Hollywood Blog

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

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hollywoodchristmaspad.jpg

It has been seventy five years since it was first thought of. It was a simple parade that was intended to help bring business to Hollywood Boulevard. After three quarters of a century it is now a tradition that has attracted about half a million spectators, creating a bigger crowd than that at the Academy Awards.

This year the Hollywood Christmas Parade there are 16 floats. Michael Bolton, some cast members of High School Musical and various marching bands from different parts of the United States will take part in this event. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce says that this will be their biggest show ever – as it should be since it is the 75th anniversary of the event.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Comedian George Lopes and Honorary Grand Marshal is Regis Philbin. They have quite a task ahead of them. It is the job of the Grand Marshal to attract big name celebrities to the event. The previous years show that that isn’t an easy task to do these days. You won’t see Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie in the parade though some wish they would.

Back in the 1920’s it was simply called the Santa Claus Lane Parade. Santa rode in a one reindeer sleigh with a Hollywood star waving to the crowd beside him. The first actress to star in the parade was Jeanette Loff. Now there is no more reindeer, just a lot of floats and some stars and hopefully a lot of fun and music.
Among the stars who have taken part in the parade are Bing Crosby, Mary Pickford, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, James Stewart, Danny Thomas, Stevie Wonder and Lawrence Welk. Former Grand Marshals include Sammy Davis Jr., Charlton Heston, Bob and Dolores Hope, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The parade has expanded to accommodate the increased number of spectators. It now travels along Sunset Boulevard as well as Hollywood Boulevard. Don’t worry though if you are too far away to catch the parade. It gets both national and international coverage so you can catch it from the comfort of your home.

[tags] Hollywood,Christmas,parade,floats,commerce [/tags]

Originally posted on November 26, 2006 @ 8:23 pm

The Queen Hits Venice

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The Queen, the intriguing new British film starring Helen Mirren has premiered at the Venice Film Festival to much acclaim.

Directed by Stephen Frears, the film is set in 1997 , following those tumultuous days following the drama of Princess Diana?s death.

In it, you?ll find out what really (?) went on behind the scenes in what was probably the most publicized event in recent history.

Helen Mirren does a wonderful job as playing the Queen in what was described as an ?eerily strong performance?. Indeed, when I saw her photo in costume, I was shocked at the likeness – not just in the way she looked, but in her entire demeanor. Here are some of the most interesting things said by the Royal couple:

Elizabeth II

“I’ve never felt hated like that before.”
As said to Tony Blair when she sees the public?s emotion outside Bukingham palace.

“This is a family funeral, Mr Blair, not a fairground attraction.”
At Diana?s funeral

“?have they showed you how to start a nuclear war yet?”
To Tony Blair

Prince Philip

“Move over cabbage”
As he gets into bed with the Queen.

“…attracting a chorus line of soap stars and homosexuals”
His description of the funeral.
The film, which critics say is a triumphant attempt to show the human side of the most media-frenzied Royal family in the world, is set to open in the UK next month.

Originally posted on September 4, 2006 @ 2:10 pm

Chinese Film Festival In Hollywood

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chineseHollywood has made a name for itself all over the world, and not one person does not know about it. Still, in the recent years, films from other countries have been making names for themselves. Perhaps this is part of globalization, but whatever the reason, we know that there are many good movies made in other parts of world other than Hollywood.

And the people in Tinsel Town are not denying this. In fact, earlier this month, the Chinese Film Festival opened in Hollywood. This is actually part of the celebrations for the 30th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China and the United States. While our governments may not always see eye to eye about matters such as the economy and the military, it is good to experience their culture through film.

The Chinese Film Festival is featuring 14 movies. According to Tong Gang, the current director of the China Film Bureau:

“In 2008, over four hundred movies were produced in China. But most of them remain unknown to audiences in the United States. So we’ve brought fourteen movies here, hopefully to generate widespread awareness and interest in Chinese movies and culture.”

Indeed, while 14 is not a huge number, especially given that fact that hundreds of movies have been produced last year, it is a good start. At least, those in America who have not previously been aware of Chinese films will be given a glimpse. The hope is that we will find something we like and an exchange can be initiated.

Originally posted on April 15, 2009 @ 8:15 am

New Year’s Eve At Citywalk

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View of fireworks bursting against night sky

So you don’t feel like paying to celebrate the coming of the New Year? I cannot blame you. I would rather have fun for FREE than to pay a hundred bucks or more to party. Good for us then, that there are other options for New Year’s Eve.

How about going to Citywalk at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, California on the 31st of December? They are holding what is dubbed to be the largest FREE New Year’s Eve party in Los Angeles!!! This year, they are going to outdo themselves by lining up two bands to welcome year 2009. The Cinema Plaza Stage will be featuring FAST TIMES while the Globe Fountain Stage will be featuring 80s Rewind. Having these bands will be sure to give you a great party on New Year’s Eve. Of course, there will be fireworks that night – and double the fun, too, as they will be set of at each end of the street.

How to get to Citywalk? Here are the directions from some of the closer areas:

From The Los Angeles International Airport:
Follow signs from the terminal to the 105 Freeway. Take the 105 Freeway East to the 110 Harbor Freeway North. After passing through the downtown area, get on the 101 Hollywood Freeway North. Follow the 101 Freeway to the Universal Studios Blvd. exit. Turn right on to Universal Studios Blvd. and follow the signs to Universal Studios and our parking areas.

From Hollywood:
Take the 101 Hollywood Freeway North to Universal Studios Blvd. and follow signs to Universal Studios Hollywood.

From Santa Monica:
Take the 10 Santa Monica Freeway East to the 405 Freeway North. Exit to the 101 Ventura Freeway East/South. (Signs to Los Angeles.) Continue on the 101 Freeway and exit on Lankershim Blvd. Turn right and follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Originally posted on December 30, 2008 @ 7:10 am