Review of Beauty and the Beast: Emma Watson Leading the Way for Disney’s New Feminist Heroines

Review by Kelly Byrne

Stunning Emma Watson                        Credit: Disney

After almost a year long marketing campaign, there were two popular and opposing sentiments surrounding Disney’s new live-action Beauty and the Beast: excitement and indifference. The latter comes as no surprise since Princess movies
tend to target specific audiences, namely daughters and their parents. Many who grew up with the 1991 animated film questioned the necessity of this live-action addition; what would director Bill Condon add that Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise failed to incorporate in the original?  

Amazon Series Tainted Dreams - The Story of a Soap within a Soap Nominated for Five 2017 Daytime Emmys

Tainted Dreams, the soap within a soap that is reeling in the viewers on Amazon, has received 5 daytime Emmy nominations. They are as follows:

Michael Lowry nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Daytime Series

Kelley Menighan nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Digital Daytime Series
Natalia Livingston nominated for Outstanding Supporting or Guest Actress in a Digital Daytime Series
Anthony Wilkinson nominated for Outstanding Supporting or Guest Actor in a Digital Daytime Series

and Tainted Dreams for Outstanding Digital Series

Rating Films: The Woman-O-Meter Seeks to Rate Films and Programming on Different Female Variables

It has been very hard to have a conversation about film the past few years without having the "female" aspect of it come into play.

More reviewers are now looking into and at the female aspects of a film or any production, whether it be behind the scenes or in front of the camera. Also including in this is the subject matter and the way women are portrayed in the film or content.

As a producer, I am always looking for projects created by women and featuring women in positive roles. I know other producers looking at potential projects in the same light and realized that right now there is no
"rating system" taking into account these types of variables.

On this website we would like to introduce a new rating system to see how the movie (or other content) scores in relationship to many variables about women. We are calling it the Woman-O-Meter.

From this point on we will use a Woman-O-Meter to rate films on several criteria. To score one point (a pump) on the Woman-O-Meter one would have to have or be:

1. One or more producer, Executive Producer, Associate or Co-producer that is female

2. A female director

3. A strong female lead

4. A strong female lead that acts as a positive role model in some way/makes good decisions

5. One or more females that are over 40 in the cast

6. One of more females in the cast that are over a size 8

7. A movie about women you would be proud to or want to bring your daughter to see

8. A movie that has at least one minority woman in it, either by race or orientation

9. A movie that has deals with a topic that is specific to women, or something that women have to deal with often

10. A movie about a female that faces some kind of discrimination or problem in life and clearly seeks to triumph over it or successfully triumphs over it

Review: Before I Fall Movie: Ry Russo-Young's Coming of Age Thriller Evolves From Horrendous to Engrossing with a Noteworthy Performance by Zoey Deutch

Review by LANDON FUNK

I will be honest. I went into BEFORE I FALL with extremely low expectations. Based off of Lauren Oliver’s novel of the same name, the film had an absolutely horrendous marketing campaign with an anything but climatic trailer and little to no promoting commercials or billboards. But, quite truthfully, I was pleasantly surprised by Ry Russo-Young’s BEFORE I FALL.  After I snuggled into my purple socks and snapped open the snuck-in can of Dr. Pepper, I settled into my seat in the dead center of the theater. There were only two other women in the theater, and each of us was spread out far enough to not even be in the same eye sight as the other two. The opening credits started to roll, opening with loud pop-rock over beautiful scenes of the pacific northwest. BEFORE I FALL follows a high-school girl named Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch), a popular girl that is part of a MEAN GIRLS-esque clique, and her life on February 12 aka “Cupid Day.” At her school, students anonymously send each other roses, and the girls with the most roses are the most popular ones. As the day progresses, Samantha and her friends gossip, pick on a “crazy” girl named Juliet, prepare to swipe their V-cards, and go to party. The twist? Samantha and her friends are in a horrible car accident on their way home from the party, essentially halting time for Samantha as she is forced to relive Cupid Day over and over again GROUNDHOG DAY style.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center Celebrates Women's History Month 2017 with Art Exhibit by Jersey Artists: Women in the World: A Visual Perspective

Hollywood Awards Season 2016 - The 18th Annual WIN Awards Ceremony: Anne Archer, Carrie Fisher and Karen Sharpe-Kramer Honored

Kat Kramer stands with Honoree Karen Sharpe-Kramer,
Honoree Anne Archer and Marisol Nichols

On a rainy night in LA- yes the worst storm in a decade- the 18th Annual WIN Awards (Women's Image Network) took place at the prestigious Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Though some attendees trickled in a little late and a little wet, all but a few made it to this awards ceremony which recognizes the artistic and humanitarian contributions of females in entertainment.

The Red Carpet was abuzz with the nominees, astounding women who deserved to be nominated for their achievements over the past year or in their lifetimes. Gracing the Red Carpet were many of the nominees, not just actresses but writers, producers and directors as well. For a full list of the nominees visit:
http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2017/02/what-are-womans-image-awards-at-time.html

The 18th Annual WIN Women's Image Awards: Recognizing Achievement of Women Behind, In Front of the Screen and in Life: Anne Archer to be Honored

What are the Woman's Image Awards? At a time when women are in the news, making a very large noise about what they want and what they do, the Woman's Image Awards has been honoring women in entertainment, politics and the humanities for decades. Beginning in  1993 they have been recognizing the achievements of females in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Started by actress and film maker Patricia Stuart the goal was to recognize and honor women who create positive and dimensional images for and of females.

Obsessed with La La Land: Top Five Fan Videos You Will Want to See

                                                                                                                                                                            By Suzanne Ordas Curry

If you're like me and you love La La Land, you want more. There's several good videos on Youtube that will put a smile on your face and satiate that need for more music and details about the movie. After foraging through Youtube, here's my Top 5 La La Land videos you might want to see. I am not including those made as a promotion for the movie. Those are great too but these are just fan videos.

#1 All time Favorite: Somewhere in the Crowd by Atawat Paurueng

Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival 2017 Kicks off with Oscar-Themed Fundraiser: Come as Your Favorite Actor or Dress for the Red Carpet

Authors Alec Baldwin, Deepak Choprah, Katey Sagal, Dance Moms' Maddie Zieigler Come to NJ - See Them at Bookends and Other Venues

Ridgewood, NJ - Long live the local bookstore! Bookends in Ridgewood is hosting a variety of authors over the next few months. Meet Soap Star Eric Braeden from The Young and The Restless, Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler and Superior Donut's Katey Sagal. You will catch me there to see Alec Baldwin, who is not only a prolific impressionist as of late but shows he is a prolific author as well.

I highly recommend these book signings for two reasons. One is that the authors often talk before hand and the room is not that crowded so you can see and hear them. Photography is allowed. Secondly, you are not rushed. Most often when you meet the author you are allowed to say a few words to them and also someone you know or a bookstore employee will snap a photo with you and that person. 

Please note that for some of these authors there are special instructions.and they are not al at the bookstore. Please scroll down for all the authors and details.

Visit the site at www.Book-ends.com for more information or to pre-order. Some events do get sold out.Please note that  Each person attending must purchase one or more books.

Oscar Nominations for 2017 Revealed: Is Your Fave on the List?

They're out. The Oscar nominations for the 89th Annual Awards Ceremony for 2017 are out, and LaLa Land tops the list. How many of these films have you seen? If you haven't seen them all, theaters often run the contenders again so look for them in your local theater and at the same time support the theaters. There's nothing like watching a movie in a real theater. Read the list here;

http://variety.com/2017/film/news/2017-oscar-nominations-academy-awards-nominees-1201968107/

RHONJ Dina Manzo Has Acting Debut in New Amazon Series Tainted Dreams: Cast Includes Reality and Soap Stars

Dina Manzo and Anthony Wilkinson star in #Tainted Dreams

RHONJ Dina Manzo has another show on her IMDB profile, a soap. Dina appears in Tainted Dreams, a continuing drama now streaming on Amazon. Tainted Dreams is the brainchild of Sonia Blangiardo, who has been behind the scenes in the land of soaps as a director for decades. Tainted Dreams chronicles the behind-the-scenes happenings of a soap opera, Painted Dreams - and if you think the on-screen happening are interesting there's even more drama behind the cameras.

Dina called her appearance, "my little acting debut among all these soap pros." Indeed, she is in the cast with iconic players from daytime, Alicia Minshew, Austin Peck, Terri Ivans, Walt Willey, Grant Aleksander, Michael Lowry, Kelley Hensely, Bobbie Eakes, Colleen Zenk, Natalia Livinston, the late Larkin Malloy, Jaimes DePaiva, Ilene Krsten, Nathan Purdee, Tonya Walker and Marie Schulenberg. Rounding out the cast is Anthony Wilkinson of  the My Big Gay Italian Wedding franchise and Big Brothers/wrestling's Jessie Godderz and others.

In her exclusive promo for the show she talks about "how she always wanted to be an actress." She also states how "it's a very different dynamic" versus being on a reality show, when the cameras are following you around. In this show, the Manzo surname is gone. She's a DiGiacomo!

Review: La La Land Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling: Simply a Delight for the Eyes and Ears

I had to see what all the rave was about regarding La La Land.

I went to see it, and I can't get the song "City of Stars" out of my head.

If you are a fan of romance, jazz, Emma or Ryan, musicals, or movie nostalgia, go see this move. It's also a movie for dreamers, if you have a dream in your heart that you know can come true there's meaning in this for you.

Here's what I liked about this film, no what I loved:

Go Behind the Scenes of a Soap with TAINTED DREAMS on Amazon - Features Alicia Minshew, Austin Peck & Other Iconic Daytime Talent plus From RealityTV Dina Manzo, Jessie Godderz

A Soap Fan's Dream - New Series Tainted Dreams Premiering on Amazon 12-26 -16

Tells the Story Behind the Scenes of A Soap Opera: Cast Includes Iconic Daytime Talent from All Networks and Reality Stars

NEW YORK CITY,  December 18, 2016 – Tainted Dreams, the Emmy-nominated web series about the "behind the scenes" drama of the fictitious soap Painted Dreams will start streaming on Amazon on December 26, 2016. Tainted Dreams (#TaintedDreams) will be available free, even for non-subscribers (without ads for prime members and with ads for non-prime subscribers).  Tainted Dreams is produced by NYC Brand Productions which includes the critically acclaimed film Equity’s Executive Producer, Candy Straight.  Visit www.tainteddreams.com for more info. View the Sneak Peak Trailer here: https://www.facebook.com/tainteddreamstheseries/

Females in Entertainment Interview: Producer/Actress Sarah Megan Thomas of Backwards and Equity Movie Can You Have it All?

                                                                                      By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Sarah Megan Thomas of  Equity and Backwards

Sarah Megan Thomas is an actress, writer and producer whose second film, Equity, a financial thriller rolled out in theaters nationwide this past year and is now available on DVD.

Aside from the suspense and storyline of this timely drama, Equity is known as being a film written, directed, starring, and produced mainly by women. In Equity it’s the females that call the shots.

Prior to Equity, Sarah produced and starred in Backwards, a movie about a subject near and dear to her heart, rowing.

But how did Sarah go from the suburbs of Philadelphia to Hollywood? In this interview Sarah talks about her beginnings, and what it’s like being a female and a mom in entertainment.

Suzee: So let’s start at the beginning. When did you first realize the field of entertainment might be for you?

Sarah Megan Thomas: It’s so funny cause I feel like I have wanted to do it since I was born, I don’t really remember the genesis. I do remember my dad made me and my sister play the piano for many years. And remember putting on Les Miserables with my sister in our living room, playing various roles. That was the beginning and end of my singing career because I’m a horrible singer! Just always wanting to create and perform. My parents were like “that’s nice she’ll outgrow it”. I come from two lawyers, very practical. So they said “not until after college, you have to wait till after college to pursue it.”

They thought maybe I would stop, and I was a theater major, they were always supportive. After college they said, ‘Well, I guess she’s really going to do this.”

Sarah Megan Thomas,  Roe Hartrampf and Samuel Roukin behind the scenes at the making of Equity

Equity Movie Fans: ABC Picks up Pilot Commitment from Sony Tri-Star for TV

Save 20% at JCrew Stores in Bergen County NJ and Help Support Kids in Foster Care Through CASA for Children of Bergen County

In The Car with Blossom and Len: Queens Theatre's Newest Production Stars Emmy Award Winner Martha Byrne and Patricia Randell

There's a lot going on in the car with Blossom
and Len.                 Photo by Dominick Totino

Who's in the car with Blossom and Len?

Emmy award-winning actress Martha Byrne is in that car.

After a few decades away from the stage having started her career in Broadway's Annie, three-time Emmy Winner Martha Byrne returns to star as Fern in "In the Car with Blossom and Len, a play about the trials and tribulations of growing up, growing old and having to take care of parents who are simply old. The play is a Queens Theatre in the Park production.

An Evening to Benefit Bergen County Family and Children's Charities: The Universal Unitarian Outreach Auction

Equity the Movie Screens at Rutgers: Special Discussion by Producers Follows

Interview: Martha Byne Talks Soaps Now and Then; CBS Daytime TV Reunion on THE TALK

Soaps are here to stay, even with changing viewing habits. Martha Byrne, legend of daytime, was on As The World Turns for two decades, General Hospital and wrote for Bold and The Beautiful. We ask her why people continue to tune in, and what 's she's up to now.     

Watch on Demand: Martha Byrne and other legends of Daytime on THE TALK on CBS Wednesday, October 12th. #TheTalk

Why do you think daytime TV still has an audience?

Martha Byrne: Most daytime soaps are multi-generational. I think a majority of the audience grew up watching and have continued the tradition. Even with many shows off the air, the remaining ones continue to build numbers. I'm glad there are still scripted shows to watch. I think as a society we need escapism and soaps were always good at filling that important need.

What kind of stories do you think daytime TV should do not to capture and new audience?

#JustSayThankYou: The Hollywood Beauty Detective Starts a Movement For Girls to Just Take the Compliment

Actress Holly Fulger says
to girls: #justsaythankyou

Actress Holly Fulger , from Ellen, Zenon,
& 7th Heaven is founder of  The Hollywood Beauty Detective. And she's starting a movement.. With all the emphasis on looks more than ever, she believes girls and women should be happy with their beauty. And know how to take a compliment.

Holly states, "The Hollywood Beauty Detective believes that women and girls everywhere deserve to feel beautiful. And we know that, as women, sometimes it's difficult to believe that, and even more difficult to hear a compliment and, 'just say thank you.' 

Holly's website aims to redefine beauty, after all, beauty is just an opinion. As part of this, #thehollywoodbeautydective has produced a video called #justsaythankyou. It's a start in a very long process.

Special Screenings for Wall Street Thriller Equity To Be Held in NYC and NJ this Month: Q & A's with Actors, Producers Held After Shows

James Purefory, Alysia Reiner, Sarah Megan Thomas
and Director Meera Menon at Sundance  Q & A

Special screenings of the movie Equity, which in theaters now, will be held in NJ and New York City throughout August and September. Equity is a tech thriller about a female investment banker who takes an Internet security company public amid competition by friends and foe. It stars Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad). James Puerfoy (The Following, Hap and Leonard). Sarah Megan Thomas (Backwards Movie), Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black, HTGAWM, Rosewood), David Alan Basche (TvLand's The Exes), Craig Beirko (Lifteime's Unreal), Sophie Von Hasselberg (Bette Midler's daughter), Margaret Colin (Independence Day), James Naughton (The Devil Wears Prada) and others.

Louis Vanaria from A Bronx Tail to Play at American Cut Bar & Grill in NJ

Englewood Cliffs, NJ – (September 8, 2016) –American Cut Bar & Grill welcomes singer, songwriter and actor Louis Vanaria who will perform live on Friday, September 9^th from 8PM-11PM on the Patio at American Cut Bar & Grill in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Vanaria has always aspired to be a singer/songwriter. After hearing about an open casting call for the upcoming Robert De Niro film, A Bronx Tale, Vanaria worked his way in and attempted to land a singing role, only to land the role of "Crazy Mario." Vanaria was soon cast in the CBS movie of the week, Young at Heart, starring Olympia Dukakis and featuring Frank Sinatra.

Interview with Bette Midler's Daughter Sophie Von Haselberg: From China to Wall Street She's Forging Her Own Path in Show Business - See Her in Wall Street Thriller Equity

Sophie Von Haselberg is making quite a name for herself in Hollywood. This talented and personable young lady has had roles in three feature films and her role in Equity, the story of a female investment banker who takes a company public, is sure to put her on the road to success. 

Sophie, the daughter of  the legendary Bette Midler and Martin Von Haselberg has taken a circuitous path to stardom, That journey started at Yale University where she majored in Asian Studies and sociology, brought her to China where she worked at an ad agency and then back to America to pursue acting.

In her role in Equity, she plays the outspoken Marin, a sharp, savvy coder who seems to know the real deal at Cachet, the company that's going public. 

In this interview, Sophie shares more about how she's ending up in movies, as well as what movies she chills to.  

Tell me about your role in Equity. Why were you drawn to it?

​Sophie: I love that Marin is sort of an outsider who is so damn good at her job that she doesn't feel the need to play by the same rules as everyone else, in particular because she sees through the egos of the people she's surrounded by. She finds herself in a tough and, I think, very unexpected spot -- I wish we could see where her life goes next! 

THE OTHER F WORD TO PREMIERE IN NJ: Caytha Jentis' Amazon Weberies with Judy Gold and Steve Guttenberg is the Midlife Sex and the CIty

The Other F Word, the latest production from Ridgewood’s award winning filmmaker Caytha Jentis will have its New Jersey premiere at the Bow Tie Warner Quad in Ridgewood on Wednesday August 31^st at 7pm.  Doors open at 6:30. 

The Other F Word, a micro digital series that will stream on Amazon September 1^st, cast includes Jersey natives,
comedians Judy Gold (The Jim Gaffigan Show) and Ben Bailey (Cash Cab).  Ridgewood’s Matt Cermack will be making his television debut.   The cast also includes Steve Guttenberg (Police Academy, Cocoon), Michael Boatman (Good Wife, Spin City) and Reiko Aylesworth (24, Hawaii 5-0).

Star of New Movie Equity Alysia Reiner to Appear at Special Screenings in NJ for This First Female-Driven Wall Street Movie: Tech Thriller Opens Nationwide

Alysia Reiner, star and producer of the new movie Equity, will be appearing at special screenings of the movie in New Jersey as part of a Q & A afterwards to promote her new film. She will be in Red Bank  at Bow Tie Cinemas Red Bank on Saturday, September 27th for the 7pm show. She will also be at Princeton Gardens in Princeton, NJ on Sunday, September 28th.



Aside from Equity, Alysia can also be seen in Orange is the New Black, How To Get Away with Murder and Rosewood.

Equity's Alysia Reiner and Anna Gunn attend the Premiere Party Opening Week in NYC
Photo: Suzanne Ordas Curry

Interview: One of Good Housekeeping’s 50 over 50: Director/Producer Caytha Jentis - After Three Feature Films She’s Now Turning to the Web to Find her Audience for “The Other F Word”

Caytha Jentis, who was recently named one of 2016's Good Housekeeping’s 
50 Over 50, is turning to a new medium - the digital world. After her success with three movies, And Then Came Love (Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt),  Bad Parents (Janeane Garafola, Cheri Oteri) and The One (Jon Prescott)   and she is now using the Internet to reach a new audience, the growing legions of vibrant, motivated,  women and men in mid-life. “It’s such a terrible term” she adds, but that is what’s used.”

Caytha’s new web series, The Other F Word, focuses mainly around a group of four women experiencing all the joys and pitfalls of life and relationships at this stage of life.It features Comedienne Judy Gold and Steve Guttenberg.  A little Sex in the City-ish plus a decade or so, the characters are likeable, funny and interesting. She believes women, and men will be able to identify with the characters and the stories. You can see more about it at http://www.theotherfwordseries.com/

The Math Behind Movies: Slated.com Study Shows Success of Female-Driven Movies Despite Fewer Opportunities

Slated, (https://welcome.slated.com/) a major online site which finances film and other projects, did  quite a comprehensive  survey of female-based or created films. The study tracked just about every theatrical release 2010-2015, In this article in the Hollywood Reporter, the study found that movies directed, starring, or produced by women had a higher return on investment, especially above the 25 million dollar mark. However, they are typically given lower-budget films and doubly handicapped by being given almost 2/3 less screen time. Details here:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/study-films-directed-by-women-907229 

The Captain Fantastic Movie Challenge: Get Out and Do Something: View New Featurette Here

Achilles Walk for Hope in New York City to Benefit RSDA and other Diseases: Spend a Morning in Central Park and Help Others

Help those with RSD/CRPS at the
Achilles Walk for Hope and Possibility in NYC

Want to spend an enjoyable day in New York City and help others? The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) will be participating in the Achilles Walk for Hope and Possibility on June 26, 2016. This event helps to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS/RSD).

If you can't walk but want to help, you can help raise funds by sponsoring a walker. Visit http://rsds.org/

Former Teen Idol David Cassidy Still Making Us Happy: Up Close & Personal Tour Comes to New Jersey Performing Arts Center in June

David Cassidy returns to NJ, the state he grew up in with two performances NJPAC. New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents an evening with 1970s heartthrob David Cassidy. Come on, get happy! The Partridge Family’s David Cassidy performs hits from the ‘70s TV show (“I Think I Love You,” “I Woke Up in Love This Morning”), along with favorites from his solo career (“Cherish”). Click Here for a Review of his Atlantic City Show: http://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2015/02/the-ultimate-david-cassidy-concert.html David Cassidy to perform at NJPac                                                                     Photo Suzanne Curry

RHONJ Jacqueline Laurita Pens New Book Called Get It? Authors Sign Copies at NJ Bookstore for this Book of Tips for Busy Moms

Missing Real Housewives of NJ? Though the new season hasn't started yet, you can meet Jacqueline Laurita as part of her book tour in her home state of NJ at Books and Greetings in North Vale, NJ. She'll be there Friday, May 20th with co-author Jene Lucia to sign copies of their new book Get It?

A busy mom with many challenges and projects, Jacqueline teamed up with Jene to write a book on how to make the most out of this part of your life, with helpful hints on looking good, feeling good, and getting the most of your life. This is a free event but you must buy the book.

Manzo'd With Children/RHONJ's Chris Manzo Delights the Kids with His New Book Oliver Brightside: It's a Great Book for Kids

I just can't stop raving about the independent bookstore in downtown Ridgewood, New Jersey called  Bookends. They get such fabulous authors and personalities there.

This time they had Chris Manzo from Manzo'd with Children and RHONJ. He was there signing copies of his new illustrated children's book entitled Oliver Brightside.

All patrons entering the store were asked to sign a waiver as BRAVO was there filming for the show that afternoon. All patrons were photographed as well after signing.

Equity The Film at Tribeca Film Festival 2016: Photos from the Red Carpet and More

Equity The Film screened twice at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. Cast and producers stepped out on the Red Carpet to celebrate this female-driven Wall Street movie that will be in theaters July 29th. 2016. Anna Gunn plays an ambitious investment banker with Alysia Reiner watching her every move as a prosecutor and Sarah Megan Thomas as her assistant in this highly-anticipated tech thriller.


For more info on the movie visit: https://www.facebook.com/equitythefilm/

Alysia Reiner, Anna Gunn and Sarah Megan Thomas                                                          photo Suzanne Ordas Curry

Equity the Film Screens at Tribeca: Cast Talks Wall Street and Women in this First Female-Driven Wall Street Flick

Equity's Alysia Reiner, Anna Gunn and
Sarah Megan Thomas on the Red Carpet at Tribeca 2016
                                                         Photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

The Red Carpet was abuzz with excitement as Equity, billed as the first female-driven film about Wall Street, had two screenings at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Equity is the story of Naomi Bishop, a female investment banker played by Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad, Chunk and Bean), who takes a privacy company, called Cache, public. In this tech-thriller the ambitions of these highly-competitive Wall Street bankers collide to create a complex story full of unexpected twists and turns emulating the real dealings of a world in which power and money supersede all. Unique to this movie, the main movers in this movie are the women. It was also directed by a woman, Nora Ephron Prize Winner Meera Menon.

The cast includes  Alysia Reiner (OTINB, Rosewood, Better Things), Sarah Megan Thomas (Backwards Movie), James Purefoy (The Following, Hap and Lenard), Craig Bierko (Unreal), David Alan Basche (The Exes) Samuel Roukin (The Turn), Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago PD), Sophie Von Hasselback, Carrie Preston (The Good Wife, Crowded) as well as others from television and screen.

RHONJ Chris Manzo, Anderson Cooper, American Idol Scotty McCreery, Buzz Aldrin, Bachelorette Andi Dorfman, Freddie Prinze Jr. & More To Visit NJ's Bookends for Book Signings, Meet, Greet and Get a Photo with Your Fave

#RHONJ  Chris Manzo adds author
to his resume and appears in his
home state for book signing

North Jersey will be chock full of notables in the next few months. From reality to news to the moon, Bookends in Ridgewood is the place to be to see some of your favorite celebrities.. and an astronaut.

For the price of a book, this venue offers a way to see these celebrities, hear from them, say a few words to them and then get a photo with them (in most cases). 

Coming in April are RHONJ Chris Manzo, business owner and now children's book author. He'll sign copies of his illustrated children's book Oliver Brightside on 4/22/16. Expect that mom and family may be there to support him. I have been to this store for many #RHONJ events and many of the the families and friends you see on the show are always there because they truly are their families and friends.

Review: Sofia Restaurant in Englewood, NJ: Tasty American and Italian Cuisine in a Contemporary Setting

Sofia's is an upscale restaurant in Englewood, NJ, a few minutes from the GW Bridge.

Their website is http://sofiaenglewood.com/

According to the website, Sofia emphasizes its dry-aged steaks cooked to perfection, its wide array of beverages including a great wine list, expert-crafted cocktails and loca beer. It also has a downstairs smokers bar with a filtration system. 

I visited this restaurant to review it with my millenial son as a second opinion. Overall, we will both go back to try more of what's on the menu as we were very impressed with the selections we chose. Here's why:

The Actors Theater Company in NYC Presents George Bernard Shaw's Widowers Houses: An Intimate Setting for the Classic Story

The Actors Company Theater presents George Bernard Shaw's Widowers' Houses, from now until April 2, 2016 at the Beckett Theater, 410 West 42nd Street in New York City. Following this run the classic Arsenic and Old Lace opens.

TACT was formed in 1992 by a group of actors coming from all aspects of stage and Broadway that came  together to "reveal, reclaim, and reimagine great plays of literary merit, creating an intimate theatre experience for its audience by focusing on the text and the actor’s ability to bring it to life."

Since then they have produced over 125 quality productions. Set In smaller, off-Broadway theaters, these productions provide an intimate and unique experience for the viewer. Tickets are about $64.

For more information and to purchase tix:
 actnyc.org/shows-events/

CASA for Children of Bergen County Holds St. Patty's Day Casino Night: Online Silent Auction Now Available So You Can Bid to Help Kids in Foster Care

Beat the Winter Blues with Laugher: NJPac Features Comedian Gilbert Gottfried and Festival of Laughs with Mike Epps, Gary Owen and Cocoa Brown in March 2016

Gilbert Gottfried graces the stage at NJ Pac.

Need a way to beat the winter blues? Laughter is the best medicine, and NJPac's got two LOL shows coming up on Friday, March 11th at 8pm, the popular and zany  Comedian Gilbert Gottfried and  the Festival of Laughs with Comedians Mike Epps, Gary Owen and Cocoa Brown.