and situations.

Rated PG13 Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

In a time of England’s post war, the country was filled sadness and loss.  Then a glimpse of hope came to light. The magical tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, hit book shelves all around the world.

I grew up reading the adventurous tales of Christopher Robins, and never knew the true story behind these beloved books. Recently, I screened the Goodbye Christopher Robins, and got a glimpse into the life of writer A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin.

Thank you Fox Searchlight for letting me screen this film. All opinions are my own.

This movie tells the tale of a happy boy, who through his creative play he inspires his father to write a book. But this sweet boy’s life takes a drastic turn, and takes him into a life of unwanted stardom.

Synopsis

Goodbye Christopher Robin gives moviegoers a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston), whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie-the-Pooh.  Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War.   But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?

This story was both heartwarming and tragic at the same time. There were many tender moments between a father and son, that brought tears to my eyes.  It is emotionally layered and about the failures in parenting. This movie also gave me a glimpse of the author’s creative journey, that helped bring this captivating book to life.

This bitter sweet film was memorable, and I would definitely recommend it to moviegoers.

Go see Christopher Robins in select theaters October 13th!