The highly anticipated film adaptation of Lisa See‘s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan will hit theaters in July 15th and we have a first look at the official trailer.
Continue Reading »
Dear Vanessa Hudgens,
It’s me, Janice. You don’t know me but I am quite familiar with you and your public persona. I’ve been one of your early fans, following you from your ascent as Miss High School Musical, singing and dancing your way to the top of Disney royalty as Gabriella Montez. I remember when you first came onscreen–pretty girl, sweet voice, what’s not to love?
The inspiring documentary Dressed showcases a deeper side to the often shallow world of fashion. The movie is a compelling story of a young Asian American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defied the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to reach his ultimate dream, a show of his collection during New York Fashion Week. Check out the trailer after the jump.
For someone who’s supposed to be a featured star within a film, they really don’t show it in this new trailer for Sucker Punch. A new trailer for Sucker Punch just premiered and it mainly features the protagonist, Baby Doll played by Emily Browning, but none of Korean American Jamie Chung’s character, Amber. I’ve watched through this trailer twice now and I haven’t spotted her once in it. The new trailer mainly focuses on the special effects from the film, which are absolutely gorgeous, but I WANT MORE JAMIE CHUNG. I mean, they have a character poster for her, doesn’t that mean she should have some screen time in the new trailer?
Beyonce said, "All the single LADIES," okay?
I don’t dread Valentine’s Day because it’s the only reason keeping Hallmark in business.
I don’t dread it because it’s another excuse for couples to parade their PDA around.
I don’t dread it because much like New Year’s Eve, this over-hyped holiday is downright boring. Spent either waiting in line for hours for a 9 o’ clock dinner reservation at an overpriced restaurant deemed “romantic” because they’ve dimmed the lights so low you can’t even see what you’re eating or exchanging the same ol’ gifts of chocolate, flowers and baubles. *Yawn.
And I am definitely not dreading it because I will be single on Valentine’s Day this year.
In fact, this is actually the first year where I cherish being single. I’ll admit, in the past, I’ve wanted to shake being single off me like it’s an angry bee but this year, I’ve learned to embrace the freedom that flying solo will entail.
Hence, I’ve concocted a bunch of great stuff for us single gals to do as we celebrate Singles Awareness Day or rather, Galentines!
Watch Obscure Foreign Films
Boys never seem to be good checking out truly great cinema- they always fall asleep or groan about it or what to make out with you through it. I’d check out these sexy South Korean films: Poetry by Lee Chang-dong or The Housemaid by Im Sang-soo by myself.
Journal
If you think about it, the person you will have the longest relationship with is…yourself. Why not make time for some self-reflection, journaling goals, ways to improve, memories?
Volunteer
Spend the season of love giving love to those who might not necessarily receive a lot. Volunteer at an elderly home, homeless shelter, non-profit organization. Do it by yourself because when you’re doing it alone, you’re not trying to impress anyone or prove how holy you are. You’re just doing it out of the goodness of your heart.
Bake
It’s time to bust out the pans and oven mitts and whip up some delicious sweets. You won’t have to worry about any sneaky muffin thieves who’ll creep into you kitchen while you’re not looking. I’d bake for ALL my loved ones, my mom, dad, sister and friends. Check out Sarah J. Gim’s mouthwatering site Tastespotting for more recipe ideas.
Work Out
I hate jogging with other people, no offense. I either run too slow and have to overwork my body to catch up (or let down my ego and beg them to slow down) or run slower as I wait for my lagging partner. Jogging by myself gives me time to think and meditate.
Throw a Game Night
Nothing says the more the merrier like game night where people of all types, singles and non-singles, are invited to show off their board game prowess. Just don’t be lame and make it a couples’ night or anything. My favorite games to dominate at–err, I mean, play–include Cranium and Taboo.
Day spas, tea parties, salsa dancing, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate your singledom. Most of us will only be single for a limited time in our lives. Make the most of it!
Hailee Steinfeld’s tour-de-force performance as Mattie Ross in the Coen brother’s highly-acclaimed True Grit this year proves that the 14-year-old is a an acting force to be reckoned with. Steinfeld, who’s father is Jewish and mother is of Filipino-African American descent, has been racking up awards all season long.
Her red carpet appearances indicate another thing: this teenager is also a fashion force to be reckoned with! Let’s check out some of Hailee’s hottest styles.
At the New York premiere of True Grit, Steinfeld perfectly dressed her age in bouncy waves and a sparkly mini.
Steinfeld channeled True Grit‘s western wear in this black Victorian-styled dress and booties. We’re not totally digging the fuzzballs though.
The actress showed true grit by pairing turquoise pumps with a plum-hued frock. Simple but classy!
We wish we looked like this when we were 14! A sleek shift matched her sleeker side ponytail and even though the former model is already 5’11,” she was still daring enough to go higher with black strappy platforms.
This nude one-shoulder gave Steinfeld a total goddess-y feel.
The Golden Globes nominee was the epitome of grace in a white gown and tight ponytail. Forget Black Swan, we want a white one!
We only have one complaint about Steinfeld’s recent Oscar nod — that she wasn’t nominated for Best Actress. (Steinfeld is in the Supporting category.) But we still can’t wait to see what the stylish star is going to don for the biggest night in Tinseltown. And we’re hoping she heads home that night with the best accessory of all, the golden statue.
It’s been a while since a movie has really tickled my fancy but when I walked out of a sneak peek of The Green Hornet, I could not wait to tell all my friends to get the car ready for their next movie night.
Starring Seth Rogen and Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou, The Green Hornet– not to be confused with that other Green movie also coming out this year with sexyman Ryan Reynolds — tells of a spoiled son of a media tycoon who decides to fight crime by pretending to be bad guys. Chou is his sidekick-who-really-does-all-the-work, Kato.
Directed by Michael Gondry (after HK superstar Stephen Chow left the job) and co-written by Rogen, I was surprised by how good the film was. The lines were funny but sweet, the action left me at the edge of my seat and the casting was excellent, albeit unexpected. Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds) killed it (pun, har har) as the villain and Rogen had you rooting for his bratty character.
Chou as Kato winning the heart of Cameron Diaz' character, Lenore
But I was most impressed by Jay Chou’s Kato — a fully fleshed-out Asian character who was mistaken as the sidekick but was the real hero of the show. The Green Hornet showed off Chou’s singing, lady-wooing, comedic and ass-kicking skills. That’s a lot of skills! I didn’t even care that I could hardly understand Chou’s English half the time. (This is Chou’s American film debut so we forgive him.)
The reviews are also rolling in and they’re really good!
But you don’t have to believe our critiques of the film. Let’s have some of the stars convince you.
The Green Hornet Hollywood premiere will be streaming live tonight at 9:30PM EST/6:30 pm PST and you can catch it right on Audrey’s website. Check back then. Rogen, Chou, Cameron Diaz, Michel Gondry, Jonah Hill, Judd Apatow, Stephen Lang, Anna Faris and Tom Green are just some of the stars slated to appear on the red carpet.
The Green Hornet will be released in theaters nationwide on January 14, 2011. Jay Chou is also part of Audrey’s Winter Personalities. Purchase issue here.
It’s Halloween weekend and if you’re not in the mood to dress up or surround yourself with slutty pumpkins and screaming kids hopped up on sugar everywhere, make some time to check out these events and happenings! No costumes required (or hey, better yet, dress up and go!)
CAM: Hollywood Chinese – The Arthur Dong Collection
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 7
Venue: Chinese American Museum
425 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Description: This is a groundbreaking and significant display of nearly 200 pieces collected during the 10-year research for Arthur Dong’s award-winning documentary, Hollywood Chinese. You can expect an archive of over 1000 items: a vibrant selection of posters, lobby cards, stills, scripts, press materials and artifacts dating from 1916 to the present-day.
Looking for something to do this week? Audrey has got you covered with our roundup of the coolest events all over the U.S.
The Temper Trap
When: Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7:30p.m.
Venue: Club Nokia
800 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015
(213) 765-7000
Description: If you haven’t seen 500 Days of Summer, then you should still watch The Temper Trap perform live. Tickets are only $21.50, and just think about it, this alternative melodramatic pop band traveled all the day down under to meet you.
China Lite? How the West supports one party rule in Vietnam
When: Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 12:30pm to 1:45pm
Venue: Lindner Commons
The Elliott School of International Affairs
1957 E Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C.
Description: BBC senior broadcast journalist Bill Hayton and author of Vietnam: Rising Dragon discusses his book. It’s free admission, so RSVP by 12 p.m. on Oct. 25, here (https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=c53ec6)
EPITAPH (2007, Jung Brothers)
When: Thursday, Oct. 28, 7:30pm
Venue: Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA
Description: Snuggle up with a date and check out this horror flick where in a modern hospital in 1941, doctors witness weird events and learn DEATH is the sole healer.
*Screening is free and English subtitle is provided.
Old Town Haunt
When: Friday, October 01, 2010 to Sunday, October 31, 2010
Venue: 20 N. Raymond Avenue
(626) 248-7652
Get your scare on at Pasadena’s award winning, scariest haunted house.
http://www.oldtownhaunt.com
The Little Ones, The Henry Clay People, Andy Clockwise, We Barbarians, The Monolators, The Dig, Downtown/Union, Red Cortez (acoustic), Manhattan Murder Mystery (acoustic), Marvelous Toy (acoustic), The Steelwells (acoustic), Olin And The Moon (acoustic), The Hectors (acoustic)
When: Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.
Venue: The Echo (18+)
1822 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90026
(213) 413-8200
Description: Crystal Castles “Lovers Who Uncover” really took The Little Ones’ remixed single off the charts. This indie band has some of the sweetest and most nostalgic-inducing music makers. Tickets run from $10-12, which is basically a steal for all the other bands performing with them.
Journeys Abroad, Journeys Within: A Korean Adoption Film Festival
When: Friday, Oct 29 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Venue: University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
Boston Korean Adoptees, Inc. proudly presents Journeys Abroad,
Description: Journeys Within: A Korean Adoption Film Festival, presented with the assistance of the Korean Ministry of Health & Welfare and the Asian American Studies Program at UMass Boston. The festival will feature the following films: “First Person Plural”, “Going Home”, ”Resilience”, and “In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee”. Directors Deann, Borshay Liem and Tammy Chu will also be in attendance for Q&A sessions following their films. Price: $15
Friendship Games
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Venue: Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(310) 999-9348 (Alvin Reyes)
Description:
This is a big one, the tweets have just come in and it says that 40 schools registered with an expected 6,000 atendees! Run by CSUF’s PASA Kaibigan, Friendship Games is all about friendly-competition through picnic games, entertainment and networking. Oh, and did I forget to mention the cultural food? Leave your picnic baskets at home, but don’t forget your good sportsmanship for this Filipino event.
List compiled by Katrina and Rachel. Got events you want Audrey to share with our readers? Email us at janice@audreymagazine.com
The 11th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is hitting Southern California next weekend (October 21-28) with an impressive lineup of Asian and Asian American films aiming to connect audiences to the human experience though the Pan Asian media arts. The weeklong festival is jam-packed with everything including captivating panels from Youtube pioneers and Asian American stars to mixers and cast after-parties. And, lest we forget, films, films and more films!
- Macho Like Me – and Audrey sponsored film
Since its inception in 2000, Audrey has been a long-time fan of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and we think you should enjoy it too. That’s why we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to Audrey readers!
To win, comment below your favorite Asian American cinematic experience. This can include shorts, documentaries, musicals and music videos. You have until Monday, Oct. 18 11:59PM to win. GOOD LUCK!
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is an annual event of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation. Our mission is to connect audiences to the human experience through the Pan Asian media arts. We’ve been around since 2000, premiering films from around the world. Our emphasis is on Asian American cinema, but we also showcase international films, along with shorts, documentaries, and animation. Along with films, patrons will be able to meet and speak with filmmakers and actors, enjoy meaningful discussions, hear live music, and enjoy nightly parties. Most of all, we pride ourselves in being a well-organized, friendly festival made of people who are passionate about life, learning…and having FUN! For more info, check out the site here.
