BLACKWEEKLY.COM - Darlene In the City

"We were chosen!" Fleace' Weaver (publisher, blackweekly.com) and I were invited, to attend a special presentation of DreamWorks Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures' The Island at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science. Caught a glimpse of The Island's stars Scarlett Johansson and the magnificent Djimon Hounsou (Amistad; Gladiator) in the audience. Though only 45 minutes of raw footage was shown, it was packed with more action and energy than the average ENTIRE movie. For those of you who have seen the trailer, ignore this -- it does NOT do this film Justice. This sci-fi action thriller stunningly directed by Michael Bay, follows a pair (Ewan McGregor and Ms. Johansson) who go on the run after discovering that the Life, Hope, and World they know are all a fatal lie. That they have been played and double-crossed, literally! That the biosphere they inhabit is a clone farm, where they were grown as spare parts, to be "harvested" for the benefit of their wealthy "original". (Where are the clones? Send in the clones. They're already here...) Though reminiscent of Logan's Run, the future The Island projects is not some far-off fantasy, but exists, all too frighteningly, in the Here-And-Now. This current interest in cloning is certainly not so that poor people can endure. Uh uh, it's so that those who can afford to live well, can soon live forever. What do you get the man who has everything? Why, another body! (one for wear, one for spare...) Beautifully shot, with amazing special effects -- interesting to see the CGI effects in their unfinished state -- this film is certain to be one of Top Five.

We were thrilled; our only frustration is having to wait until July 22nd, for the other half of the movie. Our appetites were whet for more, so we set about appeasing them with all the goodies at the reception sponsored by Puma. Mmmm, and there was a bounty to delight the palate and the eye. Shrimp brochettes, chicken skewers, beef-on-a-stick, sushi/sashimi, fried shrimp, mini burgers, BBQ pizza...I could go on & on, but then there'd be no room for dessert: mini chocolate tunnel cakes and lemon tarts (my personal favorite), orange-infused/chocolate-dipped madeleines (my 2nd favorite), chocolate-dipped fruits, biscotti, and cookies. The parade of tray-ladened servers and supply of delectables was never-ending. And mustn't forget the host-bar. The floral arrangements were unique (and difficult to leave behind...;-), and there were various decorative elements inspired by The Island.

There was quite line to pick up the goody bag, so Fleace & I switched off waiting while the other made food/drink runs. (Yep, we have perfected a system.) The parting gift was a pair of *Puma's Mostro running shoes featured in the movie. Mine are all white and SUPER comfortable.

The Island film event succeeded in creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Leaving one satisfied AND hungry for more. Can't wait to re-visit The Island in its entirety. I'm predicting they've saved the best for last.

* Footnote: Fleace' gave PUMA two thumps up! The day after the screening, Fleace' visited the PUMA Santa Monica store to exchange her shoes for a smaller size. Her experience was so pleasurable that she wanted it mentioned in the article. The sales staff was friendly and very helpful, the assistant manager, Chelsea went beyond the call of duty in locating her a pair of new shoes. Big Ups to PUMA..

Darlene Ford is an award-winning Film Producer, Writer, Music Aficionado, World Traveler, and Gourmet.

The daughter of two party animals, some of my favorite memories of growing up in Detroit were of my Big Mama's Basement Parties. At least one Saturday night per month, people would flock to her pay-parties, where they could buy a home-cooked meal & drinks then ante up at the card & dominos tables. In the back room there was hi-fi music and/or a live band with dancing. (At one such party, my father wooed and won my mother.)

I always crouched down on a step peering in at the revelries -- of, often as not, sneaking all the way to the back room - then Big Mama would catch sight of me and send me off to bed. Of course, this only made me hungry to see more.

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