As most of you already know, The Movie Blog is getting ready to move down to Hollywood… literally. After New Year’s, Doug Nagy and myself will load up and head down to our new digs in Los Angeles to start running TMB from there. Yeeeehawww.
However, if we’re heading down there… we needed a place to live. So in preparation for the big move, I went down to LA this past week for about 8 days in order to find a good place (I DID!!!!!) and get some things ready… that’s why there wasn’t a Podcast these past 2 weeks.
Anyway, I found an amazing place right on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood… the picture you see of the bilboard is just a 2 minute walk up the street from our new place…. Only in LA could you put up a billboard like that. HA!
Also, we’re a 7 minute walk from Hollywood and Highland, The Mann’s Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater where they hold the Oscars. We’re right close to the studios and a whole range of great stuff. I’m thrilled and can’t wait to get down there.
A couple of cool things I got to do on this recent trip:
1) Saw I Am Legend at the Chinese Theater
This was a dream come true for me. Ever since I was a little kid seeing picture of the Star Wars premiere at the Chinese theater, I’ve always wanted to go in and see a flick there… and I did. Holy crap is that place beautiful!!!! You can feel the history as you walk in… past the hand an foot prints of decades of celebrities in the concrete in front, and in the theater itself. If you’ve never been to the Chinese theater in Hollywood… DO IT!
2) Had drinks with Ray Park (Darth Maul, Snakes Eyes in new GI Joe movie)
I had a chance to get together with my buddy Robert from IESB and a few other guys to celebrate Ray Park getting the role fo Snake Eyes in the upcoming GI Joe movie. I’ve met Ray before and he’s always been a total class act with me. He is so freaking excited about this new movie. It’s refreshing to see someone still get wowed by the business.
3) Talked with Ken Davitian (Azamat from the movie Borat)
My favorite celebrity I’ve ever met in person. Ken is a terrific guy, and while in LA I decided to drop in on him at the restaurant he owns (It’s called THE DIP and it rules).
4) Caught a screening of Sweeney Todd with some cast and crew
The studio invited me to an AMAZING little theater called “The Silent Theater” that normally just shows old silent films with live piano players. It was such a unique environment for watching a movie in. I’m going to go there a lot once we’re in LA
5) Discovered The Landmark Theater
This newer theater in Westwood is a place I’m going to be spending a lot of time in. Not only are the main theaters HUGE and comfy and modern and spacious with loads of leg room. Not only is the concession stand stocked with like 50 kinds of food and snacks. Not only do they serve booze. Not only do they have a BEAUTIFUL airport style lounge with digital boards showing you when your movie is starting and when it’s being let in for. Not only do they have pre-assigned seating so you can pick your seats in advance, but 3 of the upstairs theaters are smaller with plush leather couches!!! I saw Juno here… and it was one of the most comfortable and enjoyable movie theater experiences I’ve ever had (That’s a picture of the theater I was in below.
6) Caught a There Will Be Blood screening on the Paramount Lot
Going on the Paramount lot is always fun. driving under that famous Paramount archway that really symbolizes everything that is “Hollywood”. Oh… and There Will Be Blood RULES as a film, so that was good too.
7) Hung out at The Chalet
The Chalet is my favorite bar in Los Angeles. You’ll find me there everytime I’m in town… so I’ll be there a lot (which is funny because I hardly drink at all). It’s on Colorado in Eagle Rock… look it up, I love it.
And all that was just in 1 trip! It was much fun, and I can’t wait for us to get down there. Housewarming party!!!!!
