Yeoh a Star!

And she keeps on breaking barriers!

Now, Michelle Yeoh has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

She's the first Malaysian actress to receive this honour.

Yeoh go, girl!

WATN: Pied Piper

One of my most favourite film lines is from a 2002 B-movie comedy starring Piper Perabo. 

The line was:

GIRL 1: (Shouting) CAN. YOU. SPEAK. AMERICAN.

GIRL 2: She's French. Not deaf.

The film was "Slap her, she's French."

Piper Perabo was on-track to becoming Hollywood's next It Girl. With her looks, charm and acting skills, she headlined big films like "Coyote Ugly," "Imagine me & you," and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2." Whether it was a comedy, a heavy drama, or an action film, she just shone.

That said, I'm missing seeing her on the big screen. While she's been doing some good TV work like "Yellowstone," it's about time that we see her in a Hollywood film.

Another star in heaven

And it's not just a star, but a superstar.

The news of Nora Aunor's passing came as a shock to everyone. Especially for those still reeling from the loss of Asia's Queen of Songs - Pilita Corrales a week ago. Not to mention Ms. Gloria Romero a few months back.

Despite some questions on her personal life, it's no question that as an actress, Nora Aunor was excellent and unmatched. No actress in the Philippines has produced as many iconic characters and lines as her, and that's what makes her super.

Looks like they're going to have a big production up there soon.

WATN: Where's Warren

Seeing posters and trailers of the new "Planet of the Apes" film got me to thinking:

"Where's Estella Warren?"

She was part of the 2001 version of the film, and she was a stand-out there. After that, she came out in a number of Hollywood blockbusters and was one of the most promising actresses of that decade.

But of late, it's hard to find her both on the small and big screens.

We need to see her on-screen again soon.

Calling Collins

Looking at her, it’s kinda hard to believe that Joan Collins is 92 years old.

Yes. She’s. 92. Years. Old!

She should be the poster child for ageless beauty.

Lilly of the Valley

From the time she appeared in "Lost" in 2004, I've liked Evangeline Lilly.

There's something enigmatic about her personality. It's something that she carries with her in the TV shots and films she's appeared in.

When she appeared as "The Wasp," in "Ant Man" in 2015, the geek in me was thrilled. And seeing that she'll be back this year to reprise her role, well, it's an even bigger thrill.

Please fast forward to February 17 so we can see her on the big screen again!

Like a Hawke!

Speaking of "Do Revenge," the two lead characters really shone as they played their roles. Drea and Eleanor were so fun to watch as a team, and they were compelling from start to finish.

When Eleanor was first introduced, the first thought in my mind was: "Whoa, this girl looks like a younger version of Uma Thurman."

And as the credits rolled, it turns out that Eleanor was played by an actress named Maya Hawke.

Of course, the last name was so distinct that, after looking her up, she turns out to be the daughter of Ethan Hawke AND Uma Thurman!

She definitely got her model good looks from her Mom. And the excellent acting chops from both her Mom and Dad.

I'm definitely watching her upcoming films. I'll be watching out for it, like a hawk.

Mon Cherie

Cherie Gil is undoubtedly one of the icons and gems of Philippine Cinema.

She one of those actresses that can easily shift from being a villain to a heroine. Yes, she played heroines in her career, in films like "Oro, Plata, Mata," "Sana'y wala nang wakas," among others.

But yes, she's better known as the villain. A classy, elegant, intelligent and loveable villain. 

One of her iconic roles is as Lavinia Arguelles in "Bituing Walang Ningning." It's so iconic that her famous line: "You're nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copycat!" is part of Filipino Pop Culture for almost 4 decades now.

Given how it's still part of the local lexicon until now, it's safe to say that those lines will be seared into the consciousness of the Filipinos and will never be forgotten.

And as Cherie Gil closes the curtain on her illustrious career, I'm certain that neither will she.

WATN: For Peet's sake

There's this TV channel that shows old films, and there were 2 notable films that caught my attention.

These films were "Something's Gotta Give" and "2012."

The common reason why I enjoyed re-watching these films again?

Amanda Peet!

I love watching Amanda Peet. She has this energy and effervescence about her. Whether it's a comedy, a drama or a disaster film, she has a way of lighting it up.

Makes me wonder where Amanda Peet is now. We need to see her on the big screen again!

Lively Age

Full disclosure: I'm a fan of Blake Lively.

The first time I laid eyes on her on "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," it was apparent that she had talent. Next time I saw her was on "Gossip Girl" as the iconic Serena van der Woodsen. From there, it was clear that she'd make it big in Hollywood.

And indeed she did. After her small screen success, she went on to bigger things - and bigger screens. She headlined film after film, each role bigger than the previous one. From "Green Lantern" to "Hick" to "Savages," I'd wait and watch for her films.

One of the films I've seen several times and never tire watching is her romance/fantasy film "Age of Adaline." It was such a feel-good film that I ended up seeing it on the big screen several times, with different groups of friends.  And even if I saw it several times, I'd still smile at the same scenes. That's how wonderful of an actress she is.

This weekend, I found myself watching and re-watching scenes from that film on youtube. The scenes still get me each time, especially this scene:

Makes me wonder if "Age of Adaline" is on Netflix. Because if it is, I'll probably end up watching it a few more times again this weekend.

WATN: Claire vision

Because scenes from ‘Meet Joe Black” popped up on my YouTube feed, I began to wonder: “Where’s Claire Forlani now?”

In the 90s and 2000s, she was a Hollywood mainstay, appearing in film after film. And whenever and wherever she appeared, she was always a vision of beauty and a powerhouse talent.

We need to see more of Claire again!

WATN: Wednesday on a Wednesday

A thought that's both timely and peculiar popped into my head this Wednesday.

Where is Wednesday Addams?

Better yet, where is Christina Ricci now?

Back in the 90s and 00s, Christina was one of Hollywood's hottest stars. As a child star, she was hailed for her timing and talent. She appeared in multiple movies every year. Her performance in "Mermaids" as Cher's youngest daughter was heartwarming and endearing. This proved she could do drama. Then, as Wednesday Addams in "The Addams Family," and as Casper's love interest in "Casper," she proved that she can do comedy as well.

As she grew older, her roles became more mature and showed much of her depth and complexity. She was a joy to watch in "Ice Storm," "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," and "The Opposite of Sex." Christine returned to her "horror-slightly-comedy" roots with Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow," then did more dramatic turns.

For me, one of her best - and most disturbing - turns is in "Monster" with Charlize Theron in 2003. Charlize won the best actress award that year, and I think Christina should've been nominated, too.

After that, I haven't seen Christina as often as I used to. Except maybe for "Speed Racer" in 2008. But in the 2010s-onward, her big screen appearances have been few and far between. And that's why I miss her depth and talent so much.

Hey Hollywood! Let's bring Christina Ricci back on the big screen soon!

Seeing Double: Frances is Vera familiar

There's a long list of actresses in Hollywood that are often mistaken for one another.

There's Amy Adams and Isla Fisher, Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Morrison, Jaime King and Jaime Pressley, and so on and so forth.

Heck, I've even written about the last two here.

Now, I've added a new pair to the list.

Presenting:

Was watching a clip of Vera Farmiga in one of her films when I had that "a-ha!" moment. She reminds me a lot of Frances McDormand!

They're both great actresses, and I enjoy watching their films - Frances McDormand in Fargo, Vera Farmiga in Source Code - among others.

I wouldn't mind seeing them both in one film as sisters! That would be a double treat!

WATN: Looking for Leelee

Back in the 90s, it was hard to miss Leelee Sobieski.

The talented child/teen star was in major Hollywood films. Not surprising because she was such a naturally gifted actress and easily melded into and disappeared into her roles.

And of course, she was also known as the girl who looked so much like Helen Hunt.

We saw her occasionally in the 2000s, but her appearances in the 2010s became few and far between.

When I checked, she's busy being a Mom, and her last film released was in 2012.

Someone give Leelee a new film. We need to see her talent back on the big screen.

WATN: Polo Club

While vegging out in front of the TV and channel surfing, I came across this old US series entitled "Royal Pain."

What made me stop and look at the screen was this familiar actress with a super pretty face:

It's Teri Polo!

A decade or so ago, she was one of America's Sweethearts. A leading lady who came out in hits like "Meet The Parents." She's been MIA from the big screen of late, though.

Time to bring her back!

Yeoh girl!

If Asia had a Merryl Streep, it has to be Michelle Yeoh!

She's one of the most prolific, most versatile, and most impressive actress in the region.

Right now, I'm enjoying her role in Star Trek:Discovery. It's 2 of my faves in one show. How awesome is that?

Mena girl

It's been a while since I last saw Mena Suvari in a film or in a magazine. And I've been wondering where she went.

So, it's nice to see her looking all chic and earth-friendly in the H&M Conscious collection.

Now, can we see her again in a film. Please?

Missing Missi

The bus I rode to work had a pleasantly surprising film choice. They were showing the 2005 version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

It's been more a decade since I saw this film, and now that I'm seeing it again, it reminded me of one of the character actors who appeared in the film. She's a long time fave of mine, and it's been a while since I've seen her.

She's Missi Pyle.

One thing about Missi is that she has mad comic chops. Aside from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," she also made me laugh in "Galaxy Quest" and "Along Came Polly."

She also had an independent film that I caught a few years back. The title was "Pretty Ugly People" and it showed me the depth of her dramatic capabilities. She was superb in it.

After I got off the bus, my first thought was: "When do we get to see Missi on screen again?"

Pretty soon, I hope.

Where are they now? Roar of the Lyonnes

One of the more talked about series (aside from Game of Thrones) that people are always on the lookout for is "Orange is the New Black."

Admittedly, I haven't caught an episode of it yet. But as I was browsing through the trailer, a familiar face caught my eye.

Natasha Lyonne is part of the cast!

I haven't seen her in ages. Heck, I haven't seen her since "American Pie." But hey, I'm glad to see her - even in the small screen.

Where are they now? Fanning the flames

On this edition of "Where are they now?"

I wonder what happened to Dakota Fanning?

Thankfully, I saw this video:



Someone give her a movie soon. She's such a talent!