Haha, tonight was one of the best interviews I have seen at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Not as cool as Clint Eastwood, but definitely edgy and free talking. Mickey Rourke (latest movie The Wrestler) ran on stage when he was announced and threw a stuff plush toy of some sorts into the audience. It looked like a wrestling moment. His outfit for the evening was bad ass too. Shiney clothing, sweet ass shirt, red shoes, and some blinging rings. This interview was hilarious as Mickey Rourke just tells it like it is. A few cuss words here and there and he is brutally honest. At one point during the interview, he left the stage and was a bit late in returning (this was during a clip review on the screen)…wonder where he went? He was joking as he was checking his zipper and belt. The American Riviera Award was presented to Mr. Rourke by the world famous director Francis Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now). This was a huge surprise.

The party was at State & A afterwards..nice and mellow. Tonight was the last major event for the SBIFF. It sure has been fun to go to everything and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity!

Mickey Rourke, Arlington Theater - click to view more

Mickey Rourke Interview- click to view more

Took a break tonight from the SBIFF as we had some serious birthday celebrating to do! First up was Dargan’s at 6 PM to celebrate birthdays of Michelle S. and I (we make it last as long as possible). Was a lot of fun. Charles’ birthday is Sunday, so after Dargans we headed over to Sandbar. Then finally ended up at the shitty kitty (Wildcat), where I geniously made up (or remembered) the double sprinker with Dana. Great times for sure! Happy Birthday Charles!

Molly, me, Dana, and Charles…uh huh - click to view more

Dargans, Anne and I - click to view more

Dana and Will - click to view more

Tonight was the highlight of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Modern Master Award for Clint Eastwood! The lines were long but with our precious platinum passes, we went right in. I took my Dad to this one as he is a huge fan of Clint Eastwood and we have watched many films with Mr. Eastwood. Our seats were great, about 14 rows from the front and had a perfect view of the interview by film critic Leonard Maltin. Dad and I got there early, so we saved seats for friends Nan and Michelle. It is really amazing to see all the different films the Clint Eastwood has either been in or directed. His latest movie Gran Torino is a piece of beauty. The actual award was presented by Sean Penn…who was HILARIOUS! Started out by stating the Mr. Eastwood was born as a 11 pound man (not a baby) and his first words were “gggrrrrrrrrr” (which he does a lot in Gran Torino).

After the award presentation, I dropped Dad off and picked up my buddy Chuck to go to the after party hosted at The Harbor Restaurant. Was not too excited by the location, but actually was nice. Lots of tables and felt more like having a dinner than a “party”…but free food, free alcohol, and great company…what more do you really need?

Clint Eastwood Interview - click to view more

Dad with his Platinum Pass - click to view more

Nan, Michelle, and I at After Party - click to view more

Chuck and I at After Party - click to view more

Took a break tonight from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and went over to Patricia & Tim’s for some much needed LOST action! 2nd week of season 5, very exciting stuff. The show is getting so crazy that people are now travelling in time and we saw the young Charles Widmore tonight! You can really mess your head up with time travelling. The highlight of the night was our arranging of our actions figures. Only photos can really describe….

Oh, and tomorrow is Clint Eastwood…“You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya punk?”

They climbed the dart and found Drumstick Mountain! now Sawyer, Sayid, Kate,
John, and Jack can all celebrate. - click to view more

Mr. Opp, you know me! John goes uh huh, Kate blinging it, Sayid rolling,
Sawyer waving them in the air, Jack robotic, uhhh! - click to view more

Tonight I saw one of the most powerful documentaries ever, called The Road to Fallujah. It is about the war in Iraq…specifically the battle for the town of Fallujah. Average Joe (Mark Manning) who worked in underwater construction takes a class in making documentaries and then goes over to Iraq to get the real perspective. Mark and his crew were not armed in Iraq and really get a perspective that the media does not broadcast. The United States’ involvement in Iraq has made living far worse, 50 percent of Fallujah is homeless along with many women and children being killed. Illegal bombs such as cluster and phosphorous weaponry were used. The movie really made me upset about how my country can do this to another country, all over the wrong motive. I really do not understand. The background of the whole movie was about grieving relatives on both sides of the war that met together to find peace and one would think if they could….so could those fighting. What are we even fighting for anymore?

The Road to Fallujah @ Arlington Theater - click to view more

Live Iraq Video Conference - click to view more

I saw one of the best movies I have seen in a long time tonight with friends Josh, Theresa, and Chuck. This movie is up there with Forrest Gump on my list and that is pretty damn high. It was Slumdog Millionaire and takes place in India. It is about a young man that is wrongfully arrested for cheating on the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire game show and the authorities are drilling him on how he knew all the answers. Truth be told, every question had something to do with his life and that is how he knew ALL the answers. The movie shows each part of his life that related to the question. The contestant is from the slums and it is pretty bad from child abuse to gangsta’s. The of course is a woman at the bottom of this and in the end is about finding his childhood love.

After the screening, there was a very cool Q & A with the director Danny Boyle who has also done other famous movies such as Trainspotting and 28 Days Later. Mr. Boyle is a real treat to listen to as he is very engaging and really gives good answers. He talked a lot about India and how it is different and ways movies are advertised between Europe and here.

Before the movie, we went to the Platinum Lounge at Joe’s Cafe. Was nice as it had free alochol, but very limited appetizers. The appetizers that did come out were gobbled up by those waiting by the table. For some strange reason, the table was in the middle of the room so it was very difficult to move from one end of the room to the other and to get any food at all. It is fun to watch people and see how they respond. There are those that refuse to move at all as they have staked their territory. Then there are others that hide in corners. And then there is me who hangs out by the bar area, haha.

Q & A Session with Director Danny Boyle from Slumdog Millionaire - click to view more

Saw a great movie tonight on surfing called “Water Man” with an additional movie screening called “One Track Mind.” I have always enjoyed watching surfing movies, I find them relaxing and peaceful. Personally I have no desire to go in the ocean (I know, I live at the beach…just love the weather!), but I do admire the passion that surfers have with their respect for the ocean. Lots of good energy in this movie. Most of the movie took place surfing in Indonesia and it was quite beautiful. Learned about hydrofoil surfing, that was pretty rad looking. They just glide on the ocean as the board is aboe the water and a smaller party is below. Requires some boots that you strap on as if you were going snowboarding. Overall a great movie to end a perfect weekend!

Q & A Session from “Water Man” - click to view more

Saturday’s main event for the SBIFF was Chopin’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award, which went to the lovely (or delicious as Mr. Durling would say) Penelope Cruz. Went to the event and afterparty at QAD with SBMA friends Anne and Nan (hey that rhymed!). Got there super early as I was unsure of how everything worked…but was pretty easy. Our passes allowed us to go in before the “others” and got to watch the red carpet on the big screen. This is much better than staying outside as you really cannot see much unless you are media or not in line to get in.

The award tribute included a bunch of movie clips, an interview with Penelope by Roger Durling, the award given by Josh Brolin, and then some words from Penelope. Was really fun to learn about how she became who she is today and her passion for acting. She really is a genuine person and loves what she does. Not in it for the money (although I am sure money always helps) and had some great stories of working with Woody Allen.

Afterward, there was a party for passholders at QAD. Not sure if Penelope was there or not (they have a special VIP area usually where the stars go. None the less, was still fun and a great people watching experience. Food was good too…lots of appetizers, pasta, salmon, etc. I believe Elements did the food. Also an open bar which is another perk.

Going to see a surfing movie tomorrow, Slumdog Millionaire on Monday, and then another event on Tuesday. So much to do!

Nan, me, and Anne as QAD Penelope Party - click to view more

Had a great birthday today! Started out with a great lunch at the Palace with friends from SB Museum of Natural History. Had my usual, crawfish popcorn po’boy. That sandwich is soooo good. For dessert had the famous bread pudding and chocolate souffle there…even had a birthday candle! Went to work for a bit to finish up a project and then headed out for the big event, beer and bowling at Zodo’s (or Jodo’s as Webley calls it). Was soooo much fun. Had this really good honey blonde on tap there and then bowled for an hour. Bowling does not look that hard, but is is! I had a blister on my thumb when all was said and done. Top game score was 65 I believe. Do not see professional bowling in my near future anytime soon.

Thanks to everyone who came tonight, it really made my birthday fantasic. A very special thanks to Theresa for setting everything up!

Tim & Patricia really outdid themselves, checkout the logo! - click to view more

Missed the opening movie tonight (due to the Patron Dinner at SBMNH), but definitely made it for the big Gala opening at Paseo Nuevo. Was quite fun and my first time attending. This was a double header night as Theresa and I both attended the Patron Dinner and then the Gala. Action packed to say the least and lasted til 1 AM, starting at 10 PM. The event had two areas of music with the Coral Sea playing at one and a DJ at the other. Open bars and plenty of food (did not eat much, was stuffed!). Ran into a few friends and had a great time overall. I also really enjoy people watching and this event was perfect for that.

Next big event is going to be Penelope Cruz on Saturday!

Theresa and I at the SBIFF Gala - click to view more