BRAD PITT HITS A HOMERUN IN 'MONEYBALL'

There is something about Brad Pitt.
It goes beyond the obvious. Yes, he has good looks and yes, he’s sexy.  Yes, he has Angelina Jolie on his arm. Yes, he seems to be a good, involved dad.  Yes, he’s a humanitarian.  That, in itself, would be enough.
But, in actuality, it comes down to something quite simple: he is really a good actor.
Whether it’s comedy or drama, Brad Pitt delivers.  He gets to exhibit both genres in his latest film, Moneyball, currently in theaters nationwide.
The film is based on the true story of Billy Beane (Pitt), a once would-be baseball star who, after not living up to expectations turned his attention to management.  He is the general manager of the Oakland A’s.

BRAD PITT as BILLY BEANE in MONEYBALL

This is not just another sports movie. It’s not just another movie about baseball. It’s about persistence, change, intuition and trying to make a difference.
To prepare for his role Pitt hung out in the A’s front office, quietly observing Beane and speaking to his colleagues.
Pitt became fascinated by how the need to succeed on his own terms became the mother of invention for Beane in his second incarnation as the A’s general manager – and how it all came to a head in 2002, when the A‘s lost their most notable players and with them, their only hope.
“He realized that the A’s simply couldn’t fight the way the other guys might fight,” Pitt explains. “They had to look for new knowledge, they had to question all the norms and find the inefficiencies in the way things were being don. They began with this seemingly naïve question: What if we were starting this game from screatch oday, how ould we do it?  Where would be place value on the players? Then they went out and actually found these guys who were being overlooked and put together, in a patchwork, a formidable team.”
It’s 2002 and Beane’s Oakland A’s have lost their star players, forcing the team to rebuild.
Refusing to take a defeatist attitude Beane, with the help of Peter Brand, a Yale-educated economist (Jonah Hill), decides to put into practice the dismissed theories of Bill James.

JONAH HILL as PETER BRAND in MONEYBALL

Beane and Brand decide to go after overlooked and even dismissed former players in an effort to build the best baseball team possible.
Of course, not everyone understands what they are doing, especially Art Howe, a field manager played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Beane is hoping to change how the game is played.
This is one of Pitt’s best efforts. He’s believable as a former player. He’s believable as a general manager. He’s believable as a father. You feel his desire for the game and his desire to have his team do well. Hill is equally impressive in his role as a bland, by-the-numbers statistician.  Hoffman is always brilliant in whatever role he plays.

BRAD PITT AND JONAH HILL STAR IN MONEYBALL

Kudos to director Bennett Miller.
Moneyball stars Pitt, Hill and Hoffman.
Columbia Pictures presents a Scott Rudin/Michael De Luca/Rachael Horovitz production.  Directed by Bennett Miller. Produced by Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt. Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin. Based on the book by Michael Lewis. Executive producers are Rudin, Andrew Karsch, Sidney Kimmel and Mark Bakshi. 
Moneyball has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Pictures Association of America for some strong language. 
On the Donloe Scale, “Moneyball” gets an E (Excellent).  D (don’t bother), O (Oh, No), N (Need some work), L (Likable), O (Ok) E (Excellent).
Moneyball (Columbia Pictures), Running time: 2 hours, 13 minutes; PG-13 for some strong language.

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: A Revu

    The Black Power movement was alive and well in the sixties and seventies.
From 1967-1975, it shifted into another gear and took on a life of its own.
That eight-year stretch is the subject of Goran Hugo Olsson’s enlightening documentary, “The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975,” currently playing at the Nuart Theater in Los Angeles.
Through archival footage of interviews and events shot by Swedish journalists, the story of how the movement took shape and form is seen through the eyes of Swedish filmmakers.
It combines 16mm footage that had been lying undiscovered in the cellar of Swedish Television for the past 30 years, with contemporary audio interviews from well-known Black scholars, activists, artists and musicians.
While it doesn’t reveal or offer up anything new, it does deliver a different perspective on the movement as seen from the eyes of individuals from a different culture.
It’s also a refresher course on the importance and polarizing effects of the Black Power Movement in America.
What is unique is the access granted to some of the movement’s most influential subjects, like Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Stokely Carmichael and Eldridge Cleaver. The interviews with these civil rights icons are candid, intimate and unguarded.

ANGELA DAVIS

At the end of the 60s and into the early 70s, Swedish interest peaked regarding America’s civil rights and anti-war movements.
Olsson’s film introduces the Black Power Movement to a whole new generation worldwide.
Highlights in the documentary include a sit-down interview with Louis Farrakhan on the eve of his rise to power in the Nation of Islam, not to mention a poignant moment where Stokely Carmichael interviews his own mother. Both are priceless!

STOKELY CARMICHAEL & HIS MOTHER

After watching The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 it’s clear the struggle continues.
The documentary, written and directed by Goran Hugo Olsson, features Erykah Badu, Melvin Van Peebles, Harry Belafonte, Bobby Seale, Sonia Sanchez, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Kathleen Cleaver, Robin Kelley, John Forte, Angela Davis, Louis Farrakhan, Talib Kweli, Huey P. Newton, Aiodun Oyewole, Stokely Carmichael, Eldridge Cleaver and Kenny Gamble.
    Music by Ahmir Questlove Thompson.
A Story, Louverture Films and Svenges Television production. Produced by Annika Rogell. Executive producer, Tobias Janson. Co-producers, Joslyn Barnes, Danny Glover.
    The film is currently in theaters. It’s playing exclusively through Thursday, Sept. 29, at Landmark Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles. It can also be seen at the Embarcadero in San Francisco, Shattuck in Berkely-Piedmont in Oakland, CA; at the Playhouse 7 in Pasadena and the Monica 4 in Santa Monica, CA.
    On the Donloe Scale, “The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 gets an E (Excellent).  D (don’t bother), O (Oh, No), N (Need some work), L (Likable), O (Ok) E (Excellent).

R&B Singer Vesta, Dies at age 53

VESTA

The music world is still reeling after  learning about the death of R&B singing sensation, Vesta Williams. Williams was found in a hotel room in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, Sept 22. She was 53 years old.

Williams, who eventually dropped her last name and went simply by, Vesta, recorded several successful songs including her biggest hit, “Congratulations” and “Sweet, Sweet Love.”

In 1986, she released her debut album, Vesta, which netted the hit, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.”

Next was 1988's highly successful, Vesta 4 U, followed by 1991's Special. Her last release was in 2007.

The social media outlets are abuzz with condolences.

 JACKEE

Said Jackee Harry - ...just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams (@vesta4u), has passed away. #RIPVesta

Said Kimora Lee Simmons - R.I.P. Ms. Vesta Williams. What a tremendous talent + great soul! Cuz as long as I can breathe, you’ll always be the one for me!

Siedah Garrett - So saddened by the untimely passing of our incredibly talented sister Vesta Williams, who enriched the lives of so many with her remarkable voice and outrageous humor. Such a somber reminder that tomorrow is not promised. So thankful that she chose to record two of my original songs during her career. Our Vesta has flown away, and she will be missed. May she rest in eternal peace.

Said Lalah Hathaway - RIP Vesta. hilarious, unpredictable, one of a kind..thank you for “I'm coming back.”

SINBAD

Said Sinbad - Our dead sister and one of the sangiest divas ever, Vesta Williams, has passed away. I loved that sister.

Angela Bofill - We have lost another wonderful spirit, the wonderful and talented Vesta Williams. My condolences go out to Vesta's family, friends, and extended family.  Rest in peace Vesta.
Said Donnie Simpson - Vesta Williams had an amazing voice & a cool, down, funny personality. A Kool Breeze just came thru Heavens gates. You will be missed Vesta.

Arsenio Hall wrote – RIP sweetness

 ARSENIO HALL

Sheryl Lee Ralph - I am so deeply saddened at the passing of my diva friend Vesta Williams. RIP Vesta

Vesta recently said of her life – that it was "blessed, gifted and highly favored."

'A Raisin in the Sun' Gets Eight 2011 Ovation Awards Nominations

The nominations for the 2011 Ovation Awards were announced Monday night, with the Reprise Theatre Company receiving 17 nods, the most of any theater company. The Ovations are L.A.'s biggest theater award, recognizing excellence in stage productions around Southern California.

The most recent season featured 388 productions from 173 companies, according to the L.A. Stage Alliance, which organizes the Ovations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 14 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A.

Reprise's production of "Kiss Me, Kate" received 14 nominations, the most of any show. The new musical "Venice" at the Kirk Douglas Theatre has 11 nominations, while "A Wither's Tale" by the Troubador Theater Company, has 10 nods.
Among the notable acting and directing nominations are Raul Esparza in "Leap of Faith" at the Ahmanson Theatre, Phylicia Rashad for directing "A Raisin in the Sun" at the Ebony Repertory Theatre, Laurie Metcalf for "Voice Lessons" at the Sacred Fools Theatre, and French Stewart, who received two nods for "Voice Lessons" and "Watson" at Sacred Fools.

Here is the full list of the 2011 Ovation nominations:

BEST SEASON
Celebration Theatre — Bash'd! A Gay Rap Opera; The Next Fairy Tale; Take Me Out
Fountain Theatre — Bakersfield Mist; A House Not Meant to Stand; The Train Driver
Reprise Theatre Company — Gigi; Kiss Me, Kate; They’re Playing Our Song
Theatre Banshee — The Crucible; The Field; The Walworth Farce; War
Troubadour Theater Company — The First Jo-el; Fleetwood Macbeth; A Wither’s Tale

BEST PLAY — INTIMATE THEATRE
EVERYTHING WILL BE DIFFERENT (The Echo Theater Company)
HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)
NAZI HUNTER – SIMON WIESENTHAL (Theatre 40)
NEIGHBORS (The Matrix Theatre Company)
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (Rogue Machine)
VOICE LESSONS (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
THE WAR CYCLE: GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FIRST SQUAD (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)

BEST PLAY — LARGE THEATRE
EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (Geffen Playhouse)
MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)

Deidrie Henry and Kevin Carroll in
'A Raisin in the Sun'

SUPERIOR DONUTS (Geffen Playhouse)
WAITING FOR LEFTY (Theatre West)

BEST MUSICAL — INTIMATE THEATRE
BASH’D! A GAY RAP OPERA (Celebration Theatre)
HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
HOBOKEN TO HOLLYWOOD (Reasoner Associates LLC)
JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theater)
RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL (Red Hen Productions and The Schramm Group LLC)

BEST MUSICAL — LARGE THEATRE
FASCINATING RHYTHMS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Cabrillo Music Theatre)
VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)

ACTING ENSEMBLE FOR A PLAY
EVERYTHING WILL BE DIFFERENT (The Echo Theater Company)
GIRLS TALK (DEMAND Productions)
NEIGHBORS (The Matrix Theatre Company)
A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)

Scott Mosenson (Karl Lindner) Kenya Alexander (Beneatha Younger) 
Deidrie Henry (Ruth Younger) and Kevin Carroll (Walter Lee Younger)
Cast of 'A Raisin in the Sun' 

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (Rogue Machine)
VOICE LESSONS (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
THE WAR CYCLE: GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FIRST SQUAD (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)

ACTING ENSEMBLE OF A MUSICAL
HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theater)
KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)

CHOREOGRAPHY
Debbie Allen, TWIST — AN AMERICAN MUSICAL (Pasadena Playhouse)
Molly Alvarez, THE FIRST JO-EL (Troubadour Theater Company)
Cate Caplin, FASCINATING RHYTHMS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Jason Chong, KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE (East West Players)
Ameenah Kaplan, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Lee Martino, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Kelly Todd, JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theater)

MUSIC DIRECTION
Darryl Archibald, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Cabrillo Music Theatre)
Eric Heinly, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
DJ Jedi, BASH’D! A GAY RAP OPERA (Celebration Theatre)
Paul Litteral, HOBOKEN TO HOLLYWOOD (Reasoner Associates LLC)
Curtis Moore, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Michael Paternostro, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Mike Wilkins, JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theater)

BOOK FOR AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL
David Goldsmith and Wendy Perelman, HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
William Norris, Stuart Gordon, and Dennis Paoli, RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL (Red Hen Productions and The Schramm Group LLC)
Brian Pugach, THE NEXT FAIRY TALE (Celebration Theatre)

LYRICS/MUSIC FOR AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL
Gregory Nabours, THE TROUBLE WITH WORDS (Coeurage Theatre Company)
Mark Nutter, RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL (Red Hen Productions and The Schramm Group LLC)
Eric Rosen and Matt Sax, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)

PLAYWRIGHTING FOR AN ORIGINAL PLAY
Tom Burmester, THE WAR CYCLE: GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FIRST SQUAD (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)
Donald Jolly, BONDED (Playwrights Arena)
Marja Lewis-Ryan, DYSNOMIA (The Lounge Theatre)
Stefan Marks, HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)
John Pollono, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (Rogue Machine)
Elliot Shoenman, AFTERMATH (Linda Toliver/Gary Guidinger)
David Wiener, EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (Geffen Playhouse)

DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Trevor Biship, JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theater)
Cate Caplin, FASCINATING RHYTHMS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Ameenah Kaplan, BASH’D! A GAY RAP OPERA (Celebration Theatre)
Michael Michetti, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Eric Rosen, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Matt Walker, THE FIRST JO-EL (Troubadour Theatre Company)
Matt Walker, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theatre Company)

DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Andrew Block, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (Rogue Machine)
Stefan Marks, HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)
Michael Matthews, TAKE ME OUT (Celebration Theatre)
Phylicia Rashad, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)

 Phylicia Rashad

Director of 'A Raisin in the Sun'

Jaime Robledo, WATSON: THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
Danika Sudik, THE WAR CYCLE: GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FIRST SQUAD (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)
Jenny Sullivan, NAZI HUNTER — SIMON WIESENTHAL (Theatre 40)

LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Alaman Diadhiou, TWIST — AN AMERICAN MUSICAL (Pasadena Playhouse)
Luca Ellis, HOBOKEN TO HOLLYWOOD (Reasoner Associates LLC)
Raul Esparza, LEAP OF FAITH (Center Theatre Group: Ahmanson Theatre)
Tom Hewitt, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
David Laffey, JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA (The Chance Theatre)
Jesse Merlin, RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL (Red Hen Productions and The Schramm Group LLC)
Graham Skipper, RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL (Red Hen Productions and The Schramm Group LLC)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Lindsey Alley, HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
Stephanie Block, THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG (Reprise Theatre Company)
Kim Huber, HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
Lesli Margherita, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Kelli Provart, CATS (Musical Theatre West)
Alet Taylor, HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)
Shannon Warne, HAVING IT ALL (DEMAND Productions)

LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY
Obba Babatunde, A SOLDIER’S PLAY (Malibu Stage Company)
Jon Bernthal, SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (Rogue Machine)
Tom Dugan, NAZI HUNTER — SIMON WIESENTHAL (Theatre 40)
Joe Fria, WATSON — THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
Anthony J. Haney, MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Stefan Marks, HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)
French Stewart, VOICE LESSONS (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)

LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Susan Claassen, A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD (El Portal Theatre)
Alana Dietze. EVERYTHING WILL BE DIFFERENT (The Echo Theatre Company)
Diarra Kilpatrick, THE INTERLOPERS (Bootleg Theatre)
Sandy Martin, A HOUSE NOT MEANT TO STAND (Fountain Theatre)
Laurie Metcalf, VOICE LESSONS (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
Beth Patrik, HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)
Constance Zimmer, GIRLS TALK (DEMAND Productions) FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Willem de Vries, FASCINATING RHYTHMS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Sean Hingston, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Morgan Rusler, THE FIRST JO-EL (Troubadour Theater Company)
Isaac Wade, GROUP: A MUSICAL (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)
Matt Walker, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Matt Walker, THE FIRST JO-EL (Troubadour Theater Company)
Jay Winnick, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)

FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Anya, FASCINATING RHYTHMS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Meg Gillentine, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Beth Kennedy, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Beth Kennedy, THE FIRST JO-EL (Troubadour Theater Company)
Katherine Malak, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Millicent Martin, GIGI (Reprise Theatre Company)
Victoria Platt, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)

FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Francois Chau, EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (Geffen Playhouse)
Henry Dittman, WATSON — THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
Edi Gathegi, SUPERIOR DONUTS (Geffen Playhouse)
Michael Pappas, THE WAR CYCLE: GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FIRST SQUAD (Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble)
Darryl Stephens, THE INTERLOPERS (Bootleg Theatre)
French Stewart, WATSON — THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
Greg Watanabe, EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (Geffen Playhouse)

FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Andrea Bendewald, GIRLS TALK (DEMAND Productions)
Meredith Bishop, AFTERMATH (Linda Toliver/Gary Guidinger)
Anne Gee Byrd, THE AUTUMN GARDEN (The Antaeus Company)
Deidrie Henry, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)

 Deidrie Henry and Kevin Carroll 

in 'A Raisin in the Sun'

Vivian Kerr, THE CRUCIBLE (Theatre Banshee)
Nicole Paggi, GIRLS TALK (DEMAND Productions)
Daniele Watts, NEIGHBORS (The Matrix Theatre Company)

LIGHTING DESIGN — INTIMATE THEATRE
Ken Booth, A HOUSE NOT MEANT TO STAND (Fountain Theatre)
Ken Booth, THE TRAIN DRIVER (Fountain Theatre)
Bosco Flanagan, AWAKE (Bootleg Theatre)
Christopher Kuhl, HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AND NEVER BE FOUND (The Theatre @ Boston Court)
Matt Richter, SKELETON STORIES (Theatre of NOTE)
Matt Richter, SHOE STORY (Theatre of NOTE)
Mark Svastics, HELLO (Crooked Arrow Productions)

LIGHTING DESIGN — LARGE THEATRE
Howell Binkley, TWIST — AN AMERICAN MUSICAL (Pasadena Playhouse)
Elizabeth Harper, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)
Paulie Jenkins, MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS (The Colony Theatre Company)
Jeremy Pivnick, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Jared Sayeg, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
David Weiner, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Dan Weingarten, KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE (East West Players)

SCENIC DESIGN — INTIMATE THEATRE
Kurt Boetcher, HEAVIER THAN… (The Theatre @ Boston Court)
Tom Buderwitz, THE AUTUMN GARDEN (The Antaeus Company)
Joel Daavid, SKELETON STORIES (Theatre of NOTE)
Joel Daavid, THE VIOLET HOUR (Hollywood Food Chain Productions)
Jeff McLaughlin, BAKERSFIELD MIST (Fountain Theatre)
Jeff McLaughlin, THE TRAIN DRIVER (Fountain Theatre)
Jeff McLaughlin, A HOUSE NOT MEANT TO STAND (Fountain Theatre)

SCENIC DESIGN — LARGE THEATRE
John Arnone, SUPERIOR DONUTS (Geffen Playhouse)
Tom Buderwitz, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Michael Ganio, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)
Stephen Gifford, THE CLEAN HOUSE (International City Theatre)
John Iacovelli, ON GOLDEN POND (The Colony Theatre Company)
Meghan Raham, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Todd Rosenthal, TWIST — AN AMERICAN MUSICAL (Pasadena Playhouse)

SOUND DESIGN — INTIMATE THEATRE
Peter Bayne, A HOUSE NOT MEANT TO STAND (Fountain Theatre)
Alyssa Ishii, AWAKE (Bootleg Theater)
Bryan Maier, SHOE STORY (Theatre of NOTE)
David Marling, THE TRAIN DRIVER (Fountain Theatre)
Mark McClain Wilson, SKELETON STORIES (Theatre of NOTE)
John Zalewski, HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AND NEVER BE FOUND (The Theatre @ Boston Court)
John Zalewski, MARGO VEIL (Odyssey Theatre Ensemble)

SOUND DESIGN — LARGE THEATRE
Philip Allen, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Bob Blackburn, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)
Jonathan Burke, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Cabrillo Music Theatre)
Kenny Hobbs, MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS (Rubicon Theatre Company)
Joshua Horvath, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Vincent Olivieri, EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS (Geffen Playhouse)
Richard Woodbury, SUPERIOR DONUTS (Geffen Playhouse)

COSTUME DESIGN — INTIMATE THEATRE
Naila Alladin-Sanders, NEIGHBORS (The Matrix Theatre Company)
Ann Closs-Farley, KEN ROHT’S 99 CENT ONLY SAME-O, AN ELECTRIC BALLAD (Bootleg Theater)
Ann Closs-Farley, THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Deaf West Theatre)
Tina Haatainen-Jones, THE AUTUMN GARDEN (The Antaeus Company)
Shon LeBlanc, THE VIOLET HOUR (Hollywood Food Chain Productions)
Tifanie McQueen, ENDGAME (Sacred Fools Theatre Company)
A. Jeffrey Schoenberg, THE MALCONTENT (The Antaeus Company)

COSTUME DESIGN — LARGE THEATRE
Christa Armendariz BEEHIVE — THE 1960’S GIRL GROUP MUSICAL (Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities)
Angela Calin, GREAT EXPECTATIONS (A Noise Within)
Ruth Carter, A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Ebony Repertory Theatre)

 Ruth Carter

'A Raisin in the Sun'

Garry Lennon, KISS ME, KATE (Reprise Theatre Company)
Sharon McGunigle, A WITHER’S TALE (Troubadour Theater Company)
Meghan Raham, VENICE (Center Theatre Group: Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Emilio Sosa, TWIST — AN AMERICAN MUSICAL (Pasadena Playhouse)

Halle Berry's "What A Little Love Can Do" Estate Sale in Collaboration with Jenesse Center

Halle Berry

Hally Berry, in collaboration with Jenesse Center Inc., will hold a “What A Little Love Can Do” estate sale in collaboration with Jenesse Center, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Sun. Sept. 25, at Lightspace, 8755 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.
 
“What A Little Love Can Do” estate sale is being held to fund programs that serve Jenesse families overcoming domestic violence.  Items for the sale were personally selected and procured by Halle Berry for this event. 

For Sale

The "What A Little Love Can Do Project," headed up by Halle Berry and top designers, Patrick Delanty, David Brian Sanders and Lindsay Jackson, was initiated to enhance the living and educational facilities for women, children and men needing to escape the dangers of domestic violence. 

For Sale

"My belief is that by providing a safe, warm and beautiful space that is free of the horrors of the past, victims of domestic violence whose spirits have been broken can begin to heal, hope, dream and start again,” said Berry, founder of the project. “We have completed a space where children can go to get new clothing, have parties, play dates, play games, read, do art projects and have therapy.  By engaging the children this way, it lays the foundation for healthy mental development and a belief that they are worthy far beyond their circumstance."

For Sale

Founded in 1980, Jenesse Center Inc. provides culturally sensitive programs, services and outreach efforts to families by providing a comprehensive, centralized base of support and services that ensures a transition from immediate crisis to stability and self-sufficiency.  

For Sale

Housing women and children from 30 days up to two years through its 156-bed emergency and transitional shelters, Jenesse also provides a variety of support services to more than 1,000 families annually including mental health counseling, independent life skills classes, computer training, job referrals, after school programs for children, field trips, tutoring and legal assistance offering assistance with obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence victims.

For Sale

Project video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prFMswWArtA Estate sale preview,visit  http://www.flickr.com//photos/66672659@N07/show/.
 
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, compliments of First Picks Management.

John Singleton's ABDUCTION

By Darlene Donloe

Nathan Harper is feeling like a stranger in his own life. He just can’t shake the feeling that something is just not right.
Other than that, he’s a normal kid who likes to ride his motorcycle, hang with his friends,  wrestle on the high school team and live comfortably in the suburbs with two loving parents.
That’s where the normalcy ends. Soon, Nathan, played by Taylor Lautner, learns he’s not who he thinks he is, and is forced to run to save his own life.  He is thrust into a world of covert espionage where lies are finally revealed.

TAYLOR LAUTNER AND LILY COLLINS

Collins plays Lautner's neighbor and love interest in ABDUCTION

This is the story behind director John Singleton’s latest film, ABDUCTION (Lionsgate), set to open nationwide Sept. 23.
The movie, written by Shawn Christensen, stars Taylor Lautner, Denzel Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, Alfred Molina, Lily Collins, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello and Michael Nyqvist.
I recently caught up with Singleton (JS), Lautner (TL), Weaver (SW), Shawn Christensen (SC) and Molina (AM) to talk about the film.
DD: Why did you want to direct this film?
JS: To show what I could do working with Taylor. I have a history of working with new talent. I like to bring an element of my personality to whomever I work with. He wanted me to do the movie.

JASON ISAACS, JOHN SINGLETON & TAYLOR LAUTNER

Isaacs plays Lautner's father, Kevin, in ABDUCTION

DD: Why do you like working with young people?
JS: Because they listen to you. They are eager and have a lot to prove.
DD: You have young actors and some vets working in this movie.
JS: It’s phenomenal when you’re working with two vets. It’s like working with theater vets. They approach it as a play – they get it. They elevated the picture and brought something to the young people.
DD: You’ve done a couple of action movies.
JS: I love doing action. I like films that are weighty and have emotional jeopardy. It doesn’t work if you don’t care for the characters.
DD: What do you want to do now?
JS: Work more. I’ve spent the last five years sailing on the water in my boat and getting my kids out of high school and into college. I want to be prolific, do more pictures and another movie in the hood. A part of me wants to go back and do what I used to do.
DD: This movie seems to be right up your alley.
TL: The story and journey this character goes on, I thought, it’ll be exciting. I knew it would challenge me, especially emotionally.
DD: Tell me about working with John Singleton.
TL: Definitely familiar with previous works. We had a good time together. He’s amazing. He’s a good guy.

TAYLOR LAUTNER

DD: You do a lot of stunts in this movie. Were you scared?
TL: The scariest thing was that I wasn’t scared at all.
DD: Talk about the training for the movie.
TL: I started boxing training three months before I went to Pittsburgh. I also did motorcycle and wrestling training. A lot of physical preparation and emotional preparation.
DD: How has fame changed you?
TL: I hope it doesn’t.  I have this new life where I do what I love. I also have the same life I had before.
DD: What’s the best part of being Taylor Lautner? Also, what did you expect from showbiz and what did you get?
TL: I’m always looking to challenge myself. I didn’t expect anything. I was told it was the most competitive business.  The best part about being me is to work with the people I’m working with. I’m fortunate to work with talent behind and in front of the camera.
DD: How old were you when you got started in the biz?
TL: I was 8-years-old. My karate instructor said I should give showbiz a shot. My family listened to him. We came out for a month. Of course, I fell in love with it.
DD: You’ve completed the Twilight movies.
TL: After playing a character so long, it’s a weird feeling. I had to soak it all in – it’s done. We won’t go back to live these characters.
DD: Sigourney, talk about working with John Singleton and the cast.
SW: He’s a filmmaker I really admire. I also wanted to work with Taylor and Lily. I like intergenerational projects.

TAYLOR LAUTNER & SIGOURNEY WEAVER

Weaver plays psychiatrist, Dr. Bennett

DD: Some actresses are sitting at home going, ‘what the hell,’ because they’re not working. You work all the time.
SW: I have five movies coming out soon with such an array of genres. I never know what I’m going to be offered.  I realize now how much luck goes into a career.
DD: In Avatar you died. But, I have a feeling you’re coming back.
SW: As Jim (James Cameron) says, ‘no one dies in science fiction.’
DD: Why did you want to do this movie?
AM: You mean besides the money. (laughter) Because I’ve never played a C.I.A. operative. I did do a television mini-series called, “The Company,” where I played a guy who actually existed, but this is fictional. I’ve never done anything like this before. Plus, I was working with a new generation of actors like Taylor and Lily.

ALFRED MOLINA & TAYLOR LAUTNER

Molina plays a C.I.A. operative

DD: So tell me about working with John Singleton.
AM: Never worked with him before. I’m a fan of his movies. That was another part of my interest and desire to do the film. He (John) has an open and honest way of getting what he wants and needs.
DD: So he gave you some good pointers?
AM: Well, I have a cute story. There was a point when the scene just wasn’t working. I asked John what he thought we could do to make the scene work. He said, “maybe you could act better.”  (laughter)
DD: So, were you the vet telling the youngsters how it’s done?
AM: You can take the easy road or a slightly different road. Hopefully you can offer them something and they can offer you something.
DD: You’ve been in this game a while. You could choose to do any role.
AM: I’m in my mid to late 50s. It’s easy to get complacent. Especially when everyone is telling you how great you are. I enjoy working.

LAUTNER & DENZEL WHITAKER are friends in ABDUCTION

DD: How do you feel about what John Singleton did with your words?
SC: He’s far more accessible in his execution than I would be. He knows the things to hit with people that make them cheer and get emotional. He’s also….his smile is infectious. He knows how to have fun.
Abduction is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, brief language, some sexual content and teen partying. Running time: 106 minutes.

2nd ANNUAL ‘ENDLESS SUMMER’ EMMY® SUITE ATTRACTS CELEBS

By Darlene Donloe

Awards season was kicked off in spectacular fashion, once again, with the 2nd Annual ‘Endless Summer’ Primetime Emmy Suite.
The star-studded event, held at the Japanese-influenced Gonpachi of Beverly Hills restaurant, attracted a number of celebrities who ate, mingled and then took home bag loads of bling.
The event was held to honor the television industry’s Emmy-nominated actors, former Emmy winners, presenters, stylists and industry VIPS.

TAMALA JONES

“I’m having a great time,” said actress Tamala Jones (Castle). “This is a cool event.”
The highly anticipated invitation-only Hollywood soiree, co-hosted by Oliver Sweeney, presented by Vitabath® and produced by Doris Bergman and Kathy Duliakas, featured everything from body and skin care, electronics, lingerie, fabulous footwear and stunning jewelry, to sexy swimwear, delectable goodies, exotic cocktails and more!

SHAR JACKSON AND JOE MANTEGNA

“I am never taking these shoes off,” said Shar Jackson (Moesha), upon trying on some Joya footwear. “I’m going to live in these. These are incredible. They feel so good. What a cool event.”
Other celebrities on hand included Jackee Harry (227), Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, William Shatner, Emmy-nominee Dot-Marie Jones (‘Glee’), Vienna Girardi and Kasey Kahl (Bachelor Pad), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family), Cheryl Hines (‘Suburgatory’ & ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’), Amy Rider (‘Secret Life of the American Teenager’), Andrea Gabriel (Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn), Chris McDonald, Christine Devine, Dee Wallace, Eric Roberts, Fiona Gubelmann (‘Wilfred’), James Kyson Lee (‘Hawaii: Five-O’), ‘Body of Proof’s’ Jeri Ryan, Nicholas Bishop & Windell Middlebrooks, Jillian Rose Reed (‘Awkward’), Joe Mantegna (‘Criminal Minds’), Judd Nelson, Kevin Farley, Lenny Jacobson (‘Nurse Jackie’), Madison Michelle, Malese Jow (‘Vampire Diaries’), Marisa Ramirez, ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Damian Whitewood, Peta Mergatroyd, Chelsie Hightower and Kyle Massey, Emmy- nominee Randee Heller, Rex Lee (Entourage) Rowan Blanchard (‘SPY KIDS’), Sofia Milos, Tyrone Davis, Vanessa Lengies (‘Glee’ new series regular) and Wes Ramsey (‘CSI: Miami’).
Mike Sam was in attendance representing the clothing line Single® by Galina Sobolev, which featured fashion-forward dresses.

MIKE SAM

“This is an impressive event,” said Sam. “I’m excited to be here and to be able to showcase these fabulous dresses.”
Although it was clearly a “hot” event, Deb Bolner Prost was there cooling down attendees with Cool Off - The Quick Chill Icy Cold Towelettes, an innovative personal herbal cooling towel, only available through the company’s website. 

COOL OFF

Prost said the product was infused with a clean-scented formula of natural ingredients that includes cooling herbs, moisturizing botanicals and therapeutic essential oils.
“This has been on the market for about a year,” said Prost, CEO of the company. “I’m getting incredible feedback from everyone who tries the towelettes. When you first put the towel on your skin the ingredients give you an initial feeling of coolness. However, because of the ingredients you will remain cool for up to an hour.  It has so many uses.”
One of the more popular giveaways was the fashionably hip B Bag™ by LisaBerck™, which came in a variety of colors and designs. Each B Bag™ comes with a card wallet, a red signature heart crystal and a 48' chain strap.

B BAG

UhHuhh

Another hot item was the UhHuhh™ by Intenuum Innovation™, a set of 3-D earphones.
     Other vendors gifting the bling included: Oliver Sweeney -- couture designer of men’s footwear; athletic socks by Experia - powered by Thorlo Pads; jewelry by ROYCEWARE; women’s T’s & hoodies by Guerilla Lifestyle; the new Vitabath® Fragrance Collection; Spongeables® LLC shower treats; Dulcenea lingerie; swimwear by BECCA® by Rebecca Virtue; Bootights® by Leg Up™; skin care by Stemulation™ and Prana SpaCeuticals™; Model in a Bottle®; Live In Fitness, an all inclusive Los Angeles fitness retreat; Neuro® healthy functional drinks; Rev7™ -- a revolutionary new chewing gum; Whirl-a-Style®; Hotty Hoody® Cool Sleeve; iStick™ Hands Free Cellular; author Lennie Ross

 LENNIE ROSS

and her new book entitled “Blow Me!”; Zestra® Essential Arousal Oils™; five-star cuisine created by Executive Chef Yasu Kusano of Gonpachi of Beverly Hills; "Crazy Delicious", "Outstanding" Antonia's Nuts™; Hawaii’s Waialua Soda Works and Hawaiian Springs® Water; Blue Angel Ultra Premium Vodka and Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueurs.

OLIVER SWEENEY

 VITABATH

In addition, guests donated school supplies, backpacks and money to the "I Have a Dream" Foundation® - Los Angeles (IHAD-LA), which provides academic, social and cultural enrichment services to under-served youth and their families.

Freedom’s Sisters Exhibit Opens at Museum of Tolerance

By Darlene Donloe

Freedom’s Sisters, an emotional exhibit that tells the story of African American women who changed the world, is currently on display at the Museum of Tolerance. 
The interactive exhibition honors 20 African American women who have worked for freedom and equality in America.

The honorees include: Ella J. Baker, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Septima Poinsette Clark, Kathleen Cleaver, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Fannie Lou Hamer, Frances Watkins Harper, Dorothy Irene Height, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Barbara Jordan, Coretta Scott King, Constance Baker Motley, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, Sonia Sanchez, Betty Shabazz, Mary Church Terrell, Harriet Ross Greene Tubman, C. Delores Tucker and Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

A star-studded tribute honoring the 20, as well as 43 women in Los Angeles who were recognized as local Freedom’s Sisters, took place Tuesday night (Sept. 13) at the Museum of Tolerance. The event was co-hosted by Kevin Frazier (The Insider) and Holly Robinson Peete (The Talk/For Your Love).

HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE

Of the 20, Myrlie Evers Williams and Dr. Sonia Sanchez were present.
“I call this exhibit the thunder of angels,” said Sanchez. “I’m honored to be part of this exhibit. It’s important to bring children to the exhibit. Bring humanity back into the classroom.  When you see this exhibit, we will learn how to wear our days well.”

DR. SONIA SANCHEZ

“There is the whole of me that says to the God I worship, ‘I thank you for all the blessings and allowing me to look deep inside this world…and say, it’s worth it,’” said Evers Williams, who revealed she is 78. “As women we need to stand up, stand tall and stand brave.  We need to give credit to those who deserve it. But, understand, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.”

MYRLIE EVERS WILLIAMS

Of the 43 being honored, several were on hand including KCBS news anchor Pat Harvey, artists Phoebe Beasley and Samella Lewis, actress Denise Nicholas, Rosie Lee Hooks (actress and director of the Watts Towers Arts Center), sculptor Artis Lane, Avis Ridley Thomas (Los Angeles city attorney’s office) and former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Rita Walters.

ARTIS LANE, PHOEBE BEASLEY & ROSIE LEE HOOKS

“I feel very honored to be in the same company as these women,” said Walters. “This exhibit means these women and the work they’ve done is being recognized. These women are inspiring. They were there the whole time. This has been women’s role throughout history.”

RITA WALTERS

Liebe Geft, director of the Museum of Tolerance, called Freedom’s Sisters a “remarkable exhibition.”
“I’m humbled to be in the presence of two of the Freedom’s Sisters,” said Geft referring to Evers Williams and Sanchez. “You are our role models today. Special stories are best told in special places. This is a catalyst for change. I want everyone to be inspired by their stories.”

LIEBE GEFT & DR. SONIA SANCHEZ

“Projects like this allow us to share an important part of our history,” said Lori Yarrish, deputy director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, one of the collaborators for Freedom’s Sisters.
Organized around the themes of “Dare to Dream,” “Inspire Lives,” “Serve the Public,” and “Look to the Future,” interactive stations and images bring the women’s stories to life. The multimedia retrospective is a collaborative effort between the Cincinnati Museum Center, Ford Motor Company and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES).
The exhibit does not diminish the efforts and accomplishments made by the male leaders, but rather highlights the contributions of African American women.

FREEDOM'S SISTERS

“We haven’t done all that we can to honor the sisters,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development and Fund Operations Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. Freedom’s Sisters tells the story of women that have previously been untold. I don’t mean to understate their actions by saying that. But, the reality is that the contributions of these 20 women and so many other Freedom’s Sisters who maybe aren’t listed in the exhibit, were literally the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement. And, in so many ways, they didn’t receive the recognition that they deserve.”

PAMELA ALEXANDER

Freedom’s Sisters, conceived by the Ford Motor Company Fund (the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company), opened on March 15, 2008 at the Cincinnati Museum Center and has toured nine locations across the U.S. over a three-year period. The exhibit will conclude in Harlem, New York.
In addition to the exhibit, Freedom’s Sisters, which has educational and community outreach initiatives, includes an essay contest in which Ford will award $10,000 in scholarships to local 4th-8th grade students.
Also recognized that evening for their contributions to the project were actors Blair Underwood (The Event), James Pickens Jr.(Grey’s Anatomy) and Kevin Frazier (whose great aunt is Septima Poinsette Clark).

HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE & BLAIR UNDERWOOD

Other celebrities in attendance included Natalie Cole, Marla Gibbs, CCH Pounder and Bernie Casey.
At the celebration, singer Deniece Williams brought the house down singing her hit song, “Black Butterfly,” as a tribute to all the Freedom’s Sisters.
“To be in the company of these women is encouraging,” said Williams. “They are remarkable. I can sit and listen to them for hours.”
Said Kevin Frazier, who has traveled with the exhibit from the beginning, ‘traveling with these women is like an education. These women’s stories need to be told.”
Freedom’s Sisters, Museum of Tolerance, Simon Wiesenthal Plaza, 9786 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; Sept 14, 2011-Jan. 8, 2012; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; closed Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.; $11-$15; (310) 553-8403 or www.museumoftolerance.com.

"WARRIOR" IS A KNOCKOUT!!!!

By Darlene Donloe

On the surface “WARRIOR” looks like any other boxing movie. It’s not! It’s so much more.

The story is raw, emotional, dramatic and extremely violent. However, all of those ingredients plus the fine performances by everyone involved make it a mesmerizing film. From start to finish, director Gavin O’Connor draws in the audience with the tortured story of two brothers, who are at odds with their father. Each one of their ‘tortures’ seems to top the other two.

Here’s the story. Unbeknownst to two estranged brothers (Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton) they each enter a no-holds-barred Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Tournament, with a $5 million purse. It’s, of course, winner take all. 

One brother, Tommy (Hardy), who happens to be incredibly bitter about familial happenings when he was a teenager, wants nothing to do with his brother, Brendan (Edgerton) or his alienated, recovering alcoholic father, played superbly by (Nick Nolte). However, Tommy is willing to put his negative feelings aside, temporarily, if his father agrees to train him in the ring – so he can win the $5 million. 

Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are brothers in "WARRIOR"

O'Connor’s film is first rate.  It delivers a stunning upper cut.

I recently caught up with Nolte (NN), Edgerton (JE), Hardy (TH) and O’Connor (GO), at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, to discuss the film, which hits theaters Sept. 9.

DD: What part of your brain did you have to use to come up with this movie?

GO: I was dealing with some things in my own life. Some things happened in my childhood. Forgiveness is easy to say. To act on it, live it, is fucking hard.

DD: Is what we see on camera  - what you actually had on the page?

GO: I had 25 minutes in the beginning of the film that was different. I had Tommy’s character living in Mexico in a hut, swimming with rocks and fighting underground. He was in hiding making money. He was dealing pills and drugs.

DD: Why a movie on the MAA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

GO: This is a love letter to that sport.

Nick Nolte

DD: Nick, how much did you know about MMA fighting before doing the movie?

NN: Not a whole lot. I got the script five months early. I was concerned about the violence in it. But, I was hooked. The writing is brilliant, so is the relationship with the father and the boys.

DD: The character you play seems lost.

NN: With 1000 days of sobriety, he finds who he is. Developing him it was something that lingered. It’s a full time gig. It’s a great form of acting. You circle around the character filtering your feelings in and out.

DD: Could you draw from your own father/son relationship with your father?

NN: My father didn’t talk. He was a WWll vet. I was four or five when he came home. There was a skeleton at the door. Those are the first images of my father that I can remember. He was a 6’6” man that everyone liked.  He never talked about war.

DD: This movie is advertised as a fighting movie. It is, but that just touches the surface. This movie is really about family.

NN: The only thing we have is family. Family is worth fighting for. Relationships are work – I haven’t been good at it.

Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte in "WARRIOR"

DD: Do you believe in the power of the human spirit, or is it just luck.

NN: It’s a bit of both.

Joel Edgerton

DD: When you got the script, what made you want to take the part?

JE: It was a job at first. Then, it was watching Gavin’s movies. He really knows how to bring the world and atmosphere to the screen.

DD: What are some of your favorite scenes?

TH: My favorite scene is the beach with the brothers. Also, I like the scene where I put my father to bed.

DD: How intense were the workout sessions?

TH: We worked out for seven weeks, seven days a week, we were hitting pads.

Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte

DD: Did you all get together to talk over the script?

JE: There were a lot of discussions beforehand.  Gavin wanted us to engage and talk about the family.

On the Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (OK) and E (excellent), “WARRIOR” gets an E (Excellent).


‘Warrior’ (Lionsgate), opens Sept. 9, 2011; Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic material. Running time: 139 minutes