Hollywood Vampires - Foxwoods, CT 5/20/2018

The Hollywood Vampires was a celebrity drinking club formed in the 1970s by Alice Cooper.  In 2015, Cooper formed a super group (named after the club) with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. Their first album “Hollywood Vampires,” was released on September 11.

Cooper, Depp, and Perry toured in 2016, and are currently on their world tour of 2018 (with hopefully another album to be released after they finish). 

I saw them in Atlantic City in 2016, and at Foxwoods (CT) this month.  It is incredible to see such talented musicians, having a blast together, doing what they love.  It'd be great if they toured again in another two years!  I could keep watching them perform.

Below are a few songs from the show ("People Who Died," "Heroes," "School's Out," "Dead Drunk Friends," "Bad as I am," and part of "The Boogieman Surprise"), and photos I managed to take.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Trailer

Pirates of the Caribbean 5 will open on May 26th in the United States.  If you have not seen the trailer, you should! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a5V5C8mEVzY

You can read about the movie and opening dates here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790809/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Sweeney Todd London Experience

If you do not know the story of Sweeney Todd, you should watch the movie or the musical.  I experienced his stomping grounds in London.

The building to the right is where his barber shop was located. The church to the left, covers the tunnels Todd would use to carry his victims to Mrs. Lovett's pie shop on the corner of the adjacent street.

The Old Bank of England is next to the church, and is now a pub...

Which serves meat pies. Of course I had one!

And they are not ashamed of their history. This is posted outside:

"Transcendence" Review

Is it possible for computers to become self aware?  How far can we take technology and artificial intelligence?  Pretty far, and we are pretty close. 

Some people are excited about the idea of a conscious computer, and others would rather no computers than to risk crossing the line of natural biology.

Transcendence is Bout a computer scientist Will Caster (played by Johnny Depp), who is on the brink if creating a computer that is self aware.  A group called RIFT will do anything they can to stop this.  So they shoot Will with a bullet laced with radiation, so that he slowly dies before he can make any more advancements.

What RIFT did not foresee, is that Will's wife and partner, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), decides to try uploading Will's consciousness to a computer before he dies.  She succeeds, and once he connects to the internet, he has the power to go anywhere and do anything.

Evelyn and Will begin to build a lab in the middle of nowhere.  It seems as if Will will be able to carry out Evelyn's dream of saving the world one problem at a time.  But Will's power and everyone else's skepticism cause Evelyn to begin to doubt if Will is still himself.  And this doubt makes her become terrified.

When Will and Evelyn's best friend Max (Paul Bettany), creates a virus that will take out "Will," Evelyn offers to convince Will to upload it to himself.  The ending leaves us with a lot of questions about the implications of the story, and what this might mean for our future.

I enjoyed the film.  The effects were amazing, the story was thought provoking, and. Johnny Depp was HOT.  The plot left a bit to be desired (mainly because audiences are no longer used to having to think when they watch a movie).

This was definitely a movie to watch on the big screen, and the. Maybe a second or third time as well.

I would give Transcendence a 7.5 out of 10.  The film is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Make A Wish FUNraising at Friendly's!!!

The Make A Wish Foundation is an AWESOME organization which grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses.  They are truly magical, and nonprofit.

I am a Make A Wish recipient*.  They set me up to meet JOHNNY DEPP two years ago, and took my family across the ocean to London (I'm from Connecticut, USA).  They are more amazing than words can describe, and I owe them everything.  

So the last Friday in December (Friday, December 27, 2013), we are having a FUNraiser for Make A Wish at 7 Friendly's restaurants across Connecticut (Newington, Bristol, Unionville, Wethersfield, Hartford, East Windsor, and Winsdor Locks)!!!  The event is ALL DAY on the 27th!  All you need to do, is print out the voucher below (in black and white or color) for the Friendly's you will be going to, and present it when you pay.  It is that simple!  And 20% of your check will go right to Make A Wish!!!

BRISTOL

EAST WINDSOR

HARTFORD

NEWINGTON

UNIONVILLE

WETHERSFIELD

WINDSOR LOCKS

Whether you know a family personally who have benefited from a Wish, or are just learning about the organization, it is remarkable.  I hope you will join us on Friday, December 27th!  And please spread the word! Whether you can go or can't make it! Thank you!

*You can read all about my Make A Wish here: http://otherswelcome.blogspot.com/2012/08/one-girls-wish-to-meet-johnny-depp.html

Or Make A Wish here: http://ct.wish.org/

Who Has Inspired You?

Some people who walk into our lives touch them in ways that change our life forever.  Whether it is someone we grew up with, were taught by, worked with, were raised by, or knew in passing, it is not always easy to tell the ones who will leave footprints in our hearts.  But when you find someone who changes your life in a positive way, it is nice to be thankful for the good fortune that led to your paths becoming intertwined.

There are a few people who have done wonders for me.  I'd like to give a few of them an anonymous appraisal right now (unless you know me personally, in which case you know who I am talking about; I praise these people a great deal, as I should):

My family - I'm wrapping them all together, because although they have been by my side through thick and thin, it is not extremely out there to be inspired by your family.  For better or worse, they usually have a huge hand in making you the way that you are (either by positive reinforcement, or learning how not to be).  My family has done so much for me, has been extremely supportive, and has never given up on me.

"Ma" - A women with a huge heart.  She was always very involved in the community, and the youth in general.  She loved so many as her own children, which is how she earned the name "Ma."  She was a wonder.  Beautiful (inside and out), strong, positive, and loving.  She battled some terrible things (one of which eventually claimed her life all too soon), and I never once heard the woman complain about anything.  When I hit a rough spot in my life, she took me under her wing, and for that I can never say enough positive things about.  She was a generous soul, and is sorely missed be so many.  Ma helped to make me a better person.  I do not want to disappoint her in any way, and try to keep a positive outlook.  For every time you complain, you should look on the bright side three times.  Things can always be better, but they can be even worse.

Johnny Depp - Actually...I'm not going to talk about this one too much.  He's done so much for me, both indirectly and directly.  He's one of my heroes...as are everyone on this list.

My high school science teacher - I owe him so much.  That is not even the tip of the iceberg.  We all have had a teacher who inspired us, but that does not compare at all to what my high school science teacher has done for me.  I say "high school science teacher," because I had him three years in a row.  I had him as a sophomore, and that class inspired me to chose that as a career path.  The following year I was out of school dealing with cancer, and he volunteered to be my science tutor.  The following year, he single-handedly had gotten a more advanced class of the course I had loved as a sophomore, developed and running at school.  That was a huge factor in me getting back to school for my senior year.  I just had to take that class.  And through the year, while I was still dealing with treatments and side-effects, that class kept me coming to school every day (even if it was ONLY for that class).  Aside from me crediting that as helping me get better (which is enough in and of itself), he has been a mentor to me since sophomore year.  When I needed to talk about something, he was there.  He has time and time again gone above and beyond the call of duty of a teacher, and has bent over backwards to help me.  I owe him more than I can ever repay him.  He is the reason I am on my way to becoming a teacher of that subject today.  He's the best teacher I have ever seen. End of story.

Who has inspired you?  Have you told any of them what they mean to you?  

"You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

Benny and Joon

This is not a new movie.  In fact, it came out in 1993.  However, I have decided (even if it is just for my own record), to catalogue some of my favorite movies.  I will also be trying to get through all of Johnny Depp’s films (of which I have seen all save one, but would like to re-watch them for a fresh review).

Starting with “Benny and Joon.”

This is the story of Benny (Aidan Quinn), who is a single mechanic who is having difficulties looking after his younger and mentally ill sister Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson).  The two of them have been living together ever since their parents died in a car accident, over ten years ago.

Joon is going through house-sitters like tissue, as she is a handful (why she cannot be left home alone).  When Benny can find no more people willing to look after Joon while he is in work, he hits a dilemma he has been trying to avoid.  Joon just might be best off in a group home, where she can socialize with other people and work out some of her internal issues.

Then comes Sam (Johnny Depp).  We are never quite sure what is different about Sam, but something is askew.  He is twenty-six years old, and cannot read, along with a few idiosyncrasies.  He is obsessed with old movies, and is phenomenal at physical comedy (culminating in a superb park scene towards the end). 

Sam seems to be the answer for Benny and Joon, as Joon and Sam really hit it off.  Joon is able to do more, and seems to be having more good days.  But Benny is not quite ready to hand off his sister to a guy he is not too sure about just yet.

It isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, and Joon has an episode that could compromise all Benny has been trying to work for.  If Benny can open up and learn to let go, Sam might be able to keep Joon safe a bit longer; possibly forever.

This is such a sweet movie.  I give it a 9.8 out of 10.  It is my third favorite movie.  The cast is wonderful, the story is touching, the music entrancing, and the physical stunts admirable.  This is a movie you should definitely see, and perfect for a day when you are just not feeling on top of the world (and need a nice pick me up).

“Benny and Joon” is rated PG, and runs 98 minutes.

Jack and Jill (2011)

This is an odd premise to a movie, but makes for a good story.

Adam Sandler plays both of the titular characters: Jack and Jill Sadelstein – twins.  Yes, he plays a woman – an ugly woman, whom you grow to feel sorry for for being so odd looking.

Jack has a regular family and life, which his sister was never able to achieve.  Jill is a sad character, who lived solely around her mother who recently passed away.  Without her mother, Jill is a bit lost.  Trying to cling to her family as close as possible, Jill visits Jack for the holidays, and then just refuses to leave.  She does not want to return to her life, where no one seems to accept her (even though her brother is less than welcoming).

Jill is trying to fit in with Jack’s family.  His family likes her; he just refuses to open himself up to her peculiarities. 

Jack is an advertising executive who’s current mission is to get Al Pacino (played by himself) to do a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial since his name rhymes with their drink, the Dunkaccino.  Al is less than easily persuaded, as his character version of himself is on a downward spiral in his acting career, and he does not see this as benefiting his reputation.  However, Jack and Jill go to a game because Jack knows Al will be there (sitting with none other than the real Johnny Depp for a quick cameo), and he thinks he can win him over.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for Jack), Al has no interest in the commercial, but falls in love with Jill, who could not care less about this creepy man.

Jack then exploits his sister to try to get to Al, and maybe does a bit of cross-dressing to get what he wants.  In the end, Jack hurts Jill, but their twin power brings them back closer than ever.

This is an odd, but cute movie.  Al Pacino’s part is hilarious.  I give him a great deal of credit for doing all that he did (especially considering Jill is just Adam Sandler in drag).  Keeping that in mind, the movie is quite interesting, with a great cast.  I give the film a 6.7 out of 10 (or, worth the money to rent for a night).  You need to watch to the end to see if Al goes through with the commercial. =)

“Jack and Jill” (2011) is rated PG and runs 91 minutes.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape - By Peter Hedges

This is the first non young adult book I have read in awhile.  If you have not picked up on the theme yet (or are randomly searching the web for this book you would never know), I am trying to read my way through books my favorite films were based on.  My favorite movies just happen to have Johnny Depp in them.  So here we go:

This is the story of Gilbert Grape, and how he deals (or evades dealing with), everything in his life that is eating away at his soul.  For his entire life, he has lived in Endora, Iowa, a small and dull place where everyone knows everyone’s business, and there is never anything exciting going on. 

Gilbert is the man of his house, ever since his father hung himself and his older brother (Larry) moved away.  He has two older sisters, one of whom also got out of Endora (Janice), and another, Amy, who takes care of the house.  Gilbert has a younger sister, Ellen, who is a conceded pain in the butt, and an intellectually challenged younger brother, Arnie, who was never supposed to live past ten.  They live with their mother, who has not stopped eating or left the sofa since her husband committed suicide.  Who was once the talk of the town for her beauty, Bonnie Grape now weighs a few hundred pounds.

Arnie is turning eighteen, which is a huge milestone his mother claims is all she wants to see reached; that would be a miracle.  Gilbert has to deal with his dysfunctional family, his mundane job at the local food store (being squashed by the major food store that recently moved in), self loathing, a secret affair he has been having for ten years with an upstanding woman in the society, and looking after Arnie. 

Among other things, a gorgeous girl (Becky) comes into town to visit her grandmother, whom Gilbert becomes smitten with (as do all of the men of the town).  He struggles with his feelings for Becky, as she is a mixture of a tease and a woman wise beyond her years.  Gilbert just can’t figure his life out right now.  One thing is for certain, and he does not want to die in Endora; he just needs a way out.  By the end of the book, things begin to fall into place for Gilbert, who can finally start life anew.

I liked the book, but it was not my favorite.  I personally like the movie, and even reading with the cast in my mind, this book did not compare to the film (although the author also wrote the screenplay).  A book such as this, the reader desperately wants to empathize with Gilbert, but he comes off as a jerk.  Not that certain people don’t deserve to be happy, but the author makes it really difficult to feel sorry for him.  When bad things happen to good people, it is an outrage.  When bad things happen to self-centered sticks in the mud, it can be more easily brushed aside.

I’m glad I read this book, but do not see myself reading it again anytime soon.  The ending had such potential, and then fell flat.

Movies I Can't Wait to See: Lone Ranger

Official Disney Trailer of Lone Ranger (2013) released on October 2, 2012

Staring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer

Johnny Depp Grants a Make-A-Wish

Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins and Katie Vandrilla (Make-A-Wish recipient). Photo by Peter Mountain

By Katherine Vandrilla

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation gives children facing live-threatening illnesses the one thing they want most. Never did I expect to be on the receiving end of this immense generosity.

As a teenager I was diagnosed with leukemia, a blood cancer, and was told that I qualified for a wish. I knew instantaneously what I’d choose: to meet Johnny Depp. If you know one thing about me, it’s that Johnny Depp is a huge part of my life. I discovered him at the age of 12, and have never looked back. 

In the beginning, he was my favorite actor and the reason for my dream of acting. When I got sick, he became so much more than that. He gave me something to look forward to. I had to meet the man who had brought so much joy to my life.

Mid-September of 2011, after four years, my family told me that Make-A-Wish had called and we were being sent to London to meet the man of my dreams. Within a few hours my parents, brother and I were half across the world.

The whole experience was surreal. A limo picked us up at our hotel and we were taken to Pinewood Studios where Johnny was filming Dark Shadows, a movie based on the TV show of the same name. In the film he plays Barnabas Collins, a man who was cursed by a witch to spend eternity as a vampire. He was then buried for 200 years until he is accidentally unearthed in the year 1972.

At the studio we were shown props from the movie by the man who created them—and someone whose work I’ve admired—David Balfour. We also had the opportunity to watch them filming next door via a monitor. Then came the big moment. The moment I had been waiting for eight years. It was time to meet Johnny. But it wasn’t only him; Tim Burton, the director of the film and my favorite one at that, was also with him.

No words could ever describe how meeting them felt. To be in the same room as the man of my dreams was unbelievable. It was magical and utterly perfect—much more than I had ever dreamed it would be. There were a couple other Make-A-Wish children, and we were able to speak with Johnny and Tim for a while. We also had some one-on-one time with each of them.

I have never been as happy as I was on that day. I spoke with Johnny about acting, and told him how much he has meant to me. It is an experience I will never forget, and has given me precious memories for a lifetime.

After the day of my wish, my family had a few days to explore the City of London, with just enough time for me to fall helplessly in love with it. The foundation also sent us to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, as well as took care of all of our expenses.

After our walk among the stars, it was time to return to real life. I can never say enough good things about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, or Dark Shadows. It was the happiest week of my life, and I am so glad my family was able to share it with me.

Dark Shadows comes to DVD on Oct. 2. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit http://www.wish.org/."

This is a clip of an interview I found about the Wish: (not the best quality, but oh well!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNZ15_2kZeM
It was originally found here (but I think the link is not active anymore; sorry!)
http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/71915507/News/One-Girl's-Wish-To-Meet-Johnny-Depp-Comes-True 

The original story was taken from here: (the link is no longer active; sorry!)
http://www.myrecordjournal.com/berlincitizen/article_efaf12e0-ead1-11e1-aae5-0019bb2963f4.html#.UDKRo7USxRs.blogger

And an update about Katie can be found on the Make-A-Wish website:
http://wish.org/wishes/wish-nation-blog/2015/august/from-wish-kid-to-wish-granter#sm.0000rrtn451ahbefwwsmyembbvp1w

Dark Shadows

     Dark Shadows is a movie based on the gothic soap opera of the same name that ran from 1966 to 1971.  In this movie adaptation, Tim Burton (director) puts his own spin on the much loved drama.  We quickly learn the story of Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), who upset a witch by the name of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green) by not devoting his love to her.  She then turned into a vampire before burring him alive for nearly 200 years (196 to be exact).

     Barnabas is unearthed while the area is under construction, and finds himself lost in the world of 1972 (appropriately the year after the original show ended).  The coastal town of Collinsport, Maine, which the Collins family built with their wealth and cannery business when Barnabas was a youth, has fallen into the hands of Angelique.  Needless to say that Angelique still has hard feelings for being scorned by the man of her dreams, she does not take lightly to the fact that Barnabas is once again roaming about.  She is also enraged to find out that he has restored his family business to its former glory, which is competition for her cannery and a threat at her power of the town.  When she offers herself to him once more…well, you’ll just have to watch it to find out what happens.

     Out of 10, I give this movie and 11.  This movie is EXCELLENT.  I am not just saying that because Johnny Depp is in it (my favorite actor if you haven’t gathered that much yet).  The entire cast is phenomenal.  The movie blends humor, horror, romance, drama, and darkness perfectly together.  The props, costumes, sets, music, and make-up are equally as amazing.  Barnabas sounds as if he just awoke from the 1700’s, as his concepts and English are stuck in an era none of us have lived through (unless you too are a vampire or are somehow immortal, in which case you might have). 

     As Burton and Depp’s eighth collaboration, it feels like the first.  Dark Shadows is exciting and keeps you guessing until the end.  This is definitely one worth seeing over and over again.

     Dark Shadows is rated PG-13 and runs 113 minutes.  It opens everywhere on Friday, May 11, 2012 and is available in IMAX.  

DARK SHADOWS: Movies I Cannot Wait For

So excited! May 11th is going to be great!

21 Jump Street - Movie Review

     Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum play undercover cops in this movie adaptation of the hit show from the 80’s, “21 Jump Street.”  Since they are too young and immature to be out in the field (not to mention botch up their first assignment), they are relocated to the Jump Street program that has been shut down for many years.

     The program sends officers such as Hill and Tatum’s characters out into local high schools in order to restore order to the adolescent world and rid it of crime, drugs, and illegal drinking.  How do they go about that?  They resort to committing crimes, doing drugs, and promoting illegal drinking.  Not much can compare with being forced to relive some of the worst years of your life.

     Do not get me wrong.  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.  It had a great deal of swearing (excessive to some extent), but was humorous throughout.  It does not resemble too much of the show it was based on, but is a great stand alone movie.  I would recommend seeing the original show, even if you just YouTube a couple of episodes.

     SPOILER ALERT:  My favorite parts of the movie are when we see the original officers from the show.  We see Judy Hoffs with a full time police gig, Ioki on a television screen while someone is watching episodes of “21 Jump Street,” and Hanson and Penhall.  I will not ruin it, but Hanson and Penhall have an AWESOME scene towards the end of the film.  I give this movie a 7.5 out of 10.

     The movie is rated R, is 1 hour and 49 minutes in length, and opens in the US on March 16, 2012.

Movies I'm Looking Forward to: 21 Jump Street

I hope Johnny Depp has a good part in this.  I loved this show!

Award Shows

     So it is that time of year again.  All of last year's movies are being brought before Academies and Foreign Presses to determine which of them are worthy of distinction at their annual award ceremonies.

     Most of those organizations do not give awards where they are due.  Mostly...any panel comprised of critical "objective" movie aficionados.

     How many of the past Oscar Best Pictures have you seen?  How about plan on seeing?  Heard of?

     Chances are if you have not HEARD of a movie, it was not "all that."  Very few phenomenal pictures go unseen by the public.  And rightly so.  Should these fabulous movies not be the ones that we enjoy watching over and over again?

     Let's take a closer look.  Morgan Freeman.  Great actor.  How many Oscars does he have?  ONE.  Johnny Depp.  Amazing actor.  How many Oscars does he have?  NONE.

     Maybe it is the Academy.  How many Golden Globes does Mr. Freeman have?  Two (respectable).  Mr. Depp?  One (out of ten nominations).

     Then the people get a say.  Mr. Freeman may have only won two People's Choice Awards, but Mr. Depp has one ELEVEN.

     Now that is a big difference, don't you think?  I will never forget the year the Oscars gave out over ten awards to the Lord of the Rings, just because it was the last in the trilogy.  There were several deserving movies that did not receive the recognition they should have because of that.

     I do not care what the presses say.  I am more willing to go and see a movie that was recommended by one of my friends, than I am one that received a Golden Globe.

Accolade

Accolade: noun

1) any award, honor, or congratulatory notice

2) a light touch on the shoulder with the flat side of a sword, done in the ceremony of acknowledging knighthood

3) the ceremony itself

     Also has a musical and architectural definition.  The full definition can be found in any dictionary, particularly dictionary.reference.com.

Although Johnny Depp’s acting has been met with numerous accolades, he has yet to win an Oscar.

Teen Choice Awards 2011 Full List of Winners:

Choice Movie Action - 'Fast Five'

Choice Movie Actor Action - Johnny Depp, 'The Tourist'

Choice Movie Actress Action - Angelina Jolie, 'The Tourist'

Choice Movie Sci-Fi/Fantasy - 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Actor Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Taylor Lautner, 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse'

Choice Movie Actor Romantic Comedy - Ashton Kutcher, 'No Strings Attached'

Choice Movie Actress Romantic Comedy - Emma Stone, 'Easy A'

Choice Movie Actress Comedy - Cameron Diaz, 'Bad Teacher'

Choice Movie Actor Drama - Robert Pattinson, 'Water for Elephants'

Choice Movie Villain - Tom Felton, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Liplock - Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1'

Choice Movie Hissy Fit - Ed Helms, 'The Hangover Part II'

Choice Movie Male Scene Stealer - Kellan Lutz, 'The Twilight Saga- Eclipse'

Choice Movie Female Scene Stealer - Ashley Greene, 'The Twilight Saga- Eclipse'

Choice Summer Movie - 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice Summer Movie Star Male - Daniel Radcliffe, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice Summer Movie Star Female - Emma Watson, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'

Choice TV Show Drama - 'Gossip Girl'

Choice TV Actress Drama - Blake Lively, 'Gossip Girl'

Choice TV Show Fantasy/Sci-Fi - 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi - Ian Somerhalder, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi - Nina Dobrev, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Male Scene Stealer - Michael Trevino, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Female Scene Stealer - Katerina Graham, 'The Vampire Diaries'

Choice TV Villain - Justin Bieber, 'CSI'

Choice TV Reality Show - 'Jersey Shore'

Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star - Paul Pauly D Del Vecchio, 'Jersey Shore'

Choice TV Show Comedy - 'Glee'

Choice TV Actor Comedy - Cory Monteith, 'Glee'

Choice TV Actress Comedy - Selena Gomez, 'Wizards of Waverly Place'

Choice TV Breakout Star - Darren Criss, 'Glee'

Choice Music Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Choice Music Female Artist - Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group - Selena Gomez and The Scene

Choice Music Single - 'Who Says', Selena Gomez and The Scene

Choice Music Female Country Artist - Taylor Swift

Choice Music Country Single - 'Mean', Taylor Swift

Choice Music Love Song - 'Love You Like a Love Song', Selena Gomez

Choice Music Breakup Song - 'Back to December', Taylor Swift

Choice Summer Music Star Male - Bruno Mars

Choice Summer Music Star Female - Katy Perry

Choice Summer Song - 'Skyscraper', Demi Lovato

Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon Female - Taylor Swift

Choice Male Hottie - Justin Bieber

Choice Female Hottie - Selena Gomez

Choice Comedian - Ellen DeGeneres

Choice Twit - Justin Bieber

Choice Vampire - Robert Pattinson

Choice Web Star - Rebecca Black

Ultimate Choice Award - Taylor Swift

Johnny Depp: A Regular Guy with a Whole Lot Of Friends

“The best part of the night though, for me was, yeah, I’m gonna say it — Johnny Depp, but not for the reasons you might think. Okay, yeah, he’s nice to look at. I admit it. I really do like looking at him. The guy’s got style. But what I really liked … was his soul. He treated the fans so wonderfully, no famous person-diva-ness from Mr. Depp, no sir. I ran up and down Main Street flitting in and out of the crowd, watching the action and that man put all his energy into his fans.

Once he hit the area around the Emporium, he didn’t even go over to the press side of the street. He signed autograph after autograph, even bringing his own pens so he didn’t have to waste a moment handing off one fan’s pen and taking another’s.

At one point, he bent down and talked to a little girl and when his handlers motioned for him to move on from her, he wouldn’t until he finished what he was saying to her and had given her a big old hug. You know that’s a moment of magic that child will carry with her, her entire life. He never once acted like it was a pain to smile for people’s cameras and talked to each person like he was there just for them. It was impressive.

And that’s what I think I’m going to take away from this Pirates premiere, the memory of a very big movie star acting like his fans mean the world to him and at that moment in time, nothing else was of any importance. He was just a regular guy with a whole lot of friends.”

From Sue Kruse’s report on the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on May 7, 2011 at Disneyland park.

The Loveable Johnny Depp

Check out my first video ever!