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Expressed Words, A Statement On Fashion, Writers’ Strike, Met Gala

Expressed Words: A Statement on Fashion, Writers’ Strike, Met Gala

Photo By: Danilo Lauria

With the Met Gala wrapped up, we have now seen some of the best celebrities showcase their fashion. If you’re into clothing and accessories this show was all you wanted to see and more. Did you receive the chance to watch the red-carpet arrivals?

Seeing celebrities arrive to their destinations and knowing that they’re in tip top condition brought me joy. I was happy because of how many of my favorite celebrities showed up at the Gala. They were there to make bold fashion statements.

After I saw highlights from the Met Gala, I was inspired to blog about fashion. I wanted to make an original post that would appeal for a long time. The Gala came and gone two days ago, yet it was still a trend on Twitter as of May 3.

Who was the best dressed Hollywood star in your opinion? Did you see what Kim Kardashian was wearing? It had everybody talking; people compared the look to her 2007 Instagram photo. Also, her sister Kendall Jenner allegedly wore an edgy skintight dress to the after party and caused a scene.

Photo By: LightSpace Studios

The main news of the day though was not fashion. The Writers’ Strike in Hollywood was trending too because serious issues need fixing. Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert were off the air until further notice due to the grievances. After hearing the news, as a writer, I empathized with those in the business trying to make a living.

If you asked me, I think profit sharing by writers with corporations, streaming services, and platforms could work for both sides. Who would think ten years ago that big business would try to replace writers on such a high scale?

But the Met Gala demonstrated that money is still made in fashion and by celebrities. The entertainment industry banked on the backs of Hollywood stars for years, who are the next expendable pieces in my opinion. Did artificial intelligence replace actors’ images and likenesses yet? What were the copyright infringements?

Photo By: jengod

The more than 11,000 striking writers provide valid points. So far, Microsoft has invested $13 billion into OpenAI, an artificial intelligence model. What good did this do for artists whose work were infringed upon because the model is not thinking in the sense of how we think as humans?

These were expressed words and a fashion statement. The big fish to fry was not a whale but a leviathan. Entertainment used to come easy to us as a society, but times have changed. You bought tickets to a movie, saw it once or twice in theaters, and never admitted to crying because of a Romantic Comedy (Romcom) scene. Even though we knew you cried, we didn’t tell anyone.

Nowadays, the biggest stars in movies, music, and television had to attend the Met Gala to stay relevant. All their jobs were on the line because the situation with work was complicated. I thought Janelle Monae wore it well and Jared Leto went over the top. And I knew what Doja Cat was thinking, looking like a feline.

Without naming any names, did some of the attendees have to go to such extremes to get noticed? Did the fashion designers put the button on or push it too hard?

On my blog, I didn’t want to make the Met Gala or the writer’s strikes competitions. Expressing words on the strike and making a bold statement on fashion about the Met Gala seemed like the right thing to do. I’ve discovered when given an opportunity to shine, a star will seize the day. I supported the writers and the celebrities because they needed and deserved it.

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Entertainment Entertainment News film Film Blog films Hollywood Hollywood Stars Movie Blog Movies Oscars Oscars Recap

The Oscars 95 Recap: The Year of The Big Picture

The Oscars 95 Recap: The Year of The Big Picture

Let’s recap the night in this blog post. The night began with the Oscars 95 host Jimmy Kimmel parachuting from the ceiling. And the crowd gave their first applause inside the Dolby Theatre. 

Who do you think came up with that idea? It was an enjoyable moment for the live crowd and the at home audience. After taking off his parachute, Kimmel started doing what he does best…telling jokes. The comedian was full of them.

Avatar: The Way of Water director James Cameron and Top Gun: Maverick lead actor Tom Cruise were absent at The 95th Oscars and Kimmel joked about it. Does the comedian have a point? He said Cameron did not attend because he wasn’t nominated for Directing. Also the comedian mentioned the director’s marriages and box office receipts.

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt gave Guillermo Del Toro the first Oscar for his Pinocchio. His acceptance speech was full of passion as he thanked his wife and lastly his parents. At the last Oscars, Ariana DeBose won for her role in West Side Story and Troy Kostur won for his role in Coda. Next, DeBose and Kostur would hand Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis awards for their supporting roles. When was the last time the same movie (Everything Everywhere All At Once) won both best supporting roles? 

Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a total of seven Oscars. It’s safe to say the film owned the night. I’ve watched a lot of Academy Awards in my day and haven’t seen a night quite like this one in a long time. You could feel the energy at Dolby Theatre.

Did you enjoy the presentation? The slate of presenters were some of the biggest celebrities. There were tons of stars. If you love entertainment, you were impressed last night. Leading up to the event, the celebs arrived on the red carpet which was painted a champagne color this year.

Tom Cruise may not have made an appearance at the Academy Awards this time, but he did attend the Oscars nominees luncheon. He shared a great moment with Austin Butler at that event. I posed the question: do you want Austin Butler to win Best Actor for his performance in Elvis? Fans overwhelmingly answered yes, they wanted him to win. Later, I’ll discuss who won.

Have you heard about the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party? From the beginning of awards season to the end of the afterparty Everything Everywhere All At Once made their presence known. Michele Yeoh made history by becoming the first Asian actress to win a Best Actress Academy Award.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQcQrFkBSuQ

It’s been 21 years since a woman of color won an award in this category. She took the moment and gave a terrific speech about how one never truly peaks as long as one keeps going. Everything Everywhere All At Once went on to win Best Original Screenplay and Best Directing as well. Check out complete winners list here.

Once again, you could feel the energy. In addition, music filled the air and everybody was in harmony. Lady Gaga touched the crowd with her Hold My Hand from the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack. Then, Rihanna uplifted everybody with Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Lastly, Lenny Kravitz sang Calling All Angels from his 2004 Baptism album to honor the lost stars.

There wasn’t too much commotion or many surprises except Brendan Fraser winning Best Actor for The Whale. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvbPC_3XY48

The final applause of the night inside Dolby Theatre went to Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All At Once. It was not only a night to remember but an award season to remember. The Golden Globes, the Grammys, the SAG Awards all told similar stories. In the end, it’s all about the big picture. Follow me on Twitter @IamGuruJay. Thank you!

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Do You Want Austin Butler in “Elvis” to Win the Best Actor at 2023 Oscars?

Do You Want Austin Butler to Win the Best Actor?

Do you want Austin Butler’s performance in “Elvis” to win Best Actor at the 2023 Oscars?

There are Elvis impersonators. Then, there is Austin Butler as Elvis. Tell me you’ve seen his Oscar nominated performance. The question is do you want him to win Best Actor in a Leading Role?

I grew up during a time when Elvis was more famous than dead or alive presidents. His name was money. And we all know cash is king. Well, he’s called the King of Rock & Roll because his hard work paid dividends like Coca-Cola. 

A Bright Future

Now, here we have Austin Butler, a 31-year-old movie star who’s shining bright as ever. That’s right he’s the man you see on the screen portraying the larger-than-life figure, the legend Elvis himself. Maybe, you’re asking where he came from. Or maybe you’re seizing the time and appreciating the moment.

..HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: Austin Butler attends the Sony Pictures’ “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood” Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California.(Photo by Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital)

If you want to know more about the actor’s background, you can check out his Wikipedia page. For the most part, the information is accurate and reputable. I’m discussing where this celebrity is going.

A Meeting With Tom Cruise

Does he fly in private jets yet? Have you seen photos and videos of him with Tom Cruise at the Oscars nominees’ luncheon? By the looks of it, Cruise is passing the torch to the young Hollywood star. Let’s propose a toast to Austin Butler. Welcome to the good life.

Something tells me this is only the beginning. Don’t be surprised if Cruise and Butler star in a movie or two together. Nowadays, Hollywood works fast and there’s room for everybody at the table.

It seems everybody wants to play the role of Elvis Presley, but Austin Butler put the hard work in and delivered an Academy Award winning performance. What more does the actor have to do to prove he’s the best?

And Tom Hanks

Fun fact: Tom Hanks plays a supporting role in the Elvis movie. End of discussion, because if Hanks is in the film it’s got to be top notch. The only thing is the young actor is up against some serious competition. Brendan Fraser in “The Whale” is generating a lot of buzz.

Not to take away from Fraser, but Butler became Elvis and took over the screen. In theaters or at home, you could see and hear an Elvis clone. He looked and sounded like the real deal. All around, it is a great movie and Austin Butler’s performance is part of the reason why.

Playing the most famous man on planet Earth and living up to expectations at the same time requires something greater than talent and dedication. Although not a superhero yet, he’s one of Hollywood’s best actors right now. Could you imagine him in a film with Michael B. Jordan?

In addition, the actor went on record about his good friendship with Selena Gomez. Did you see him on the cover of Vanity Fair? Better yet, have you read the story? It’s interesting to put together the connections.

The movie business is full of talent and the man playing Elvis is center stage. It looks like the movie star has a very bright future. If he takes home the Oscar for Best Actor, it’s a wrap.

The Golden Globes are done. The Grammys are done. The Oscars are almost done. Are you watching? 

It is all coming full circle. Jimmy Kimmel’s schedule to host. I am looking forward to watching the live event.

What are your thoughts? Have you watched the Elvis movie? Do you want Austin Butler to win Best Actor?

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acting Actors actresses Entertainment film Hollywood Hollywood Actors Hollywood Blog Hollywood News Hollywood Stars Movies

Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Countdown

Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Countdown

Expect Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania to be the highest grossing movie in February. Coming only in theaters Friday February 17, the Marvel Studios film release is something to mark down on your calendars. Let’s begin the countdown.

3 days away, the moment has almost arrived. Starring Paul Rudd as Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly as the Wasp, the Marvel movie may have a good March and April too. 

Do you like Marvel movies? They’re known for mega budgets and special effects.  Also, the actors are the best in the business. Getting movie stars like Samuel L. Jackson to sign on requires a proven track record. Plus, getting Hollywood legends Bill Murray and Michelle Pfeiffer on board wasn’t easy. 

Last But Not Least

Last but not least, Jonathan Majors, who plays Kang the Conqueror, comes into this movie as a highly anticipated antihero. Everybody is talking about how excellent of a job he’s done. Well, almost everybody. You can’t please them all.

Still, I feel in my gut this movie will perform wonders at the box office. It appears to have all the action and craftsmanship you could want. Paul Rudd is sure to do a backflip I bet. It’s not just about the money. It’s about the details and getting everything right.

The script must have all the right words because the film has all the right people. Have you seen the trailers and promotional materials? I can’t wait to see it come all together.

This is the third movie in the franchise. So, technically we could refer to it as Ant-Man 3. Fans everywhere should know a fourth film is in the works.

Is Paul Rudd the Right Man?

Superhero movies seem to be a major part of global popular culture. Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Ant-Man could all play in a movie together. What’s stopping Marvel and DC Comics from collaborating? Anything is possible, right?

In addition, Paul Rudd does a fine job portraying Ant-Man in the movies. It’s awesome seeing him shrink into character. Also, the concept of a miniature (ant) hero saving the day is fascinating. Without a doubt, he made a name for himself as the man, and needs no introduction. Do you agree?

I’m thrilled to see Michelle Pfeiffer in the film. She’s a wonderful actress who paved the way in motion pictures like Dangerous Minds. I think this actress might come close to reaching Pfeiffer’s star power in the future. Also, we have to acknowledge the director Peyton Reed.

How Do You Like Casting Kathryn Newton?

In Ant-Man 3, Kathryn Newton plays Paul Rudd’s daughter. And by the looks of it, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree because she becomes Stinger, another superhero. It takes multiple heroes to take down a single villain. That’s the way the comic book world works.

I follow Marvel on Twitter because I like their productions. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania had a world premiere, and the photos were amazing. Are you on Twitter? Follow @IamGuruJay if you like my content and want interesting tweets.

So, I can’t tell you the ins and outs about the MCU, because I’m not a comic book aficionado or buff. However, I am a movie buff. I love films so much I could make them. Big productions like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania feed me because I know the work involved in making it happen. 


Lastly, I’ve seen the trailer, posters, and commercials. This project seems to be a work of art. The world will know soon if it’s any good, as they release the movie to the masses. In the meantime, you can watch Ant-Man and Marvel Comics Universe movies on Disney Plus and other streaming platforms. There are so many options today to consume your pleasure. Thanks for reading and visiting.

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Entertainment film Hollywood Jeff Bridges Jennifer Connelly Joseph Kosinski Movies Tom Cruise Top Gun Top Gun: Maverick Top Gun: Maverick Trailer Val Kilmer

Top Gun: Maverick Countdown

What movie buff doesn’t know Tom Cruise? You could say his name is the same as action. Did you hear he does his own stunts? If you haven’t heard already, the Top Gun star will hit the silver screen internationally again on May 27. Here is the Top Gun: Maverick countdown.

Where do we start? Top Gun: Maverick picks up where the 1986 film left off. Hollywood was a lot different then. Shining bright as ever, the stars were stars. Their powers compelled a magnitude. How could you suppress a larger-than-life figure like Tom Cruise for 36 years?

I believe Tom Cruise was not a day over 25 when Top Gun was released. At the age of 59, he is a legendary actor. But let’s get one thing straight. It’s not a one-person show. Multiple men stand next to Cruise on that red carpet.

I am awestruck when I think about how many people receive credit for making a motion picture. But, making it happen in a pandemic under tight restrictions and guidelines is unbelievable. So, give Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer some accolades for making the film. And let’s not forget the rest of the cast like Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, and Jeff Bridges.

From the director to the extra, everybody can make a difference in a movie’s success. I feel Top Gun 1986 was successful because they made the most of their resources. You don’t need a big budget for crazy box office results in filmmaking. Sometimes, getting people out is all you need to make hundreds of millions of dollars. The horror film Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, is proof of a movie with a micro-budget doing macro numbers. 

Below is the official Top Gun: Maverick trailer. Preview it at your leisure. Do you plan to see it?

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

 

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21 Bridges Actors Black Panther Celebrities Chadwick Boseman Da 5 Bloods Denzel Washington Entertainment film Get on Up Hollywood Movies

Remembering Chadwick Boseman

    The Marvel universe misses Chadwick Boseman. The real universe misses Boseman. I miss Chad. He came to Hollywood like a meteor. He was a movie star in every sense of the word. His meteoric rise in movies is felt in all the galaxy. As King T’challa in Black Panther, he gave children all around the world a superhero to admire. And he was self-conscious of the roles he accepted. He wasn’t acting just for a paycheck. Chad had a passion for the craft. He respected it, and it respected him.

    Chadwick Boseman, the actor, earned a degree in directing. Who knew? He was also classically trained in Oxford England, where he received sponsorship from none other than Denzel Washington. He gave us a lot in a short period. It is sad how he died of cancer. This news stunned all of his fans. Boseman had a solid global fan base for good reason. 

    Let’s remember Chadwick Boseman in this space. Who could forget his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in 42?  I (for one) sure can’t. Do you remember his brilliance as James Brown in Get on Up? What about his performance in Marshall? How did he pull that one off? Chad was brilliant at playing real-life heroes because he was a hero all this time. 

    Born in Anderson, South Carolina, the hometown hero was electric. Despite having colon cancer, Boseman went to work, where he contributed greatness. His performances in films such as 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods showcase a wide range of talent. He made a major impact on the film industry because there was no one else quite like him in Hollywood. Tons of actors never “make it,” but Boseman made it. He was driven. That drive is unexplainable. It comes from within; but, it is not without. Fortunately, the universe never really loses a star. His art will live on forever!

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A Time To Kill Actors Best Samuel L. Jackson Movies Changing Lanes film Glass Guru Jay Kingsman Pulp Fiction Samuel L. Jackson The Hateful Eight The Negotiator The Samaritan Unbreakable

What Are the Best Samuel L. Jackson Movies?

BY: GURU JAY

How do I rank the best Samuel L. Jackson movies? Do we solely look at the numbers? Or do we look at something more intangible such as: the critical acclaim and artistic value? This article analyzes the best Samuel L. Jackson movies from a holistic perspective. While I take numbers in account, I also look at the quality of his film performances.

I begin with Unbreakable. Unbreakable is arguably the second-best Samuel L. Jackson movie for its broad reach and fanfare. The movie generated $248 million at the box office. Samuel L. Jackson plays Elijah Price perfectly. Plus, this character is one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most challenging roles because of the dynamic range.

Released 19 years ago, Jackson will star in a sequel called Glass. Glass is next on my list. I feel this film has the potential to be number 1 at the box office. Jackson works well with Bruce Willis. Also, James McAvoy was phenomenal in Split.

A Time to Kill starring Matthew McConaughey ranks high on my list because the film is thought-provoking. Moreover, the plot falls apart without Samuel L. Jackson. The Hollywood star is integral to the movie’s success.

Next, let’s look at The Negotiator. In this film, Jackson plays a hostage negotiator, who is the best in the business. Ironically, Samuel L. Jackson is an actor, who is the best in show business. I highly recommend watching the Negotiator because the movie showcases Samuel’s versatility.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is fifth on my list.
Samuel L. Jackson is a major reason the movie made $414.4 million at the box office. Watch Kingsman, if you want a thrilling action-packed suspenseful film. It was Samuel L. Jackson’s idea for his character to talk with a lisp. From an artistic standpoint, Kingsman is perhaps his best movie.

The Samaritan makes my list because it is all about Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is told from his vantage point. Therefore, you can see the full range and essence of the great movie star.

Although it was produced 22 years ago in 1997, One Eight Seven is like The Samaritan. It makes my list for the same reasons. You really get all of Samuel L. Jackson. Plus, you can’t deny the importance of his presence and his dynamic acting abilities.

Hollywood is a numbers game. So, it makes sense that The Hateful Eight is next on my list. This film grossed approximately $155 million in theaters. The blockbuster showcases Samuel L. Jackson’s amazing talent. Set in 1877, Jackson’s character is central to the motion picture. There is a reason why this Hollywood star is handpicked for roles in Quentin Tarantino movies.

Rules of Engagement starring Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson features both actors’ best work. The movie is about ethical dilemmas; and it answers critical questions concerning war and peace. Rules of Engagement was a box office success, domestically and globally. The worldwide film is translated in English, Arabic, and Vietnamese.

Changing Lanes is another great movie. It defines high quality. Ben Affleck and Jackson are a dynamic duo. Additionally, I highly recommend watching this film for its compelling script and exceptional acting. I believe the celebrity was at his peak while filming Changing Lanes.

I end with Pulp Fiction. Pulp Fiction is perhaps the number 1 movie of all time. Critically, it is a top ten movie on the average critic’s best movie list. Thus, Pulp Fiction is the best Samuel L. Jackson movie. Without question, Jackson gives an unforgettable performance. 

You’ll notice that Marvel movies are omitted from my list because Samuel L. Jackson isn’t the focal point of those movies. Still, I must give those movies an honorable mention because they are a significant portion of his career. Let me know in the comment section, what you feel are the best Samuel L. Jackson movies. These 11 movies are the best from my holistic perspective.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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