Movie Review: The Lovely Bones

Just by watching the trailer, The Lovely Bones looks to be a murder mystery where a dead teenage girl is trying to help her parents find her murderer. Don't be surprised though if you find that the movie is mainly about a girl being caught in "the in-between" between heaven and earth, while trying to still be close to her family on earth as they try to move on from her murder. The film is set in the 1970s, a time where missing kids weren't on milk cartons and no one was worried about their children being snatched away. Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) does her best to move on from death, while still help her parents find her murderer and heal.

Stanley Tucci was phenomenal (and I don't use that word often) as Mr. Harvey, Susie Salmon's murderer and neighbor. It was a challenge recognizing the actor behind the creepy comb over and blue eyes, as he was completely transformed into a middle-aged man who had a chilling presence throughout the film. There was an intensity to The Lovely Bones that almost never let up and made me feel like I ran a marathon after I left the theatre. I was so tense I felt like I could finally breathe when the two hours was over.

The film was consistently entertaining, but definitely depressing as Salmon's father (Mark Wahlberg) couldn't give up his obsession with finding Susie's killer. I almost forgot Mark Wahlberg used to be Marky Mark as his role was convincing and heartbreaking as he was put through hell to try and bring Susie's murder to justice. He can still feel his daughter all around him, but can't let go, even as his family falls apart. 

The film is an adaptation from the book, The Lovely Bones, and is directed by Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings trilogy. A grip of CGI was used for Susie's "in-between" world where she danced with butterflies and played in nature in a place that was close to heaven. The special effects were impressive, but a bit distracting and detracted from the story line. Too much of the film was focused on Susie's new world, which didn't move the story along and left too many holes. There was also a handful of scenes deleted, which may have been the cause of unanswered questions and missing parts.

The most creative part about The Lovely Bones is Jackson's way of setting a chilling tone throughout the film through indirect ways: Mr. Harvey's obsession with building toy houses, mud being splattered as Harvey tries to dispose Susie's body, and Susie running home to her house, only to find it's empty and that she's in another world.

The Lovely Bones is a film that you'll either love or you'll hate. You definitely get your money's worth, but whether you'll have closure, happiness, or peace when leaving the studio depends on the type of person you are. If you're looking to relax when you hit the theatre, then go for something not so stressful and intense.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Donate to Haiti (and Shop!)

The Pike at Rainbow Harbor is perfect for a date night to grab dinner and do a little shopping in the Long Beach air. It's sits on the beach, nestled in between the Long Beach Convention Center and Aquarium of the Pacific, and is home to locals who want a quaint night out. 

Now there's more reason to visit The Pike more than just to shop, but with their encouragement to support the American Red Cross with donations in the effort for Haiti relief. 

"We are proud to support the American Red Cross as well as local efforts to generate donations for Haiti," said Jennifer Gartland, marketing director. "We want to encourage everyone in the Long Beach area to lend their support to those who desperately need it. Even the smallest gesture can make a difference in this time of profound need."

The U.S. has definitely stepped up to the plate in aiding Haiti with hundreds of organizations and companies encouraging donations to the Haiti Relief effort, and with much success. There's been a creative blend of the arts and fundraising to raise more money and support by blending entertainment with fundraising. This week, the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon featured dozens of performances and appearances of musicians and actors with a national audience of 83 million viewers. In just one night $61 million dollars was raised, with donations continuing to flood in. Celebrities could be seen making recorded messages for callers who were hoping to donate while watching the performances.

To donate through The Pike, visit www.thepikeatlongbeach.com or call (562) 432-8325. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Be Fair to Your Hair

Suburbia Salon & Spa

11908 Ventura Blvd.

Studio City, CA

818.505.1188

For hair snobs and celebs, Suburbia is a high-end salon that's green-certified and stocked with 18 stylists. They promise star treatment for the Plain Jane or the Angelina look-a-like. You get what you pay for though, with prices definitely on the expensive side.

Chop Chop Salon

830 N La Brea Ave.

Los Angeles, CA

323.464.8100

Chop Chop Salon isn't just a place to cut hair, but is also an art gallery. They specialize in edgy colors and cuts, with their friendly and personable staff. If you're still waiting to get your next paycheck, Chop Chop isn't the best place, as a typical haircut costs $85.

Salon Pure

117 E. 6th St.

Los Angeles, CA

213.624.7873

Salon Pure is more for the LA rocker than the girl next door. With a rustic interior and fair prices, they are affordable for being in the heart of LA, but don't have as extensive of a menu as other neighboring salons.

Awilda Salon

230 S Robertson Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

310.657.8133

At Awilda, the stylists know what they're doing and try to make the salon all about relaxing and making you feel comfortable. They also specialize in using products that are healthier for your hair than what a typical salon would use.

Chill Salon & Gallery

5275 E 2nd St.

Long Beach, CA

562.433.4888

This salon is the perfect place for girls with curls as they specialize in styling something different than straight hair. They also are great with extensions and only use Joico color. This is a second salon that is also a photography gallery so you have something else to look at than the wall.

Splitends Salon

765 Saint Clair

Costa Mesa, CA

949.645.1223

With the most modern decor you'll find in a salon, Splitends is located in the LAB, with prices dependent on the stylist. The also have their own show on the Style Network, so you might end up in one of the episodes if you get the luck of the draw when scheduling an appointment.

Empire Salon

2967 Michaelson Dr.

Irvine, CA

949.261.5856

Empire is trendy and edgy, with their stylists always out to make the most creative cut look good. They specialize in hair that looks vintage and even put their stylists through a rigorous training course. They even allow local artists to adorn their art on the walls every two months.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

forever 21 just 

moved in.

Right when you thought there was nothing better to do in Cerritos, Forever 21 decided to take over the town. Even better, it opens today.

On Friday, January 22, Forever 21 will host it's grand opening in the Los Cerritos Center,  with a handful of grand opening events hosted on Saturday, January 23. 

If you haven't yet noticed, Forever 21 has been taking over department stores in the last year, expanding from stores in mini malls to department stores with several levels. The new store will be right alongside Nordstrom, Macy's and Sears in the 1.2 million square-foot shopping center. 

The first 500 customers on Saturday will receive a Forever 21 gift card, with values ranging to $210. An in-store DJ will be pumping up the jams as customers shop with their 10% coupons off of purchases of $40 of more. There will live remotes from local radio stations and exclusive items for $5, $10 and $15 that will only be sold grand opening weekend. If your sweet tooth begins to go crazy as you shop, Sprinkles Cupcakes Mobile will be offering samples to purchasing customers. 

"Forever 21 already stands out in terms of shopper apparel, and this new department store-style concept will offer more of the fashion focus and range of choices our customers want," said Ken Kraus, property manager for Los Cerritos. "This is a sophisticated market that looks to Los Cerritos for the wide range of retail brands. With this new, larger format, Forever 21 will be a destination store for this region's customers."

Besides adding in Forever 21 to Los Cerritos Center, new additions will include a new Nordstrom and 36,500 square-foot specialty store expansion, set to open in May, 2010.

"Forever 21 is a very strong player in today's changing retail landscape and will add considerable value to Los Cerritos Center," said Randy Brant, Executive Vice President, Real Estate for Macerich. "This retailer has taken innovative steps in expanding its brand, securing the markets that offer opportunity for growth and matching their merchandise and in-store experience to shopper preferences." 

Los Cerritos Shopping Center is located next to the 91 and 605 freeways, southeast of Los Angeles and in the heart of suburbia. Forever 21 is now occupying where Mervyn's used to be located. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

>>HELP HAITI BY LAUGHING

If you want to help aid Haiti in the relief effort, but aren't sure how, there's a comedy show waiting for you. The "Make It Better" charity comedy show will feature some of the best names in show business, hosted by Will Ferrell with performances by Tenacious D (Jack Black and Kyle Gass), Demitri Martin, Aubrey Plaza, Rob Riggle, Nick Swardson, and the stars from Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

On Friday, January 22, tickets are buy one, get one free for all ticket categories from 10 AM to 10 PM--perfect for bringing a date or a group of friends! All proceeds from ticket sales on Friday will go directly to the relief effort for Haiti through the American Red Cross, after the 7.0 earthquake that killed thousands. All ticket sales on other days will go to Pete Carroll's non-profit, A Better LA.

The show will debut at 8PM at the Nokia Theatre LIVE in LA on Saturday, February 20, with tickets ranging from $45 - $250. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling (800) 745-3000. You can also purchase tickets on www.ticketmaster.com. Sponsorship packages and VIP tickets are available by calling Levi, Pazanti & Associates at (310) 201-2033. 

A Better LA is a 501(c)(3), founded by USC football head coach Pete Carroll, that unites leaders in the community from all sectors to support LA communities in reducing violence. For more info, visit www.abetterla.org. 

Staples Center Foundation is partnered to many LA charities to raise funds and awareness for the organizations, specifically to emphasize low-income neighborhoods surrounding the Staples Center.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Gondola Rides in Long Beach

When it's impossible to escape to Italy for Valentine's Day or for your anniversary, there's always the gondola rides in Long Beach, CA. It's in the Naples community, which is a mile long of canals and is said to be in one of the most peaceful places in Southern California. There are different sizes of gondolas, depending on if it's for a couple or a crew, holding up to 14 people. 

The gondoliers all have their own personalities, but wear striped blue shirts, just like in Italy, with little red scarves tied around their necks. There's even a few gondoliers who are Italian and will sing different love songs, or the traditional "Happy Birthday." 

The prices depend on the amount of people in each gondola, about $20/person for large parties with different types of gondola rides offered, like the Sunset Ride.

If you're concerned about safety or the rowing skills of your personal gondolier, there's no need to worry since the gondola crew in Naples is trained and is the only crew in America who participates in the annual rowing and boating competition in Italy. 

The gondola ride stays romantic and interesting with the age-old tradition of kissing your date under each bridge that you pass beneath. Remember to bring something to keep warm with as it gets cold, even during the day. Plenty of restaurants also line the water, perfect to dine at after the ride.

Many businesses offer Valentine's Day packages from the 12th-14th, and even offer rides for weddings to escort the guests from the ceremony to the reception with the gondolas.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Review: Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa

Glen Ivy is a popular day spa in Southern California, hidden in the "backwoods" of Corona and surrounded by palm trees and mountains.

There's a good amount of activities that are included with paying to get in, like the community mud bath that hydrates your skin. Although the mud bath can be a bit sketchy since it's impossible to guess what's lurking in the brown water, if you embrace the experience it'll be fun. Although it's the dirtiest pool in the spa since there no circulation, the mud is always replaced in the mornings and cleaned out. There's lawn chairs by the mud bath to lay out in the sun so the mud dries and works it's magic on your skin, with showers nearby to rinse off.

There are nineteen pools and spas, all with their own names, each with their own purpose. You can swim laps, lounge on rafts, or hydrate your skin with the added sulfur in the mineral baths.

Although the spa is secluded, it still gets extremely popular in the summer. There's times when pools are overcrowded and unoccupied lawn chairs are hard to find. With temperatures reaching 100 degrees in Corona, it's worth it to stay all day, but is sometimes is far from relaxing with so many people around.

It costs more to have other services, like massages, ranging form 25 to 50 minutes, costing $79 for the full 50 minutes. There are two private locations for the massages on opposite sides of the spas, either inside or outside.

If you want to spoil yourself and get pampered, there's also the salon, which offers pedicures and facials at different prices. There's also the Grotto, a thirty to forty-five minute trip underground where you're covered with an aloe vera treatment and can relax with tea and green apples. It's one of the cheaper services, costing only $25, and really changes the texture of your skin.

For larger parties, you can rent a cabana from $75 to $500 and have up to 14 people, or you can rent the whole deck, which includes a jacuzzi upstairs and concierge. The long lines at the spa's cafe for lunch can be frustrating, so the cabana gives you VIP treatment, even though it'll double your bill.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com