The Quest for "it"

Vegas Magazine's 4th Anniversary/CineVegas Closing Weekend Party

                                         Hi!

It's finally here the Vegas Magazine 4th Anniversary Party! What's being described as a SMOKING HOT poolside party and star-studded affair is being hosted by June cover model Katherine McPhee. Tonight marks the Closing Weekend of CineVegas, and it promises to be a really big night for the former American Idol runner- up.  She will not only be performing for the CineVegas Elite, like chairman and film legend Dennis Hopper, but for the super diverse array of celebs including: actress Bai Ling, famous illusionist Cris Angel, socialite Kim Kardashian, model Caroline D'Amore, actor Ben Kingsley, middle-weight boxing champ Joey Gilbert, NBC's Age of Love  and pro tennis champ Mark Philippoussis and Twinkle Toes (Frank Trigg), and several more local and national celebs.

Mandalay Beach is expected to be a mad house for 4 hours straight, but as the event is PRIVATE only the best of the best have been invited.  The team of Publisher Michael T. Carr and Charmian of Ocean Drive Media Group Jerry Powers have worked to make this an extremely memorable evening.

Last year's anniversary party hosted by Christina Ricci was to die for.

CineVegas 2007--Days 4-7

DAYS 4-7 Hi!

The days have literally flown by and so have the premieres.  Noteworthy happenings have been going on offsite (away from the Palms Hotel & Casino) which include Day 7's a gathering aboard The Contessa--a private boat at Lake Las Vegas Resort.  The event was for the Las Vegas Filmmakers and followed the viewings of Nevada Shorts, and the UNLV filmmakers showcase.  On Day 6 The Jackpot Premieres Dinner party was held at the hotspot Simon Kitchen & Bar where celeb DJ Steve Aoki was spinning the Mean Magazine sponsored event.

Cadillac, the official sponsor of the CineVegas VIP vehicle*** (ditto for Tribeca Film Festival) whisked VIP celebs around town.  Day 5 included the premieres of Have Love Will Travel and The Fifth Patient, as well a lovely CineVegas event at the new Tao Beach Club...while Day 4 served up the World Premiere of Careless, directed by Peter Spears and starring Colin Hanks.  Also premiering? All God's Children Can Dance.

***-the rather decked out SUV that whisks all the celebs and film VIPs around from event to event...tres chic.

CineVegas 2007--Days 2 & 3

DAYS 2 & 3 Hey!

Friday sparks the World Premiere of The Living Wake directed by Sol Tryon and co-written by Mike O' Connell and Peter Kline.  A bit or pre-release info was sent on this film along with photos and links of irreverent too RACY for this blog work by Mike O'Connell who also stars in the film.  As we did take a peek at the link we received, it seems that Mr. O'Connell's brand of comedy is nothing short of HYSTERICAL.  Living Wake is a look at the final hours in the life of a self-proclaimed artistic genius who enlists his best friend (Jesse Eisenberg) to take care of him.  While its description comes off a bit serious the film is listed as dark comedy so here's hoping it won't disappoint.   The premiere takes place at The Palm's Brenden Theaters at 8:30 pm with the red-carpet arrivals scheduled for 8:00 pm.

Thursday, Director Zack Penn's The Grand premiered with a cast that includes endearing sitcom actors Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, as well as Michael McKean, Andrea Savage and SNL's Chris Parnell.  The Grand is a mockumentary based on the world of professional Poker. The film which also showed at the Tribeca Film Festival seemed right at home screening here in Sin City.

The Grand premiere took place at the legendary Golden Nugget with the after party at the Golden Nugget pool.

CineVegas 2007 Opens Today!

                                            Hi!

                                              Speechless!...Simply speechless about how quickly a year can go by, but it's that time of year again...time for The World's Most Dangerous Film Festival--CineVegas.  Now in its 9th Year CineVegas 2007 (June 6-June 16 at the Palms Casino, Brenen Theaters) is looking very promising.

The Opening night will premiere the summer's early on blockbuster Ocean's Thirteen, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and the normal crew from the series. The Closing night will feature the dark comedy You Kill Me from Director John Dahl, starring Ben Kingsley, Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson and Bill Pullman.  So what will be going on during the days in between?  TONS--this year expect the following: Jackpot Premieres, La Proxima Ola (a newly added Mexican Cinema section), Diamond Discoveries (previously premiered film for U.S. distribution), Sure Bets (upcoming films for U.S. distribution), Modern Crusaders (political documentaries) and Area 52 (bizarre films from the underground).

Honorees at this year's CineVegas Festival will include Sir Anthony Hopkins (Marquee Award), Ben Kingsley (Vanguard Actor Award), Mike Newell (Vanguard Director Award), and Charlize Theron (Half Life Award).

All of this and the expected standout films Frownland & Living Wake; and then, the sizzling HOT parties, one of which will include media partner Vegas Magazine's 4th Anniversary Party -- you've got an action packed 11 days.

Stay tuned...

CineVegas Wrap Up

               Hey!

Normally I do a fairly extensive recap after Official coverage.  However, I am wiped!  This whole experience has been amazing; I look forward to 2007 and no...the coverage won't be virtual.  In my undying efforts to share and for all those who are curious about just what was given out to whom, I am providing the Official Closing Festival Press Release in its entirety:

ANNUAL CINEVEGAS ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL WINNERS

Las Vegas, NV (June 17, 2006) – Proving its motto as “The World’s Most Dangerous Film Festival,” the 2006 CineVegas Film Festival spotlighted sex, adultery, drugs and dangerous social circles during its run at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres from June 9-17, 2006.

In addition to screening 59 films and several shorts, the fest honored several entertainment icons (Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Laurence Fishburne, Christina Ricci and Sylvester Stallone), screened a dozen highly anticipated world and U.S. premieres, and showcased homegrown Nevada fare.

Commenting on the Festival’s success, President Robin Greenspun said, “This year's Festival has seen both a rise in attendance and enthusiasm.  Not only has the acceptance increased in the local community, but nationally as demonstrated by a remarkable line-up of honorees and the national media attention garnered.”

Festival Director of Programming Trevor Groth said, “We are extremely excited about the response to this year’s films, especially the world premieres which generated an incredible response from audiences and film industry attendees.  Our Festival award winners also resonated artistically and inspired insightful dialogue amongst festival goers.” G.I. Jesus Receives Grand Jury Prize; Park Receives Audience Award;
5 Up 2 Down Receives Special Award for Cinematography; The Favor and The 4th Dimension Receive Honorable Mentions

AWARDS

This year’s jury was presided by acclaimed film director Mark Pellington and noted film critics Jean Oppenheimer and FX Feeney.

The Grand Jury Award went to the film G.I. Jesus, directed by Carl Colapert and starring Joe Arquette, Patricia Mota, Maurizio Farhad, Mark Cameron, Telana Lynum. The film recounts the story of a Mexican national, Jesus Feliciano, returning to California from Iraq where he had soldiered in exchange for grant of US citizenship, who suffers trauma related to his battle experience and imagines his family life threatened.

The jury presented honorable mentions to the films The Favor directed and written by Eva Aridjis and The 4th Dimension written and directed by Tom Mattera and Dave Mazzoni.

Park received The Audience Award.  Directed and written by Kurt Voelker, the film orchestrates a tempest of change in the lives of a group of Los Angelenos on a seemingly quiet and sunny day in a secluded park.  The film stars Billy Baldwin, Ricki Lake and Cheri Oteri.

The Special Award for Cinematography went to 5 Up 2 Down.  Directed by Steven Kessler, 5 Up 2 Down is a film about the eternity of the human spirit, set in the clubs, galleries and lofts of New York City as seen through the eyes of two close friends, Hunter and Santo.  Struggling with drug addiction and running from reality, the two friends embark on a five-day drug binge and embrace a spiritual journey started 140 years earlier.  The title 5 Up 2 Down refers to the week in which the film takes place.  Hunter, a painter, and Santo stay up partying for five days and then collapse two days just before Hunter’s first one-man gallery show.  During this binge Santo is overwhelmed by visions of a past life that he can’t shake.  Unable to tell whether it’s the drugs or something more, Santo continues along his self-destructive path with Hunter at his side.  Before long, time catches up with Santo and Hunter and their own actions, in this life and in another, will soon determine their destiny.

The Shorts Jury selected the following exceptional shorts for recognition: Holidays with Heather, Voicemail, Transaction, One Rat Short, Bugcrush, The Pretty Boy Project, and K-7 (winner).  Jury members included Jason Feinberg, FOX 5; David Schmoeller, Assistant Professor of Film at UNLV; and Teller from Penn & Teller.

Since its inception in 1998, the CineVegas has established itself as one of the hottest and fastest growing film festivals in the world, being mentioned in a TIME Magazine cover story as well as listed as one of the top 5 small fests to visit by Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper. The 8th annual festival will be held June 9-17, 2006 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas highlighting the most exciting offerings from up and coming filmmakers and visionary veterans. CineVegas combines the glamour and energy of world premiere films and the intensity of in-depth celebrity tributes.

Among its milestones, CineVegas has hosted the world premieres of such films as George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead, The Devil’s Rejects, Spun, The Talent Given Us and Bubba Ho-tep, as well as screenings of other great films such as Napoleon Dynamite, Riding Giants, The Aristocrats, Me, You and Everyone We Know and Gus Van Sant’s Last Days.  Robin Greenspun serves as the festival’s President and Dennis Hopper serves as the Chairman of the Creative Advisory Board, which has honored such film greats as Jack Nicholson, Nicolas Cage, Ann-Margaret, Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Holly Hunter, Christopher Walken and David Lynch.  For more information please call (702) 992-7979 or visit www.cinevegas.com <http://www.cinevegas.com/> .

Vegas Magazine's 3rd Anniversary/CineVegas Closing Night Party

DAY 9      Hello!

Well, I did it!  I have made it through the very intense week of screenings, panel discussions, red carpet announcements etc.  My reward for coverage well done? an invite to the Vegas Magazine 3rd Anniversary & Closing Night Party.  OK, I am referring to the last red carpet event of the festival which is technically still part of my coverage, but I view it as a reward nonetheless.  The Closing Night blowout will be hosted by actress Christina Ricci and is expected to be another big night.

The Golden Globe nominated Christina Ricci is set to receive the final Half Life Award at 4:00 pm.  She like the other nominees before her will participate in a moderated conversation before a screening of Don Roos' The Opposite of Sex, the 1998 comedy.  Excuse me but... receiving a Half Life Award, speaking on a panel discussion, hosting the Vegas Mag's 3rd Anniversary party? someones having a busy Saturday!

The 411 on the party? The Editors of Vegas Magazine*** Michael Carr and Jerry Powers will personally be on hand as guests arrive for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, fashion show (sponsored by Neiman Marcus) as well as additional unidentified entertainment.  Poolside partying at the Green Valley Ranch Resort? the very same establishment where my virtual spa trip took place? As I pour over the specifics, I am thinking...UNREAL.  As I share the evening ahead, I am feeling heartbroken that I will not be attending this event as I had hoped.  As I further review the list of confirmed celebrity guests, my eyes are watering in disappointment in not being there...this is all feeling a bit torturous.  ENOUGH!  I am simply going to provide the list of confirmed celebs for this soiree and go...

Here's who is expected at the blow out: Dennis Hopper, Kristin Cavallari, Dylan McDermott, Brande Roderick, Brett Jungblut, Chris Kattan, Kevin Garnett, Areielle Kebbel, Steven Jackson, Greg Grunberg, and Sanaa Lathan...my girl!

:)

:(

***-Vegas Magazine, the first national magazine for Las Vegas, is an upscale, affluent bible to everything Vegas and the lifestyle it embodies.  VEGAS Magazine delivers the style and sophistication that the new Las Vegas player demands.   Each month, readers are enticed with smart editorial on fashion, style, entertainment and nightlife.  VEGAS Magazine is available in the Las Vegas market and widely distributed throughout news stands in key feeder cities including: Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Miami.  Vegas Media LLC, a partnership between Greenspun (Info courtesy of Kirvin Doak/Greenspun Media).

Lies & Alibis

DAY 9      Hi!

I am floored by the fact that tonight is Closing Night of CineVegas.  I am speechless...the screenings are coming to an end...coming to a close; this is the last screening--it has all been soooo much fun, and I have to say that even from here at my lil perch it has been a blast.  Tonight is going to be HOT, and the closing night film (pictured left) is incredibly clever.

Directed by Matt Checkowski and starring Steve Coogan, Rebecca Romijn,*** James Marsden, Selma Blair, James Brolin, Sam Elliott, Henry Rollins & Jaime King, this is a highly entertaining look at the lengths people go to save their marriages. Funny, that's putting it gently...in actuality Ray Elliott (Steve Coogan) runs an alibi service for cheating husbands.  It becomes high stakes when Ray Elliott gets into hot water with a new client.  He must count on the assistance of Lola (Rebecca Romijn), who becomes a partner in his risque risk management alibi service to get out of his dilemma.

Can I tell you, I watched the trailer many, many times on this one and I really, really look forward to this film. There are so many components--drama, romance, suspense and an amazing cast of actors--who did the casting for this anyway?  There are cameos by John Leguizamo and Debbie Mazar...SWEET!  This is diversity at its finest here, and as it is the U.S. premier of the film, I predicting this will be a real WINNER.****

So with my obvious excitement over this particular film, I would have really gotten the goods on the red carpet tonight. The arrivals begin at 6:15 pm which would give me 45 minutes of carpet interviews before I'd have to head over to the Green Valley Ranch Resort for the Vegas Magazine 3rd Anniversary & Closing Night Party.

To think that my zeal for all this is being kept within the confines of virtual reporting.  Is there any JUSTICE?

***-Rebecca Romijn, supermodel turned actress has 2, count 'em (2) films in this here film festival, not bad.

****-Winner as in highly discussed, break out movie particularly  of interest to those 35+.   If you are under 35...tell your moms and dads (I did), tee hee.  As the months go on...and this movie picks up steam...you will kick yourself for not checking it out...remember you heard it here first. 

 

Awards Evening @ CineVegas 2006

DAY 8            Hey There!

Remember when I said that the CineVegas parties were going to get better and better?  Perhaps I didn't say exactly that, but remember opening day when I indicated that this is Official reporting not just about after parties and events?  I LIED!!!!....Only kidding.  Have I not provided coverage of incredible films?  Perhaps, ones that you may now research further...ones that you may go see with say a loved one or somebody?  Anyway, what I have to share is rather interesting, a combination of the screening itinerary as well as the details of the night...officially known as Awards Evening.  Funny you know you are in Vegas when a clearly noteworthy occasion culminates at the Hard Rock Hotel Pool.

Which awards will be given out? well there are several which (just like the other days) are preceded by screenings and moderated conversations. At about 2:00 pm Director Taylor Hackford (Ray), the recipient of the Vanguard Director Award will speak; he will be followed by a screening of Chuck Berry in Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll and the Idol Maker.   Then leading up to the actual evening at 6:00 pm actress Helen Mirren*** recipient of the Marquee Award, will have her own moderated discussion. WAIT, are any actual awards given out at these times? my supplied info is not exactly clear... I have to admit I am a bit confused by the whole order of things myself (misery of virtual reporting).  I find the socializing, party portion of this whole deal much easier to follow...shall I continue?

The excitement won't begin until the red carpet arrivals (10:00pm) where a number of celebs are set to show up including the awards nominees.**** The evening will be MC'd by one of my favorites, TV host Maria Menounos, and will consist of a private dinner and awards.  Dunno, but I find celeb filled dinners, awards presentations by a pool, the airy Vegas backdrop...to imply one thing...it may get rather interesting after a certain hour.  A red flag goes up whenever I find that the media has limited access, in this case photographers and crews will not be allowed to access the dinner and awards presentation.  What exactly will be missed? perhaps nothing. I suppose celebs receiving awards are entitled to a calm and relaxing environment; after all, this is a special night..wouldn't anyone want to enjoy this type of event free from...well, the PRESS?  After all, CRAZY partying only takes place in the nightclubs...speaking of which I wonder how the birthday party for Dennis Hopper at Tao turned out?....hmmmmm.

***-Helen Mirren, a British actress who is a two Academy award nominee (Madness of King George, Gosford Park); I remember seeing her in HBO's The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone...not familiar...get some culture people...KEEP UP!

****-Awards nominees Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Christina Ricci.

Artie Lange's Beer League

DAY 8            Hi,

Well it has been quite a week, unfortunately things will be coming to an end soon. There are several screenings going on today but as anyone can see I tend to focus on one per day that is of particular appeal.  Today? Artie Lange's Beer League ,actually it's tonight at 7:00pm.  Described as a raunchy comedy the cast includes actor Ralph Macchio*** as well as Anthony De Sandro, Cara Buono, Jimmy Palumbo, Jerry Minor, Laurie Metcalf, Seymour Cassel and surprise, surprise Artie Lange.

Seems Artie Lange is a real guy (a comedian formerly of Mad TV)... not just the title character of the movie, so the idea of actors playing themselves to some extent is alive and well here.  The film directed by Frank Sebastiano is about Artie's motley crew of friends who actually make up his recently started softball team.  Artie and his team of friends are all pretty much losers and Artie himself gets in to a rivalry with a fitness club owner who has a softball team of his own. You can figure out the rest of the story right? Artie works hard to prove his worth by showing that he can be...you got it... a WINNER.

Being that CineVegas is known as the world's most dangerous film festival--several of the films tend to reflect drug related, down and out tales...serious high drama.  Artie Lange's Beer League is a humorous standout...not that I 'm against the drug related, down and out, high dramas; it's just that with this one I wouldn't feel compelled to go through several buckets of popcorn!

:)

***-Ralph Macchio, long time actor...best known for... dare I say it? Karate Kid. Where ya been Ralph?...missed ya!

Dennis Hopper's Birthday Party @ TAO, Las Vegas

DAY 7      Hey, Hey, Hey!

It's FINALLY here! One of the highlight party evenings of the CineVegas Film Festival...can you guess what I am referring to? Perhaps you should click and enlarge the photo to the left of this here post.  OK...a bit lazy, afraid you'll lose your place, vision slightly impaired?...tonight is Dennis Hopper's*** birthday party at TAO.  So, the significance is as follows... no doubt somebody did some serious wrangling and got the very esteemed actor to make sure he was holding it down at Vegas' hottest of HOT spots. 

As I've received no sufficient details on the party at Jet a few nights ago, I will just concentrate on this one which I do actually have a few details on.  First off, I just received an update that the media will be allowed to shoot inside of TAO from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.  I am so not in understanding--does that mean that TAO gets down and dirty after 11:00 pm on Thursdays, or does it mean that it is Mr. Hopper's birthday, and he does not want to be bothered with flashing bulbs and microphones all night long?  Dunno, but I do know that other big name celebrities are expected to show...party, party, party.

The red carpet arrivals are at 7:30 pm for this one, and I am so there!  I am a little light on funds--sexy lil dress that I would normally wear for something like this hasn't even been purchased.  I've never actually been to a red carpet event at TAO; come to think of it, I've never even set foot into the Venetian; come to think of it, I am not even going to be at this party...this is all virtual--remember?

Whatever, that's not stopping my fun, I am 'virtually' wearing something slinky think luxury, think sexy, think...Forum shops.

Ciao for Now!

***-Dennis Hopper, the legendary American actor (Giant, Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, Hoosiers).