Housewife in Hollywood - housewifeinhollywood.com

With less than a week until Christmas Eve, many of us are scouring our brains for gift ideas. Shopping for the housewife in your life can be difficult.
Here are my 5 gift ideas:

Johnny Depp Movie Collection

I don’t think there’s a housewife on the planet that wouldn’t be tickled to receive another Johnny Depp film. If she doesn’t have one already it would be great to start one this year. My personal favorites are Edward Scissorhands, Cry Baby, Chocolat, Ed Wood, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Don Juan De Marco, Arizona Dream, The Libertine, Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 & 3, Sweeney Todd… oh just pick two or three with Johnny Depp in the credits! You can’t go wrong!

A Photo Shoot

Not every housewife dresses like June Cleaver or feels like Pam Anderson while she’s working. Many of us wear unfashionable attire to get some of the toughest jobs around the house done. Some days I don’t “put my face on” until mid afternoon.

Give the housewife in your life a gift of glam with a professional photo shoot that’s not at Olan Mills. Visit these two amazing photographers to find out more about booking a shoot:

www.bethcocuzziphotography.com

www.vivaspinups.com

A Massage

No one needs a relaxing massage more than a housewife. With her 24/7 workload giving her a gift of relaxation even for one hour will surely be appreciated. Visit www.massagegiftcertificate.com for more info.

A Kitchen of the Future

The ultimate present would be a kitchen makeover, with all new appliances, upgraded cabinets and granite countertops.

Look at how happy these housewives are daydreaming about their new kitchen of the future:

A Housekeeper

Of course we never want to be out of a job, but having a housekeeper show up for a day would be a pleasant surprise. If a day seems like too much, how about someone that cleans windows? Windows and mopping those are tasks that call for whistling while you work. Visit Mollymaids.com for a gift certificate.

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I’m not one for creepy scary. I like silly scary, more like cute with a dash of scary thrown in. Here are my Top 5 Halloween in Hollywood Favorites:

1. Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

I love Tim Burton’s version, Sleepy Hollow. Johnny Depp playing the role of Ichabod is great fun. I have to admit that my love for this story started with Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow animated feature. With the intensity of Ichabod Crane riding through the hollow, and the catchy tune sung by Bing Crosby, this version of Washington Irving’s classic tale is my favorite.

I didn’t know guests could see The Headless Horsemen ride through Disney’s theme park. Did you?

2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

I love everything Peanuts, and Charles Schulz was a genius in my book. I’ve always had a connection with Charlie Brown, but this movie is all about Linus and his wishful thinking for The Great Pumpkin. Halloween isn’t the same if I don’t watch the scene of Sally letting Linus have it for ruining her night of tricks or treats.

3. Thriller

Yes, the Michael Jackson Video! This video was one of the coolest things back when MTV actually aired videos. Listening to the retro classic will get your Halloween spirit off the wall. Even this wedding party couldn’t resist it:

4. Elvira

I know it’s time to rummage through the costume box when I see Elvira’s cardboard likeness standing in a grocery store aisle. Here she is in 1986 showing us examples of good treats to hand out for Halloween:

5. Corpse Bride

Tim Burton collaborated with Mike Johnson to bring this project to life. It was loosely based on the folktale version of an older Jewish story. Johnny Depp provided his voice talent to the role of Victor Van Dort. Another one of Burton’s regular stars, Helena Bonham Carter plays Emily.

One of my favorite things about this movie is the music composed by Danny Elfman. Here is a rendition by talented YouTubers of the beautiful piano duet with Emily and Victor.

 What are your Halloween in Hollywood favorites?

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This weekend before Jerry Lewis took to his telethon stage, Johnny Depp was performing with his old band The Kids in Pompano, Florida. Depp and The Kids were honoring Sheila Witkin, the women that revolutionized the South Florida rock music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. According to sheilawitkin.org, “Through live music and in Sheila Witkin’s memory, our cause is to support proven charities that make a difference.”

Depp didn’t start out on a high school theater stage, instead he was a guitarist for The Kids, playing the South Florida scene, even opening for Iggy Pop. Find out more about Depp’s musical history here.

This is, of course old news to all the diehard Depp followers out there. On Friday, August 29th, they were tracking and uploading up to the minute reports on Johnny and his old bandmates in Florida, flooding YouTube, Flickr, and other internet media channels with videos, and images of Depp rocking out on electric guitar.

I know most of the Depp enthusiasts out there are aware of the Jerry Lewis and Depp connection. If you haven’t seen the movie Arizona Dream , you should rent it today. Jerry Lewis and Johnny Depp hit the big screen together in the 90’s with this abstract, and unique film directed by Emir Kusturica, that has become somewhat of a classic in France.

Here’s Iggy Pop in his video for the Arizona Dream movie soundtrack:

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Two talented sisters put together one of the biggest show sensations on the Internet. If you’re a fan of Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow, or Tim Burton movies, you’ll be a fan of The Hillywood Show.

It’s not just the subject matter they choose that makes this show unique. Their witty humor, talent, motivation, and amazing attention to detail intrigue viewers and have them eagerly waiting for the next episode.

I met with Hilly & Hannah at Comic Con 2008. As we talked, fans commented on Hilly’s incredible costume, and gathered to take pictures with her as Edward Scissorhands. I was a bit bummed to find out I would be missing Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett the following day but I was thankful to meet these two Internet celebs in person. Check out their video from the event.

The Hillywood Show recently released Episode 13. In a jaw dropping sort of way, Hilly & Hannah reenact scenes from one of Tim Burton’s best films, Sweeney Todd. They weave in creative content, making each episode their own work of art.

Here is my interview with Hilly & Hannah of The Hillywood Show:

HIH: I read on your official website that you were both performing at a young age either impersonating characters or taking dance classes. When did the idea of The Hillywood Show come about?

It started back in 2006. AOL put out a contest that encouraged teens to send in their own idea for a web show. So, we sent in our entry and discovered we were in America’s Top 5 Finalists out of 100,000 entries! It was so exciting! After the contest was over, we came in 3rd place and gained fans through that! They told us to continue with the show, so we did!

HIH: Hannah, we see a lot of Hilly on screen, recently you’ve been playing Mrs. Lovett in your Sweeney Todd featured episodes. What are some things you do behind the scenes for The Hillywood Show?

I am the Director of “The Hillywood Show”, script writer (along with Hillary), cinematographer (along with Hillary), and make-up artist. Plus, I do most of the scheduling for shoots and organizing things for the show.

HIH: Hilly, has Johnny Depp told you what he thinks of your flattering homage to his characters?

No, because I have never met Johnny, but it would be an honor to hear what he thinks about “The Hillywood Show”!

HIH: In a recent interview for Las Vegas Weekly I read that you were both homeschooled. Did homeschooling help you pursue this out of the box idea of creating your own show on the Internet?

Yes! Being home schooled allowed us to focus on the things we wanted to do in life and opened up our imagination even further. It was a true blessing.

HIH: What do your parents think of the show? Are they involved in your productions?

Our parents support us 100%! They are constantly involved and in ‘the know’ about all our projects and future episodes. They are absolutely amazing!

HIH: Your intro complements the professionalism of your show. Who created The Hillywood Show intro?

We both did! We both wrote the lyrics to “Hooray for Hillywood” and shot the intro as well. We contacted a band by the name of ‘SPIV’ and asked them to perform “Hooray for Hillywood”. They agreed and we couldn’t have been more pleased with it! It’s great!

HIH: With all the acts, impersonators, and flashy resorts in Las Vegas, does living there help the production of your show in anyway?

Well, to be honest, it depends on what we are looking for at the time. Episode #5 was very easy to shoot, down on the Strip and everything, but Episodes #10 - #13 (Sweeney Todd) was very difficult. The locations needed to look like England in the 1800’s…so that was extremely difficult to find!

HIH: Where do you film your episodes? Do you rent space or is it a home project?

Our episodes are shot in various locations. Sometimes they will be shot on a set or at an actual location.

HIH: You’ve appeared and been featured on many TV shows, a few being Access Hollywood, Fox 5 News, and CNN Live. Although your show itself isn’t on television you have enough visibility to generate a big fan base. You have a fan center on your site which includes fan artwork, fan videos, and fan avatars. What is it like having so many appreciate and promote your creative work?

It really encourages us and makes us want to make more episodes for the fans! They have been so supportive through everything and we couldn’t ask for more. It is absolutely fantastic having people appreciate your work! Without the fans, “Hillywood” wouldn’t be the same.

HIH: What is next for The Hillywood Show?

We are currently shooting for Episode #14 which will air sometime in September. Also, we would like for a television network to pick up “The Hillywood Show”! That’s one goal we are praying for!

You can watch The Hillywood Show in High Definition at www.thehillywoodshow.com

Leave a hello or a comment for Hilly & Hannah on their official MySpace page. Tell them the Housewife in Hollywood sent you! www.myspace.com/thehillywoodshow

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HIH:   I read that you were a roofer for 30 years before you started your acting career. Was it difficult learning about the industry or did on the job training in film/TV come easy for you?
 
Maxie:   Actually on the job training was easy and came to me easy. As many people before me said the world is a stage. We all act in almost every aspects of our lives. When meeting that certain boy or girl for the first time, at business meetings with that person you really can’t stand, but you have a smile on your face anyway. In some way or another, we are all actors. The difference is doing it on cue with the direction of others guiding the scene, acting comes real easy for me. It’s just doing it.
  
HIH:   You grew up in Burbank and went to school with celebrities such as Manuel Padilla, Jr., Ronnie Howard, Clint Howard, and Randy Rhoads to name a few. Did you have a desire to act when you were in school?
 
Maxie:   Of course I wanted to be an actor. Growing up in Burbank, Hollywood, it’s all around you. I’d go to the park and see Ron Howard playing basketball. Manuel Padilla Jr. and myself dating the same girl. Seeing  Randy Rhodes playing guitar in back yard parties. It was all cool and normal. When your around famous people it’s hard not to say you wouldn’t want to be apart of it, especially when you know you can do it. 
  
HIH:   Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, was your first credit playing one of the undead. What was the environment like while filming? Any pirate stories you can share with us?
 
Maxie:   It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was very upbeat and a family orientated atmosphere. We had the run of the island and on off days we would just go hotel hopping. We worked six days a week and on the seventh day, production would have some kind of party or event happening. All the stars were very approachable and friendly. We would play Frisbee and football with Kiera, party with Geoffery, talk and take pictures with Johnny and Orlando, it was a very fun and relaxed atmosphere through out the whole shoot. We were in the Caribbean for six weeks, where I got to meet Jimmy Buffet also. 
 
HIH:   Do you have any recommendations for people out there who want to break into acting?
 
Maxie:  Don’t let anyone say you can’t. Just do it. It won’t come to you, you have to go out and get it. Which means talking to other actors on the set getting other info which helped them. It may not necessarily work for you, but you still have the info to try. Just do it, that’s all I can say, do it. 
 
HIH:   You made headlines with Paris Hilton as her Yogi. The paparazzi, internet, and news media were in a flurry over you being her Shaman. Tell us about that adventure. 
Maxie:   First of all, all I can say is I got to live it for at least one night in my life. It was a bit overwhelming, I don’t think I could live that lifestyle. Paris Hilton was great. I have nothing but respect for her. She made me feel real relaxed right from the get go. We had a lot of fun. The paparazzi are out of hand and at times out right dangerous. Then to have a chance to show the lies that the paparazzi and tabloids are printing was great. It will definitely be something I’ll remember for a long long time. 
 
HIH:   You played an undead pirate alongside one of the best character actors, Johnny Depp, in Pirates of the Caribbean. Did you have a chance to talk with Mr. Depp on the set?
 
Maxie:  On the cave set, on the Disney studio in Burbank, getting ready to shoot a scene with Johnny. He’s standing about three feet away from me. I see a little girl behind the cameras. I ask Johnny is that your daughter? He smiles and says yeah that’s my baby. I asked how old she was, he said four. I told him my four year old was turning 22. He laughed. I said you have preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, then you realize hell I’m getting old! He laughed. After that every time he’d see me, whether on the set or at one of the production parties, he always asked how was the family. On the last day of shooting in the Caribbean, we were waiting for boats to take us back to shore, when Johnny’s boat came by, Johnny says hey Maxie, do you know my assistant Buck? I said yes, he said I got something for you brother, I got something for you, and his boat headed for shore. When I got to shore I found Buck, who gave me a photo of Johnny in costume as Captain Jack Sparrow, that he signed for me. It said For fellow pirate Maxie and family, with respect, Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp. That’s a cool Johnny story. 
 
HIH:   You’ve worked on the following shows, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and My Name is Earl. What are the differences you’ve experienced when working for television compared to film?
 
Maxie:   When doing a film, even though you may have a small part or a large part, its considered your film. When doing television, your a guest on somebody else’s set, and you feel like a guest, not a family member. 
 
HIH:   Were you a Spongebob fan before you played Gummy the Pirate in Spongebob Squarepants The Movie?
 
Maxie:  To be honest, no. I could not understand the appeal of Spongebob. Now that I’ve done this film I’m still not a fan but I love all the kids that do. And if I could make a kid happy being Gummy, then I’m Gummy. 
 
HIH:   What’s up next for you? When and where can we see you on the big or small screen again?
 
Maxie:  This fall I’m doing a guest appearance on Frank TV for TBS, Its a sketch comedy show with Frank Caliendo. I also have several films that will hopefully be seen this year. One of which I’m especially proud of because I got a starring credit, is Mutant Vampire Zombies from the Hood. Also coming out will be Hyenas, Life is Hot in Cracktown, American High School, and Foodstamps. Hopefully more auditions and TV shows to come. 
 
HIH:   I noticed on your MySpace page that you like The Beatles. What’s one of your favorite Beatles tunes?
 
Maxie:  Actually, I don’t think the Beatles recorded a song I didn’t like. I’m a real John Lennon fan but I love the balance of Lennon/McCartney. To me the greatest song EVER written was Imagine by John Lennon. The Beatles changed the world and my life.

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You know Chanel, as in Coco Chanel or Chanel No. 5? Okay so there isn’t a movie but there is a 3-minute film, or advertisement if you want to be realistic about it. This film, I mean ad, portrays an overburdened actress running from the paparazzi in heels and a dress that would trip up even the most talented Dancing with the Stars contestant. A love story between one hot Brazillian actor on a skyscraper, and an over 40 wrinkle-free Australian actress destined to her fate of celebrity fame and fortune.

Nicole Kidman had a baby this week, so I decided to look up scenes from the movie The Others. I think she was great in that film which is the second on my nightmare movie list just after Linda Blair’s infamous, The Exorcist. The first clip to pop up was this Chanel “film” being deemed as beautiful so I thought I’d take a look. I never saw this one on the small screen because I tape most shows and fast forward through commercials. This is one of those ads that can be seen as an elaborately executed spoof or an amazing over the top production. Remember this is a commercial for Chanel, Chanel No. 5. Here it is in all it’s splendor. Really it is remarkable, remarkably bizarre…oh and deemed beautiful by more than one Youtube subscriber.

I can’t feel empathy for someone all decked out in their limo or walking the red carpet to an exclusive event no matter how tormented Kidman tries to play it. I do feel sorry for the handsome 300 movie actor, Rodrigo Santoro. He looks so alone up on that rooftop.

I prefer the 1992 ad for Coco Chanel, starring Vanessa Paradis. Yes I know, another Johnny Depp connection. I wasn’t joking about my JDOCD (Johnny Depp Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). This perfume commercial was created years before he met “his girl”, in fact he graced the screen as Edward Scissorhands in 1990.

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No, this isn’t another post about The Muppets, this is about a new movie coming to select theaters on July 4th. Director and Academy Award winner Alex Gibney, explores the life of the writer that fathered Gonzo Journalism.

Here’s a bit of schooling for those of you who haven’t a clue what language I’m speaking. Unless you were an English major, a literary junkie, a Rolling Stone subscriber, or a heavy duty Depp fan you might not know what the heck I’m talking about. No worries, here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia:

“Hunter Stockton Thompson (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005) was an American journalist and author, most famous for his novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. He is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting where reporters involve themselves in the action to such a degree that they become the central figures of their stories.”

Many of you might have seen the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, or you might remember hearing about Johnny Depp’s portrayal of this famous author that also became his good friend. So good in fact, that Depp financed the ultimate funeral Thompson requested years before his death.

“On 20 August 2005, in a private ceremony, Thompson’s ashes were fired from a cannon atop a 153-foot (47 m) tower of his own design (in the shape of a double-thumbed fist clutching a peyote button) to the tune of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, known to be the song most respected by the late writer. Red, white, blue, and green fireworks were launched along with his ashes.”—Wikipedia

You might be unaware of Thompson’s work or you might have his books on your nightstand and wear a Gonzo pin proudly; either way it looks like we’ll all learn something while watching this documentary full of Hunter flashbacks, photos, and milestones from the life and times of this literary genius.

Just like Hunter’s slogan that has become a mantra to millions, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

Find the theater near you by clicking here. And yes, Johnny Depp is in this film too. Check out the trailer for yourself folks:

“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”—Hunter S. Thompson

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This is my first Monday Smiles post. It won’t happen every Monday because that would be annoying but every once in awhile when the mood is right I’ll be posting something to take the manic out of Monday and replace it with that sunshine day feeling. Click sunshine day if you aren’t offended by retro Brady Bunch clips.

I came across a not so recent video circulating the net of Johnny Depp in Japan while he was promoting Pirates 3. I’ve seen it before, but I had to post this for people who haven’t seen it already and for those of you in need of a few Monday Smiles.

The little girls in this clip are not only adorable they are scary talented. Johnny Depp is impressed by their performing abilities, yet in some moments he appears a tad terrified. You’ll see what I mean if you watch this Japanese television clip. Even if you aren’t a Depp fan, you’ll appreciate the originality and talent of these little performers. I would also like to find out what these kids eat for breakfast. With energy like that I could clean up the whole house in a matter of minutes.

For the viewers out there unaware of Johnny Depp’s appreciative attitude towards fans you can see it in this video. The way he shakes each girl’s hand, and looks them right in the eye to say thank you is how he greets every fan he meets no matter what country, state, or city he’s in.

I’m not trying to inflict anyone else with JDOCD, it will happen eventually whether you like or not.

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Thanks to Gilbert’s Girl on The Johnny Depp Zone for the heads up about this awards ceremony tonight. I think there must be an entertainment awards tribute every day of the year. A housewife like me just can’t keep up with all the fancy to-do’s.

One of my favorite movies, Sweeney Todd, has 8 nominations at The 34th Annual Saturn Awards.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films has been in existence since 1972. Its origin came from The Count Dracula Society, and founder Dr. Donald A. Reed 10 years before. The Count Dracula Society, who knew?

For all you Pirates of the Caribbean fans out there, At World’s End is up for Best Fantasy Film. It goes against Enchanted, The Golden Compass, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Spider-Man 3, and Stardust.

The Best Actor nominations include a few of my favorite actors: Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd, John Cusack for 1408, and Viggo Mortenson for Eastern Promises.
I hope Helena Bonham Carter receives the Best Actress award. She was bloody brilliant as Mrs. Lovett.

According to their official website, “The Academy has chosen to give The Service Award to Fred Barton for his efforts in manufacturing and promoting world-famous robots. Some of the robots which he currently puts on public display include: Robby (the Robot), Robert B-9 (from “Lost in Space”), and Gort (from “The Day the Earth Stood Still”).”

Danger Will Robinson Danger! On lostinspacerobot.com, you can even purchase your very own Lost in Space Robot B-9 for the price of $24, 500.

I’ve been investigating the internet for some sort of broadcast information but unless you’re a nominee or invited to the ceremony I think you’ve got to read the news tomorrow to find out who won.
The more I learn about this ceremony the more I want to see a broadcast. The closest I’ve found was a retro clip via youtube from fuzzymemories.tv of William Shatner “singing” Rocketman at the 1978 ceremony.

I’ll have to get a press pass for the 35th Annual Saturn Awards. With all the retro junkie, pirate loving, horror flick watching viewers I have, it’s certainly worth getting all dolled up and taking a ride to Hollyweird.

The image of the Saturn Award is used to illustrate the subject of this post The Saturn Awards.

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I was cruising the internet late Saturday night and stopped by moviefone.com. Since this is the first official weekend of summer I found their Summer Movie Guide and had fun checking out lists dedicated to the sun and fun season. From summer comedies to summer chick flicks, and an info packed roll call of The Biggest Summer Openings, I soaked up the movie trailers, photos, and box office earnings information.
With trivial overload my mind was jolted into wondering what my personal favorite summer movie of all time is. Since I can never pick just one of anything, here are a few of my favorites:

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

So this was the film that gave me JDOCD, otherwise known as Johnny Depp Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The merging of my favorite Disneyland park ride with the charisma of Captain Jack Sparrow was too much for my system to handle. Like so many in the world, I was altered by this amazing merger and very happy because of it. Of course I like the last two Pirates movies, but the novelty of the first one can’t be beat. Captain Jack Sparrow coming into port on his sinking ship, I mean boat, is probably the best scene of any summer adventure.

Jurassic Park

I remember the hype and excitement about this film in 1993. How time flies, aye? Fifteen years ago I was nice and cool in the comfort of a movie theater, devouring artificially buttered popcorn and Cherry Coke. This was the perfect summer blockbuster for the big screen. Action, comedy, landmark computer generated animation, special effects and being directed by Steven Spielberg helped add this one to my summer favorites. How many summer hits can one man create?
There are rumors buzzing that 2009 might bring with it a Jurassic Park IV. For those of you involved in the making of this film try to grab some DNA from the original and make sure Jeff Goldblum is in it too. What is Jeff Goldblum up to these days? I’ll leave that for another insightful blog post.

Jaws

According to Wikipedia, Jaws is regarded as a watershed film in motion picture history, the father of the summer blockbuster movie and one of the first “high concept” films.

I was only five years old when this movie hit the screen and I watched with my eyes closed and hands over my ears for more than half the film. I wasn’t nice and cool in a movie theater for this one, instead I was wearing my footed jammies, all cuddled up in the family station wagon at the Drive-In theater. Ahh, the days of snack bar intermissions and the real Coca Cola! Good times!

So what’s your favorite summer movie of all time? Okay, you don’t have to pick only one. What are a few of your favorite summer movies?

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