New Filmmaker Series: Rutgers Grad Ian Lettire Talks about Making his first Feature Called Anywhere Is Here and Gives Advice for Young Film Students

In this interview I talk to Ian Lettire of NJ, a Rutgers grad who straight out of Mason Gross School of the Arts hit the festival circuit with his first feature, Anywhere is Here and already has it streaming on Amazon. As making a feature film is a daunting task, read how he had the help of his family and community to create this movie, and learn some words of wisdom for other film students.

BehindtheScenezz: What is this film about and where did you get the idea for it?

Ian Lettire: Anywhere Is Here is about Sarah Dawson, a teenaged girl, who endures life at the hands of an abusive father and a neglectful mother. Seeing no other option, Sarah devises a plan to steal her father's money and run away with her best friend Ben. Unfortunately, things go terribly awry, and Sarah is unwittingly thrown into a nefarious world of white - collar crime. Sarah stands at a crossroads where she must decide to flee or take over her father’s business. If Sarah is to navigate the tangled web of corruption her father has spun she will need to dig deep and find the inner strength she never knew existed.

Discount Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This annual show in New York City starts soon. Here is a way to get discount tickets. If you miss this offer, check the Radio City Box office, all the resellers and NYC theater sites for discounted seats.

Women in Film: Cady McClain's Seeing is Believing: Women Direct to Screen at DTLA Film Fest Followed by Panels Featuring Females Talking The Biz

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Producer/Director Cady McClain will be screening her documentary film, Seeing is Believing: Women Direct, at the DTLA Film Festival in Los Angeles on October 26, 2019. Following the screening, Cady, a 2-time Emmy award winner who spent years in front of the camera on As The World Turns, All My Children and Young and The Restless along with many TV roles but is now an active advocate for females behind the camera, will participate in two panel discussions. One panel will be on the constantly changing landscape of indie film distribution and the other about diversity.

Seeing is Believing features candid and intriguing interview with female directors talking about their experiences, goals and the environments they have encountered. Cady states that the "film emphasizes the opportunity for women to use their voice through media to change the social and political landscape and achieve full equality." The importance of a film like this in today's environment, with a continued lack of females providing direction and voices in the film industry cannot be understated. 

Some of the directors interviewed in the film include Lesli Linka Glatter (EP/Director Homeland), Sarah Gavron (Director: Suffragette, Brick Lane), Li Lu (There is a New World Somewhere) and Naima Ramos-Chapman (Director HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness) as well as Marianna Palka (3 time Sundance Alum), Lee Grant (first woman to win a DGA Award), Lizzie Borden (Born in Flames), Kimberly McCullough (One Day at a Time), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry), Deborah Kampmeier (Queen Sugar, Sundance Jury Prize nominee), and more. Special guest Deborah Riley Draper (Olympic Pride, American Prejudice and director of Coffee Will Make You Black starring Octavia Spencer) will be attending the Q&A.

Move over ComicCon There's Something Bigger - Hallmark Christmas Stars Come to NJ at the First Ever Christmas Con!!

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies (and you live in the NY metro area), you're getting an early Christmas present this year (aside from the 40 new movies they are showing this season)! Fans of those wonderfully perfect Hallmark holiday movies that start oh so early this year will be able to meet their favorite stars - we all know who they are - in Edison, NJ on November 8-10th at the NJ Convention Center.

It's a Christmas expo filled with all the trimmings of holiday fun. Aside from the exhibitors, the main attraction will be performances and photo opps with the Hallmark stars. Actors attending as listed right now are: Lacey Chabert, Jonathan Bennett, Cameron Matheson, Jackee Harry, Alicia Witt, Nikki DeLoach, Erin Krakow, Paul Green, Ashley Williams, Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Paevy, Chad Michael Murray, Melissa Claire Egan, Jack Wagner, Melissa Joan Hart, Andrew Walker, Rachel Boston, Danica McKeller, Whoa... what a lineup!!

Writer/Director Joshua Coates Talks about His New Indie Film Hollywould- A Thriller Which Stars Eric Roberts, Pete Postiglione, Torrei Hart and Caitlyn Fletcher

By Diane Somerset

Independent film is alive and well. It seems every week there's a new film festival popping up, and at these festivals one can find a plethora of new movies, in every genre available. I had the pleasure of meeting writer/director Joshua Coates at the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival in picturesque Ridgewood NJ at the premiere of his latest film, Hollywould. Flanking the Red Carpet with him were not just the actors, including Eric Roberts, Torrei Hart, Pete Postiglione and Caithlyn Fletcher, but also most of the crew and his family. Everyone was there to support this filmmaker who has a knack for making films that keep you at the edge of your seat.

BTS: So tell me Joshua, how did this film get started?

Joshua Coates: The Story of Hollywould was inspired from the ideas and writings of Mitchell Bass who pitched the idea to me. I thought the concept was amazing and soon after that Mitchell and I met for weeks developing the outline for the story. It took me about 2 weeks to write the screenplay, Mitchell was blown away with the first draft and soon after that he secured funding from the Executive Producers Steven and Marcia Bass to green-light the Production.

Review: Paper Mill Playhouse's Chasing Rainbows- The Road to Oz is a Journey You'll Want to Experience

Review by Beth Abramson Brier

There’s No Place Like – Hollywoodland

“You always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” Glinda the Good Witch’s words ring true in the Judy Garland story Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz, now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. The Tony Award winning regional theater springs to life in its 81st season with this high energy, youthful production about the early years of “the little girl with a big voice”.

New Jersey native Ruby Rakos brings down the house as Judy Garland, proving that if you show up in a shmata you better have show-stopping talent. Rakos belts out à la Garland while bringing a quiet authenticity to the role. Born with the unfortunate name Frances Ethel Gumm and equally unglamorous looks, the future Dorothy’s painful and humiliating beginnings on her earnest journey from Hollywoodland to Oz are revealed by Rakos.

Interview: NJ Resident and YES Network Baseball Analyst Talks his Book with David Cone Called Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

For New York baseball fans, or really any baseball fan, the book to read this season is The New York Times Bestseller entitled Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher. 

Written by  David Cone with YES Network Analyst Jack Curry, this book is filled with anecdotes, inside stories and lessons for any aspiring pitcher. David Cone has lead an extraordinary life in the world of baseball and it is captured vividly by Jack Curry, who has been writing about baseball for the past 25 years.

Full Count  covers Cone's journey from the minors to the majors and beyond. In this memoir Cone talks about the intricacies of pitching - every pitch - and about his perfect game 1999.

I had the opportunity to ask Jack Curry a few questions (full disclosure, he's my brother in-law) to get a read on what writing this book was like. I rather already knew how much work it was just by all the times we heard over the past two years his wife Pamela saying  "He's busy writing in his office" or "He's meeting with David today."

Movie Review: Stephen King's IT Chapter II - Thrilling, Fun and Grotesque, but does it Remain True to its Roots?

Review by Ashton Samson

It is an immensely difficult task to do justice to a horror movie, chiefly because the genre is in a constant need of resurgence. Over time, fans get tired of seeing the same type of villains or monsters slash their way across the screen, until there is only one person left standing. We want to see something new, because we know just how successful and spectacular horror can be whenever the formula is reinvented. Just think about every significant movie in the genre. Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Psycho and many other game-changing horror films were made at times where the genre was in a need of change. These films proved themselves worthy of being the best horror pictures of their time, and also paved the way for future horror. 

Tainted Dreams, the Emmy-Nominated Soap within a Soap Comes to Popstar! TV with Bonus Episode: See Iconic Daytime, Reality and Theater Stars in the Dramedy

Soaps live on! Tainted Dreams, the 7-time Emmy-nominated digital series based on the behind-the-scenes antics of a fictional hit soap opera, will now be available to stream for free on Popstar! TV beginning 9-23-19. #Tainted Dreams is a steamy dramedy following the cast and crew behind the scenes of a hit TV soap opera called Painted Dreams. Set in New York City, the show is filled with lots of twists and turns, current issues and of course all the type of drama that soaps are known for, but with a bit of an edge. The cast is comprised of well-known actors from daytime TV, some Hallmark movies and a  few well-known reality and off-Broadways stars. 

Tainted Dreams can also be viewed on Amazon Prime where is has been since 2016. It originally started as a web series.  It was created by Sonia Blangiardo, who is part of the Emmy-winning director team at Days of Our Lives. Viewers will find a bonus  episode on Popstar! TV, one that gives some background on how all the characters came to be a part of  Painted Dreams. 

To download the app:

 www.popstaronline.com 

To watch Tainted Dreams or for more info visit https://www.tainteddreams.com/#home-section.

Whoopi, Hallie Steinberg, James Bader, Friends Creators and More Join in on 2019 TriBeCa TV Festival September 12-15th

The TriBeCa Film Festival is one of the most renowned festivals in the country. It now has a special TV Festival, which starts September 12th and goes through the 15th. It features screenings of some of the season's best TV, celebrity appearances and talks with some of the movers and shakers. For more info visit: www.TriBecaFilm.com

The Groovy House on Dilling Street: Brady Bunch Fans Will Find this Fictitious House Real Reno Totally Far Out

View by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Well, for some reason I thought A Very Brady Renovation on HGTV would be a bit uneventful, I mean, we all know what the Brady House looks like, they're just going to replicate it. So, so much for the excitement of the standard yet always exciting HGTV reveal. 

Man, was a I wrong. Rather than boring, it's like HGTV combined two of my favorite things in the whole world and made a show of it!

From the promos, it looked like it would be heavy on the HGTV people and not focus on the Brady clan. But, there's plenty of interaction with these 70's children and we get to see them work on the house - well maybe mostly for the camera - and talk in real life, a bunch of unscripted Bradys revealing a glimpse of their real personalities. Though Florence Henderson, Robert Reed and Ann B Davis has passed on,  Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, Cindy Olsen, Barry Williams,  Christopher Knight,  Mike Lookinland are all alive and well with hammers in hand . 

Beth in the Big City: First in Line to see The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Exhibit at NYC's Paley Center - Did it Meet This Fan's Expectations?

By Beth Abramson Brier, Senior Writer and for this article, Photographer!

The Dow was tumbling.  The humidity was over 90 percent.  My already frizzy hair defied gravity.  Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies abounded.  Only one thing to do (besides vote!) – Step out of 52^nd Street and into the long ago past of B. Altman, Steiner Mountain Resort, and a corner apartment in Paris.  It is all part of the The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel exhibit at the Paley Center for Media in New York City.  Alarmingly close to 57^th and 5^th, it is a world away.  A world of cinched waist dresses with matching hats and gloves. 

It shouldn’t surprise you that I was first in line waiting for the doors to open at noon.  Behind me were women from uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, Connecticut and New Jersey.  Many (like me) were obviously suburban; a few were hipster; some were dressed in 1950’s vintage, hoping to be cast as extras.   There were even a few long-suffering husbands (the same ones I see outside the dressing room at Saks dutifully holding purses).   While we were standing in line we speculated whether Midge would – or should- get back together with Joel. (NO!) Who dated men that looked like Benjamin? (NONE!) Or Abe. (MOST!) And who had the  best recipe for brisket. (EVERYONE!)

Netflix's Secret Obsession: Is the Ending Really a Secret? A Take of Some of Netflix's New Movies

If you've been watching a lot of Netflix movies as I have, you'll see a variety of genres. As far as science fiction goes, I am Mother was great - suspenseful and  thought-provoking. I was at the edge of my seat to the end and appreciated how it ended, wrapped it up nicely and left you thinking. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston's Murder Mystery, well that was the perfect romcom for them, just what their fans wanted to see but frankly I am still confused about the ending, second twist not needed. Still, any fan of theirs will love this movie, and the location shots were a plus. Rebel Wilson's romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic? was just what the doctor ordered, pure romcom fun to satisfy and romcom officianado. But, you will have to be a fan of hers to like this movie because it's a lot about her.

I anxiously watched Secret Obsession. Spoiler here, but honestly you don't need a spoiler. This was more a Lifetime movie. As soon as you watched it you thought something was up with the husband. But, you hoped for a twist. No such twist. And there were so many points in the movie you would be like, 'Why isn't she running?" or "That doesn't make sense." There was also a lot of gore, unnecessary in my eyes, I knew what the killer was doing anyhow. It still kept my watching though.

So Netflix, keep on making movies and I'll keep on watching them. But you can't get them all right.

Event: Leading With Heart Global Women's Summit Comes to New York City: Hear from an Array of Prominent Speakers including Sarah Hurwitz, Speechwriter for Clintons and Obamas

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Looking to be inspired? Informed? Empowered? 

Empowered women empower women. And they can do this with heart. Such is the theme of Leading with  Heart, the New York City edition of the Global Women's Summit, which is an informative, impactful series of conferences being held all over the world. 

This Big Apple conference is being hosted by Mimi Bergman, founder of SevBerg along with co-founder of #SevBergGlobal and Co-conference leader, Tammy Strachan Severino. It will take place on Friday, August 2 from 9am -7pm at the Civic Hall, 118 West 22nd Street, 12th Floor in New York City. 

(Editor's Note: I will be presenting at 11:15.)

TV Theme Song Quiz- How Many do you know?

Feeling nostalgic with all the reboots these days? See how many TV theme songs you recognize in this video: 

Cady McClain of All My Children Fame, Jon Lindstrom of General Hospital Help Kids in Foster Care Learn Showbiz.... with Help from another ABC Star Ty Burrell of Modern Family: Read about Kids in the Spotlight

Ty Burrell hosts the Kids In the Spotlight
Film Screening every year.

There's a little bit of irony in the fact that actress/director Cady McClain was on the long-running and highly-acclaimed daytime drama  called All My Children and Ty Burrel is on another award-winning and long-running show called Modern Family. And that's because both of these actors, true to the title of their shows have a need to give back to families and children.

Breaking News: Only Ten Tickets Remain for Paramount Studios Event on 11-2. Visit www.Kitsinc.org.

There's an organization based in Los Angeles called Kids in the Spotlight. Founded by producer/actor Tige Charity, this organization helps children in foster care by allowing them to participate in the cinematic arts. They learn about different levels of filmmaking, and in so doing, learn skills as they get the opportunity to express what has happened to them in their young lives. Many of them go on to join the Writer's Guild of America and make their own films. The sessions are 15 weeks long, and Ty Burrel is one of the instructors. He states, "I teach an acting class, and I am honored to host their award ceremony every year, but I do very little compared to those that are there every day... I got into this because my father was a social worker in the foster care system. Most of these kids have been through stuff that I can't even imagine." Listen to more from Ty about Kids in the Spotlight here:

#ABeautifulDayMovie Trailer is Out: Watch Tom Hanks Recreate the Lovable Fred Rogers for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Film

The trailer for #ABeautifulDayMovie out. This new film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (which was the theme song for his kids' show) chronicles the behind-the-scenes operation and motivation for Fred Rogers. Mister Roger's Neighborhood was a staple in many a child's home. Not just because there were so few shows for children to watch - and for that matter- so few channels- but because the show was entertaining as well as teaching. It spoke to children. If you watched the show, just hearing the song will spark memories. Judging from the trailer, they could not have picked a better actor than Tom Hanks to play him. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics. View trailer here:

The Voice's Wé McDonald Sings Her Heart out at Benefit Concert Bergenfest for the "TEEEM"- A Non-Profit Organization That Provides Help for Poor Children Around the World - Includes Video

The threat of rain did not stop the fun at the second annual  Bergenfest, an event filled with music and fun to raise money and awareness of the non-profit organization TEEEM, which provides educational, medical and economic support to women, children and families in impoverished countries throughout the world. The nonprofit does this by working with students at local high schools.

Wé McDonald from the Top 3 of the 11th Season of NBC's The Voice was the headliner who came on at about 5pm after the full lineup of artists played throughout the day. Also playing that day were: Collision Theory, Fat Boi's Brass Band, Wishbone, Jason Recht & Friends, Jake Thistle, No Soap Radio, and Samantha Haase.

View: UK's ITV2 Hit Love Island Comes to CBS - Just Another Reality Show with Beautiful Scantily Clad Young People or a Fantasy Island for a New Generation?

My Thoughts….exactly! 
be Beth Abramson Brier

Note: This is a repost of an article written by Beth when she watched #LoveIsland2019 overseas.

Bummer this Summer 2018: Fires. Floods. Looming midterm elections (don’t get me started). Then suddenly this: Variety just reported that CBS has acquired the U.S. rights to the U.K. reality show Love Island. Yes, you heard it right! Imported from across the pond-from the country that gave us Brexit and digestive biscuits-comes your newest guilty pleasure.

If you haven’t heard of it, Love Island is ITV2’s hottest program of all time, attracting 3.6 million viewers. It has all the ingredients to be this year’s “it” show if this year’s “it” show were jointly created by the producers of Jersey Shore and The Bachelor in the wee hours of the morning in Vegas. Not unlike Survivor, a group of strangers are thrown together in a remote location to forge alliances, overcome obstacles and endure public scrutiny in the hopes of not being voted off the island. And that’s where the similarities end.

Interview: Actor Ken Baltin Talks About Acting for Life - See Him in Vault The Movie and the Upcoming Film A Case of Blue

Ken Baltin has been a professional actor for pretty much all of his adult life. After graduating with a degree in journalism from Rutgers he moved to where else but to pursue his dream - New York City. It was a play he did at Rutgers his junior year which prompted the career switch. And he has been successful at it since then, appearing in plays and movies consistently. He also teaches and directs. As of late, you can see him in the new film VAULT starring Don Johnson and the upcoming film A Case of Blue. Read on to find out how he's managed to pay the bills and keep on going nearing 50 years in showbiz.

The Sandman Goes to the Beach and Makes Waves: Review of Adam Sandler at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City with Rob Schneider

Review by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I will confesss, I can't get enough of #AdamSandler, so this review may be a bit boased. But, isn't that who goes to concerts but their diehard fans?

That being said I am not a fan of ALL Adam Sandler movies, I skew to the comedic and romantic comedy ones, not so much the ones made with lots of male humor.

I can't get enough of The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, or even Blended. those are the ones off the top of my head I can think of but every weekend I flip through the cable stations- especially trusty TBS to see what Adam Sandler flick they may be playing on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

So when tickets went on sale I got them the first day. Good thing, as this concert in Atlantic City at the Hard Rock Casino on the first night of summer was totally sold out.

CASTING CALL: New York Agency Twins Talent Seeks Designers, House Flippers for Reality Show and other Cool People

(Staff) - Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on a reality show? Twins Talent Casting in NYC, run by two talented females, has a bevy of opportunities. Right now they are looking for real estate agents, designers, house flippers and more. You can also sign up for their mailing list to be alerted of future opportunities. Break a leg!

Interview: American Actor Taylor A. Purdee Talks About His Role in The Finnish Show Dragonslayer666: A Fantastical, Comedic yet Realistic Show For and About Gaming Nerds

What is Dragonslayer666? American Actor Taylor A. Purdee had a role in this Finnish series about the world of professional gaming, which is something that is not just taking over the US or Finland but the planet. The series is based on a book by the show's creator, Aleksi Delikouras. In this interview Taylor explains what this show is all about, why it's so cutting-edge, and why he forsees it as a hit around the world.

Interview: Wé McDonald from NBC's The Voice is Sweet and Powerful in Many Ways - See Her at the Iridium and in NJ in June

#Wé McDonald

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you don't already know this Jersey girl, meet Wé McDonald (pronounced Way) from Season 11 of NBC's The Voice. She was a semifinalist, taking third place that season. During that season this young girl partnered up with such legends as John Legend and Alicia Keys, and her voice went down in history. Wé  has an intensely sweet talking voice, and I heard that during our interview. But once she sings, the power and melody envelops you. And what I learned, is that this talented young lady is not just powerful in her music, but powerful in her beliefs and deeds.  At such a young age, Wé  considers herself very blessed and lucky and knows it's her time to give back. The platform of #The Voice opened up her eyes as well as her vocal chords. It not only gave everyone the chance to hear her voice, but also the opportunity to start giving of herself.

Trailer: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston will take you for a Ride in new MURDER MYSTERY Film

(Staff) The new Adam Sandler/Jennifer Anniston movie is out. It's a Murder Mystery that looks quite funny. Available now on Netflix. I would not expect any deep plot or character development, just pure laughter and entertainment set in some interesting and iconic locations. Here's the trailer:

Child Actress Grace Julianna Talks Her Path: How I Got Into Acting and You Can Too - First Steps for Anyone Interested in Breaking Into the Biz

Actress Grace Julianna

By Grace Julianna

Editor's note: Every actor has a different path. Some start at an early age, some much later. In this article, actress Grace Juliana, who has been acting since she was young talks about her continuing journey. Grace Julianna has done a PBS Pilot, some TV work and several commercials, including one for ProActiv which most teenagers will probably recognize her from. Here she talks about how she got started. So if you want to get started in acting, or have a child that does, her path may inspire you.

The Disney and Nickelodeon Effect 

Ever since I was a young girl, at the tender age of seven, I knew an ordinary life wasn’t for me. I wanted a different kind of ordinary, I wanted to be on TV. I wanted to make filming an episode once a week the normal for me. I was a consistent viewer of the Disney channel and Nickelodeon. I remember being attracted to, “That’s so Raven” and “Lizzie Mcguire.” The stars, Raven and Hilary Duff, had so much presence and it instantly got me hooked. I would sit on my couch and stare at the TV. I could’ve been there for hours, and I wasn’t just watching the show, I was admiring the actresses.

NJ Event: The Voice Singer Wé McDonald to Headline Benefit Concert for TEEEM.org, Local Bands, Games, Food Trucks Make it A Great Day for the Family

 Wé McDonald, talented singer/songwriter
from THE VOICE to appear at #Bergenfest

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

An amazing talented finalist from NBC's The Voice, a bevy of talented local musicians and high school students from several New Jersey schools are all "TEEEMing" up to put on a concert for a cause. This benefit concert, called Bergenfest will be held at the Benjamin Franklin Middle school in Ridgewood, New Jersey on June 29 from noon to 7 PM. Headlining the concert is the talented singer/songwriter and author Wé McDonald from NBC's The Voice, who was a semifinalist on Season 11 under the wings of Alicia Keys. This fun- filled day is great for the family, lots of music, exhibits, arts and crafts, face-painting and food trucks.

Interview: Actor John Donchak on Playing Sam in the new Flick Killian and the Comeback Kids, Being on the Set of The Tick and Following "Da Bears"

John Donchak Photo by Gabe Boucher

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Meet John Donchak, an up and coming actor out of New York City imported from Chicago. Coming soon you'll see him in the new film Killian and the Comeback Kids, in which he stars along with Taylor Purdee as a millenial seeking to find purpose, and a job in this stage of his life. But in addition to being in front of the camera, John also works behind the scenes as a stunt coordinator, fight choreographer and stunt performer, most recently on the show The Tick. Get to know him with this interview:

Event: Morphmom Conference Seeks to Inspire and Empower Women: American Talk Show Host Sally Jesse Raphael Among Lineup of Power Women Speakers

Looking for a career change? Want to start a second chapter? Or perhaps do you just want to be in the company of some amazing women? Another exciting Morphmom Conference is coming on June 3rd, 2019. This time the location is Montclair State University in Montclair NJ. 

Toplining the conference this time will be the legendary Sally Jesse Raphael, a pioneer for women and for the talk show business. If you are too young to know her, she was a trailblazer for women, covering topics that were considered taboo as well as all the other topics of the day replete with her trademarked red glasses. (Everything old is new again, her glasses would be fashionable in 2019). Another recognizable face is Mary Guiliani, caterer to the stars, who has been hitting the talk shows as of late with her new book Tiny Hot Dogs: A Memoir in Small Bites. See below for complete list of speakers.

Movie Review of Poms - A Star-studded Film with Diane Keaton, Rhea Pearlman and more, but is it Something we can Cheer about?

Review of  Poms the Movie by Beth Abramson Brier

Gimme a “P”!  What is it about cheerleaders? With all due respect to my youngest sister who was co-captain of her high school squad, is there any other symbol of high school more dreaded than pom poms? And yet I had high hopes for some good laughs and sheer fun when I purchased my ticket to see the latest Diane Keaton movie, Poms.

In this “women of a certain age” movie, a rather gaunt Keaton plays Martha, a former teacher with seemingly no family who suddenly moves to a retirement* community in Georgia to wait out her final months of ovarian cancer. Not an auspicious start for a comedy.


Unable to fit in with her pastel clad cohorts, Martha’s new neighbor Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) convinces Martha to live out her unfulfilled teenage dream and form a cheerleading club right there in their gated community. And, of course, like any self- respecting cheer team, they hold tryouts. Watching Alice (Rhea Perlman) audition I could only cringe in horror thinking “OMG! Is that what I look like in Zumba class???” I nearly cracked a smile when Olive (Pam Grier) shimmied her way onto the roster. But I didn’t outright laugh until Sheryl responds to a mean girl cheerleader’s “break a hip” jab with “get pregnant”! Aren’t writers brilliant?! (Did I mention this takes place in Georgia?)

Interview: Lauren Karaman of Project Runway and the Project #MorethanMeasurements Talks about Body Positivity, Loving What you Are and Living in the Now

Lauren Karaman    Credit: Don Nixon

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

My first question is what is up with this crazy world? Why is someone your size considered big? 

Lauren Karaman: Ugh! This world is crazy! It’s extremely frustrating to live in a society obsessed with categorizing and ranking bodies. It's like the fashion industry created a false 1-10 hotness scale we all must magically abide by!!

For what feels like forever the fashion industry has functioned like an exclusive club, granting entry only if you fit their very specific physical requirements. For females that's: Height: 5’9- 6' and Weight: 110 to 130 pounds, from minimum to maximum height respectively. Any woman above that weight limit, or above a size 0-4, is considered 'big' in the industry.  News flash, by those standards, the majority of the women in the world are big, so why are we hiding them? 

Despite the rise of the plus size fashion industry and visibility of curvy models, there is still a lot of stigma around the word ‘big.’ Though ‘big’ and 'plus' have been used as a bad words, they are not. Though plus size models have been an afterthought, we are not. The fashion industry has marginalized plus size women, yet we are the majority. The “plus” qualifier in front of my title is not a negative, it’s a term of pride. It’s for everyone who has worked for more visibility in this industry, and for everyone who has refused to be invisible.