The Old Woman and the Bench

By Mary Elizabeth Gentle

The air was crisp with the chill of the early October morning. An old woman sat on a weathered bench in a small neighborhood park. The worn wooden planks of the bench had not invited her in with their comforting familiarity as they once had. The bench felt harder than it had the other times she had sat there. The bench knew something had changed. The old woman shifted slightly to lean her weight against the back of the bench, hoping it would again cradle her, as it had not so long ago. But, all she felt was the hard cold wood chilling through her woolen winter coat.

The old woman looked down to the rumpled brown paper lunch bag that sat on her lap. The bag was worn and had been used many times over. She moved the bag from her lap and sat it on the bench next to her. The bag was lighter than it once was, but still she felt the bench sag from its weight. It was the same heaviness that her heart had been carrying for weeks.

The old woman shifted again, she began to wonder if her trip to the bench had been a mistake. But, before her thought had been completed, the bench began to cradle the old woman, comforting her with its warmth and memories. The bench understood that there was now only one. There would no longer be two. The old woman reached into the lunch bag and pulled out her lone sandwich, she was comforted in the fact that for at least one hour a day, she could sit where they had once sat and feel what they had once felt. The bench had understood.

The Valley Wire - 1/14/2011

Hollywood’s Midseason TV Preview
By Mary Beth Gentle

The Holiday’s are over, resolutions are upon us and Hollywood has geared up a full selection of Midseason TV Shows for the New Year. The Fall Season of TV has had its successes and its failures, now its time to see what can step in and take over our DVR’s and TV’s for the coming months. There will be new family comedies, new cop shows and at least a few reality shows will make an appearance.

January brings us the return of old TV Star Favorites with Matt LeBlanc in Showtime’s, Episodes and Paula Abdul’s return to reality in Live to Dance. There is also a Comic Book adaptation, an over the top family drama, a couple of British remakes, a few family comedies and the ever-popular Cop Dramas.

Episodes is the first on the list of midseason offerings that I plan to check out. Friends Star Matt LeBlanc makes his return to the world of Series TV in the Showtime series that follows British Comedy writers as they make their big break into Hollywood with the remake of their popular TV series. Matt LeBlanc plays a less than appealing version of himself as the Actor set to star in the remake of their British hit series. Next up is the NBC Comic Book series, The Cape. Series centers on a framed cop who disguises himself as a comic-book hero to fight the villains that framed him. And finally, I can’t help but tune in to the Medical drama, Off the Map; it has been described as Lost meets Grey’s Anatomy. It is the tale of damaged Doctors staffing a South American clinic – I am sure there will be lots of medical and human drama to go around.



February thru April brings fewer entries, but also some high profile talent venturing into the TV World. Biggest hopeful on this list is the return of another Friends star to the small screen, Matthew Perry takes a turn in the February premiere of Mr. Sunshine. He plays the part of a sports arena manager in San Diego who goes through a mid life crisis when he turns forty. He will sort through his life as he tackles the unusual demands of his job and his boss. March brings the premiere of medical/cop show, Body of Proof starting Dana Delany as a Medical examiner with a unique approach to solving crimes. And April offers up the Christian Slater comedy, Breaking In, about a team of security consultants that take extreme and often questionable measures to sell their protection services.

So no matter which new shows you decide to check out, get your DVR’s ready and settle in with a bowl of popcorn – midseason TV shows are here! Enjoy!

Examiner Article - 11/19/2010

Hollywood and the Wizards
By Mary Beth Gentle

The tale of a small, orphaned boy who lived under the stairs on Privet Drive to his entry into the wizarding world of Hogwarts has captured hearts around the world. From the imagination of author JK Rowling was born a Hollywood mega franchise, the “Harry Potter” series. We have watched Harry and his friends at Hogwarts grow up in a world filled with magic and wonder, a world threatened by a dark lord and a world where a young boy can become a hero.

The first film in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was a little bit fantasy, a little bit coming of age and a little bit mystery. It offered a bright and friendly look in to the new world that Harry Potter was discovering and only glimpsing slightly at the darkness that was buried underneath. As Harry Potter grew so did the world around him and so did the intensity of each movie that came out. Without a doubt, the Harry Potter movies have successfully created a visual and captivating glimpse into the magical book series.



On Friday November 19th, the seventh movie in the Harry Potter series hits the big screen and is sure to deliver edge of your seat excitement. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the first of two movies to bring JK Rowling’s final book to life. In this first installment Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledor’s work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the dark lord. The three young wizards will face their hardest challenges yet when they go up against the evil forces surrounding them.

The Hollywood Cubicles have jumped on the bandwagon and caught Harry Potter fever. The books are being reread and the movies are being re-watched as we speak. What started as a fun movie franchise has turned into a bit of an obsession. And I have to admit that I am part of it. I have read the entire series at least twice, I have listened to the books on tape and I have watched the first six movies countless times. I even purchased my ticket three weeks ago in anticipation of opening night insanity.

Even though I know the story and I know how it turns out, I can’t help but feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, the anticipation is almost too much to bear. I can’t wait for Harry Potter and his friends to take me along on their journey through the magical world of wizarding and potions. I will be sitting in the center of the theatre with my bucket of popcorn enjoying every minute!


Continue reading on Examiner.com: Hollywood and the Wizards - Los Angeles Film Industry | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/film-industry-in-los-angeles/hollywood-and-the-wizards#ixzz1BVlMb0PT

Examiner Article - 9/26/2010

Hollywood and the New Season of Reality
By Mary Beth Gentle

The new season of TV is geared up and hitting the airwaves. The dramas are going for the heartstrings. The comedies are aiming for full belly laughs. And the action shows are putting us on the edge of our seats. But, there is one genre of TV that has all of that and more – Reality! Reality TV has come a long way from its ‘game show’ beginnings. Today’s reality is a roller coaster of excitement. These are the top network reality shows being talked about in the Hollywood Cubicles right now; Survivor, Undercover Boss and Amazing Race.



Survivor has moved to Wednesday nights and has already had its premiere on September 15th. The castaways were shocked this season with a new twist, the ‘under 30 year-olds” verses the ‘over 40 year-olds’. Will the younger and more athletic tribe be able to defeat the older and wiser tribe? Apparently famous NFL Coach Jimmy Johnson has been a long time fan of the show and has signed on for the adventure and the once in a lifetime experience. No matter if you are a longtime fan or new to the world of Survivor – this season promises to deliver a good mix of drama, comedy and action!

Undercover Boss is the next one to make my list of must watch Reality TV. The second season premieres Sunday, September 26th. The CBS reality series follows high-level CEO’s as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies. Each week a different executive leaves the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. They get an up close look at how their companies actually run and a chance to see the unsung heroes and correct the problems they find. This show has a lot of heart and who doesn’t fantasize about the big boss having to work in the trenches!

And finally there is the number one Reality show to make my list, Amazing Race. The new season of the ‘Race’ starts Sunday, September 26th and I can’t wait. This is the ultimate, race around the world reality show. Teams of two go up against their opponents each week to be the first ones to make it to the ‘pit stop’. Teams must complete at least two tasks every episode before they can race to the weekly finish line - the last one there may be eliminated. The goal is to make it to the end of the season and cross the final finish line to with the grand prize. It is always exciting to tune in and see which part of the world they are in and what new adventures await them.

These are my top picks for a little Fall TV viewing - so pick a show and tune in for a little ‘Reality’ TV this season!

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Hollywood and the New Season of Reality - Los Angeles Film Industry | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/film-industry-in-los-angeles/hollywood-and-the-new-season-of-reality#ixzz1BVjSHXYl

The Valley Wire - 9/20/2010

Hollywood Returns to TV
By Mary Beth Gentle

It’s that time of year again. Young children everywhere are returning to school and prepping to write that ever popular, ‘How I spent my summer vacation’ report. Well, as I prepare for the return of TV this Fall, I can tell you right now how I spent my summer vacation, I cleared out the DVR. I watched the things that I recorded throughout the year but never had the time to watch. I deleted the shows that I knew I would never really watch and I’m at close to ninety percent of available space and ready to go for the new season.

I have made room for the returning favorites; Chuck, Glee, Modern Family, Survivor, Fringe and The Amazing Race. These are the core shows that are guaranteed to please. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to test out a few new ones. I have studied the sites, reviewed the lists and watched the trailers. And there are quite a few that will make the first cut.

The Event is the first on the list. The official Press release from NBC says, “The Event is an emotional, high-octane conspiracy thriller that follows Sean Walker (Jason Ritter), an everyman who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée, Leila and unwittingly begins to expose the biggest cover-up in US History. Sean’s quest will send ripples through the lives of an eclectic band of strangers, including newly elected U.S. President Martinez (Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood); Sophia (Emmy Award nominee Laura Innes), who is the leader of a mysterious group of detainees; and Sean's shadowy father-in-law (Scott Patterson). Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind.” This could fall along the wayside much like Flash Forward did last season, but I can’t help having hopes that this one will hold enough mystery and drama to make it. The Event airs Monday nights at 9PM on NBC and premieres on September 2oth.

Next on the list is, Hawaii Five-O. The official Press release from CBS says, “Hawaii Five-O is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands' sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin), a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returns to Oahu to investigate his father's murder and stays after Hawaii's governor persuades him to head up the new team: his rules, her backing, no red tape and full blanket immunity to hunt down the biggest "game" in town. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny "Danno" Williams (Scott Caan), a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline but is committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), an ex-Honolulu Police Detective wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol, who is also a former protege of McGarrett's father. Chin's cousin, Kono (Grace Park), is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the department's elite. McGarrett vows to bring closure to his father's case while the state's brash new FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, is determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state.” I can’t help myself with this one, it looks like the ‘popcorn’ TV show for next season. I may not tune in every week for the car crashes and explosions, but it might be worth loading the DVR up with this one for next summer’s viewing! Hawaii Five-O airs Monday nights at 10PM on CBS and premieres on September 20th.

And finally on the list is No Ordinary Family. The official press release from ABC says, “The Powells are about to go from ordinary to extraordinary. After 16 years of marriage, Jim and Stephanie's relationship lacks the spark it once had, and their family life now consists of balancing work and their two children, leaving little time for family bonding. During a family vacation set up by Jim in an attempt to reconnect, their plane crashes into the Amazon River. But this is where the fun starts for the Powells, as they soon discover that something's not quite right. Each of them now possesses unique and distinct superpowers. But saving and savoring their family life will be equally important, as they try to find purpose for their new powers and embark on a journey to find out what defines and unifies them. The Powells are a totally relatable family who happen to be a little bit amazing.” This one could be silly, but I have hopes that it might be worth watching. No Ordinary Family airs Tuesday nights at 8PM on ABC and premieres on September 28th.

So no matter which old shows you tune back into or which new ones you check out, get your DVR’s ready and settle in with a bowl of popcorn – the new season of TV is here! Enjoy!

Examiner Article - 7/15/2010

Hollywood Dreams of the Blockbuster
By Mary Beth Gentle

Did you ever have a dream that you wanted so bad you could taste it? For me that dream was and in many ways still is, Hollywood. It started as something far away and intangible, something that other people went on to do, certainly not something a quiet, shy kid from No-where’s-ville, USA would ever be a part of.

Sometimes I wonder where my dream of a life in Hollywood all began, where and at what moment I was hooked. Maybe it was the Saturday Matinees at the little theatre on our small town’s Main Street, where they would play old Disney movies while we ate our popcorn and slurped our sodas. Maybe it was the Sunday afternoons spent watching old black and white Cary Grant movies with my Grandmother. Or maybe it was the seventh grade field trip to the local TV station where I got to see the cameras and lights close up.

I think all those things helped nurture the dream, but the more I think about it the dream for me was created by the Hollywood Summer Blockbuster. These are the big budget movies that every Studio spends all year prepping, shooting and posting to get on screen for Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. For me, that was my summer vacation, I had it planned from the moment school let out to the moment it started back up in September. I knew which ones I had to see and which ones I would see over and over again.

And I am still the same way. My summer is not planned out by elaborate vacation plans to some great escape or a tropical get away. It’s planned out by what movie opens on what weekend, how early I am going to buy my tickets and where I am going to see it. This summer I have kept pretty current on my movies - without a doubt Toy Story is the blockbuster of the summer. But, i just saw a movie that reminded me of the favorite movies of my youth. Sorcerer's Apprentice.

It is a pure 'popcorn' movie through and through. Sorcerer's Apprentice tells the story of master sorcerer, Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) and his more than century long quest to find the worthy apprentice that can help him defeat the evil Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina) once and for all. He recruits NYU college student, Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) to be that apprentice. With a crash course in magic the two go on to battle evil and save the city from peril. It won't win any awards out there - but I had a great time!



So, even when I have weeks like this past one, where I have worked close to sixty-hours and I’m not sure if any of the powers that be care or recognize my efforts, I still smile a little at the thought that I’m actually here, living my dream. And at least for one moment, during one movie this summer, I got to be a kid again with my bucket of popcorn and my dreams of a blockbuster.


Continue reading on Examiner.com: Hollywood Dreams of the Blockbuster - Los Angeles Film Industry | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/film-industry-in-los-angeles/hollywood-dreams-of-the-blockbuster#ixzz1BVhw3tke

Examiner Article 6/25/2010

Hollywood makes 16 Wishes
By Mary Beth Gentle


Screenwriter Annie DeYoung and the Cast of 16 Wishes!
Photo: Just Jared

Tonight (June 25th 8PM) is the Premiere of the long awaited Disney Channel movie, 16 Wishes! Written by Disney Channel favorite screenwriter Annie DeYoung, 16 Wishes promises to deliver a whole birthday cake full of wishes! Annie also wrote wrote the Disney Channel classics, Princess Protection Program and StarStruck. With my options for entertainment this weekend being staying in for a wonderful Disney movie or venturing out for another Tom Cruise movie - I pick 16 Wishes!

16 Wishes tells the story of Abby Jensen (Debby Ryan) and the 16 wishes that have been building to her sweet sixteen birthday. A list of wishes combined with a box of mysterious birthday candles makes for an interesting day for Abby. When her wishes go horribly wrong, she has until midnight to get her old life back before they become permanent. Debby Ryan will also be showing off her singing talents in the movie with the song, “A Wish Comes True”.

My DVR has been set and I can't wait to settle in for some good family fun! You can get to know Abby and the whole gang at 16wishesthemovie.com. And for those of you who can't get enough of 16 Wishes head over to Borders to check out their line of exclusive merchandise.
Enjoy!

The Valley Wire - 6/17/2010

Hollywood and the Toys
By Mary Beth Gentle

“To infinity, and beyond!” – Buzz Lightyear

“You’re my favorite Deputy!” – Woody

“The Claw is our Master.” – Three-Eyed Alien



The Toy Story franchise has not only invaded our pop culture, it has invaded our homes and our hearts. From the smallest toddler carting around his Buzz Lightyear action figure to adults everywhere, the release of Toy Story 3 cannot come fast enough. The last installment in the saga of Buzz, Woody and the gang was in 1999 so we are long overdue to see just how the adventure continues.

The official synopsis for the movie has little Andy all grown up and heading off to college and through a bit of a mix up the toys are all shipped off to a Daycare center. As Buzz, Woody and the gang find themselves facing a multitude of tiny tots and their sticky little fingers, plans for the great escape quickly get underway. Where they end up is anyone’s guess, but knowing our favorite toy gang it won’t matter as long as they are there together.

I have watched the trailer numerous times and have gone to the official Disney site to check out the new characters and was met with all kinds of interactive fun. The old gang is back in full force; Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Barbie, Rex, Ham, Slinky Dog and of course the Potato Heads. And there is a whole Daycare full of new toys including; Lots-‘O-Huggin’ Bear, Ken, Stretch, Big Baby, Mr. Pricklepants, Dolly, Trixie and Buttercup. It is hard to tell from the pictures and the trailer, but I have to say it already looks like ‘Ken’ is going to steal the show. At least for the adults in the theatre.

Pixar has always done a great job at entertaining the adults as well as the kids in the audience. Which might be the main reason why the excitement is mounting all throughout the Hollywood cubicles. There are tiny toys appearing on every desk. The original Toy Story favorites are there, but the new ones are starting to appear as well. I have to admit, I even found myself eyeing all the toys on the shelves at Target the other day. And even though I was there under the guise of buying something for my nephews, I couldn’t help but pick up a small action figure of a cute little unicorn named ‘Buttercup’. For my nephews of course.

Toy Story releases on June 18th and I can’t wait to get in line to see what my favorite toy heroes are up to. As always I am sure Disney and Pixar will deliver the goods and add another family favorite to their collection!

Examiner Article - 6/7/2010

Hollywood and Sex and the City...
By Mary Beth Gentle

Cosmopolitans. High fashion. Girl power. Sex and the City 2 was everything I was expecting and more. Oh so much more. For those of you who have seen it...I will drop one name and one name only...Liza Minnelli. Her guest spot was one of those movie moments that made me either want to hide under my seat or jump aboard and just enjoy. And that is what I decided to do with the entire movie, I jumped aboard and enjoyed every minute.



I know that the movie is in its second weekend and in Hollywood terms that means that I am way behind schedule, but I have to admit, I was worried. I have watched every episode of Sex and the City at least twice. I have had my share of Cosmopolitans. And from season one to the last movie, I never gave up rooting for Mr. Big. The thought of being disappointed was almost too much to bear.

But this weekend, I had a cosmo for old time sake, I ignored the somewhat lukewarm reviews and I settled into my seat and hoped for the best. And that is exactly what I got. And I say that as a fan not a seasoned Hollywood movie-goer. If I wanted to, I could join the other reviewers and point out the flaws, but I'm not going to do that. For this movie, I am just a fan and I am going to tell the other fans to go out and enjoy Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda at their neurotic, sex-crazed, perfect and workaholic best.


Continue reading on Examiner.com: Hollywood and Sex and the City... - Los Angeles Film Industry | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/film-industry-in-los-angeles/hollywood-and-sex-and-the-city#ixzz1BVeMPkHp

The Valley Wire - 6/2010

Hollywood and the Great Outdoors
by Mary Beth Gentle

Blue skies. Sunshine. Fresh air. As summer settles in around us, thoughts turn to vacations and for some people that means the great outdoors. Life in the Hollywood Cubicle is a little like tackling the wilds of the outdoors, the survival skills are the same, but I don’t have to deal with all the bugs. So even though I will be enjoying all the wonders Mother Nature has to offer from the comforts of my living room, I do have my summer of nature planned out.

It begins, as most things do, with a list of movies. The first of these are the purist nature movies and the best of these are the Imax Nature Collection on Blu-ray, Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series on Blu-ray and Disney Nature Earth on Blu-ray. As you can tell by these titles, the Blu-ray is key to having that truer than life outdoor experience. I plan on putting on my favorite outdoor outfit, complete with fishing hat and settling in on the couch with a plate of smores to enjoy all nature has to offer.

The next in my movie line-up will be, Nature films for the family. My favorite titles here would be, Wall-E, Avatar and March of the Penguins. Wall-E is a great family movie with a strong environmental message; it is time that we take care of good old mother earth. Avatar was not only visually amazing to watch, but it was also drove the lesson home that we must take care to live with and respect nature. And March of the Penguins is a great circle of life look at just how amazing nature can be.

But without a doubt the best back to nature, break out the camping gear movie of all time is the John Hughes classic, The Great Outdoors. John Candy and Dan Aykroyd take getting back to nature to a whole new level of fun. When Chicago native, Chet (John Candy) takes his wife and two sons on a family vacation to lake resort in Pechoggin, Wisconsin, he must learn what it truly means to be one with nature. He will be faced with garbage stealing Raccoons, a grizzly bear out for revenge and a crazed bat. But, surviving the wilds of nature are only part of his problems, he will also has to deal with his snobby brother-in-law Roman (Aykroyd) and his family when they decide to crash Chet’s vacation.

So, if you are like me and the thought of leaving the comfort of your couch and your air conditioner this summer are more than you are ready to tackle then load up your movie schedule, cook up some camp-out favorites and settle in for a back to nature movie marathon!