celebrity

Musical Masterpiece: Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story”

| kristencastillo

I remember the first time I saw “West Side Story.” I watched the 1961 film during class at my Catholic elementary school decades later — on a square TV on a rolling cart — and it was transformative. I immediately loved the music, choreography, dancing, characters, and storytelling. I watch that version from time to time and it never gets old.

The new “West Side Story” will likely be one that I watch over and over too.

Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY.

I saw the new film a few days ago at a VIP preview screening and I’m still thinking about it. The musical is dreamy, endearing, dramatic, poignant, and more.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, “West Side Story” sticks close to the storyline of the 1957 Broadway show and the movie that followed a few years later. The plot: rival groups, the Jets, white street rats in New York City, are battling turf wars against the Sharks, Puerto Rican newcomers to the neighborhood. What happens when a love story sparks between a girl and guy from the different groups?

One of my favorite scenes is when leading man Tony (Ansel Elgort), who used to be a Jet, spots leading lady Maria (Rachel Zegler), sister of a Shark, at the dance. When the two see each other, they lock eyes and form an immediate connection.

Spielberg’s “speed up” effect at the dance shows everyone dancing fast and everything happening quickly — except time seems to stand still for Tony and Maria. Even in a crowded room, they’re the only ones.

There’s so much to love about this new version of the classic doomed love story. Like the original film, the music, choreography and dancing are delightful.

The casting is amazing too. Scenes with Maria and Tony are filled with emotion. Their chemistry is palpable and even though the characters have known each other for only a few days, you really feel they’re meant to be together forever. I particularly enjoyed Elgort’s version of “Maria” and Zegler’s, “I Feel Pretty.” Their duet, “Tonight” is stunning.

I love Rita Moreno (Anita in the 1961 film) in a grandmotherly role as Valentina, the candy store owner and Tony’s boss. Her singing performance of Somewhere” showcases a lot of emotion, including longing for what could be.

Rita Moreno as Valentina and Ansel Elgort as Tony in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY, directed by Steven Spielberg. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Current Anita (Ariana DeBose) is a powerhouse who sings, dances and exudes confidence. Don’t miss her singing and dancing to “America.” Mike Faist is fun to watch as Jets’ leader Riff, a tough guy who’s full of personality but lacking direction in life. Fernano (David Alvarez), leader of the Sharks, is a boxer who’s proud of his Puerto Rican roots but overly protective of his little sister, Maria.

Ariana DeBose as Anita and David Alvarez as Bernardo in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY. Photo by Niko Tavernise. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

This new musical, which runs two and a half hours, stands on its own. It’s more of a companion to the original film than a competitor.

At a time when we’re all used to watching movies on TV, tablets and even phones, “West Side Story” is meant to be seen in theaters. It comes alive with engaging music and amazing colors. It looks and sounds incredible on the big screen.

West Side Story opens in theaters on December 10, 2021.

What you need to know about hair transplant surgery

| kristencastillo

Model Chrissy Teigen shared she recently had eyebrow transplant surgery. In an Instagram post, she explained she’s tired of wearing makeup to fill in her eyebrows. For her eyebrow transplant surgery, her surgeon Dr. Jason Diamond transplanted hairs from the back of her head to her brow area.


Want to know what’s involved in hair restoration?


I interviewed International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) president Dr. Paul McAndrews for this Mediaplanet article. He explains how the procedure works and questions patients should ask.

According to a 2019 practice census survey, ISHRS members treated more men than women – 84.2% men, compared to 15.8% women – for surgical hair restoration procedures.  Over half of all surgical patients worldwide were ages 30 to 49 years old.

Hair transplant surgery helps restore naturally growing hair by surgically taking hair from the sides or back of the scalp and moving it to areas that are thinning or bald. Surgical hair transplants are permanent and can be used on the scalp, as well as eyelashes, eyebrows, and other facial or body hair.

Read the full article here.

Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith on their respective breast cancer journeys

| kristencastillo

One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. In my Mediaplanet article, celebrities Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith share their respective breast cancer journeys and offer tips to others with breast cancer. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

“When you get breast cancer, it opens your eyes up to a lot, because you never think you’re going to hear those words, ‘cancer.’”

Jaclyn Smith
Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith Share What It’s Like to Receive a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

“Listening to your inner voice and your gut is such an important factor,” she said. “And being your own best healthcare advocate, because we know our bodies better than anyone else. We’re in them every day.”

Samantha Harris

Don’t Miss this Year’s Daytime Emmys

| kristencastillo

I’m looking back on some of the times I’ve attended the Daytime Emmys as a guest of my friend and The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Pacific Southwest Chapter colleague MaryEllen Eagelston.  

On the red carpet with the Golden Lady; meeting Dr. Oz; with Austin Resser, and my NATAS-PSW colleagues, MaryEllen Eagelston and Donn Johnson.

The Daytime Emmys are always so much fun! I love the red carpet experience, the rush of excitement and mingling with some if TV’s best talent, who work in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Meeting “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak; the red carpet; and soap opera actress Susan Lucci
presenting at the 44th Daytime Emmy Awards

This year’s Daytime Emmys show will air tonight, Friday, June 25, 2021 at 8 pm Eastern on CBS TV. I’ll be watching! Will you? 🎉

Meeting “Young and the Restless” actors (L-R) Daniel Goddard and Bryton James; the table decor at the Emmy Awards; sitting next to (L-R) Vanessa Lachey, Nick Lachey and Curtis Stone; and hanging out with the NATAS crew, including L-R Fernando Duran, MaryEllen Eagelston and Terry O’Reilly, the chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Back row: Soledad O’Brien and David Burt.

Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her Autoimmune Disease Journey During Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month

| kristencastillo

March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month and TV host and dancer Carrie Ann Inaba is talking about her chronic pain from autoimmune diseases.

In my Mediaplanet article, she shares how she manages the pain and how she’s helping others through her platform Carrie Ann Conversations.

Carrie Ann Inaba on Managing the Pain of Autoimmune Conditions

Here’s an article excerpt:

“Pain is a powerful teacher,” said Inaba, who wants to be a resource for people living with pain and autoimmune disorders. She recommends taking notes at each medical appointment since the appointments can be stressful and distracting. She also encourages communicating your pain to your doctors, and if a doctor isn’t helping you, to seek another opinion. 

“You can’t give up,” she said. “Life with or without pain is a gift and I’m grateful for it all.”

Remembering Cameron Boyce and Honoring His Legacy

| kristencastillo

Actor Cameron Boyce died last year of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and now his family is continuing his humanitarian work. In my Mediaplanet article, his parents explain the 20-year old had a mission for good.

Cameron Boyce

“He would most definitely want us to take care of each other and be loving to one another, and to be strong,” says his mother, Libby Boyce. “He would most definitely want us to continue working on things that make the world a better place.”

Read more about his epilepsy, #SUDEP and the projects he loved. This article ran last week in a Neurological Disorders report inside USA TODAY. Read the article here.

Get more information about Cameron Boyce’s Foundation.

Angry Birds 2: Animated Summer Fun

| kristencastillo

Ready for a fun movie? The Angry Birds Movie 2 opened this week and it’s a cute summer flick with humor, a great soundtrack and a new inspiring character. My kids and I got a sneak peek and we loved it!

 

Angry Birds 2 Cast

Even if you didn’t see the first Angry Birds movie, you’ll quickly catch up to meet the crew. Last time the angry birds, guided by Red who’s played by Jason Sudeikis, battled the green piggies led by Leonard, who’s voiced by Bill Hader.

Red and Leonard
Red (Jason Sudeikis) and Leonard (Bill Hader) in Columbia Pictures and Rovio Animations’ ANGRY BIRDS 2.

This time they have to join forces to take on a new nemesis – Eagle Island’s Zeta, played by Leslie Jones. Zeta is fed up living in frozen conditions so she decides she’s going to take over Bird and Piggy Islands for her own paradise. She blasts ice bombs at the birds and pigs but instead of surrendering, the once-enemies, band together to fight for their homes.

ANGRY BIRDS 2 Zeta
Zeta (Leslie Jones) in Columbia Pictures and Rovio Animations’ ANGRY BIRDS 2.ANGRY

Zeta 2

Red wants to be the hero but instead it’s Silver, voiced by Rachel Bloom, who has all the good insights, calm demeanor and scientific know-how.

Silver

Silver is cool under pressure and shows being smart is awesome. She’s girl power through and through. In the end, Red isn’t threatened by her. Instead they work together, making a great team.

Kids and adults will enjoy Angry Birds Movie 2 – it’s lighthearted but it still has lots of heart and some nice lessons too.

 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

| kristencastillo

September is Hispanic Heritage month. I was honored to write a number of articles for Mediaplanet’s “Hispanic Heritage” report, published recently in The Los Angeles Times and PeriódicoHOY.

Rita Moreno article-Mediaplanet
Photo credit: Austin Hargrave

The cover story was about #EGOT award winner Rita Moreno, who​ discusses her passion for her Puerto Rican roots and her 70-year career, including her role as Anita in “West Side Story​.” Check out the article here.

Here are some of the other articles I wrote for this Hispanic Heritage report:

How Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Are Helping Boost Hispanic Homeownership

Actress Katherine Castro On Her Hispanic Heritage: “It’s Who I Am”

Meet Lizzie Velasquez: Latina YouTuber Who’s Focused On Positivity

Why Participation In Clinical Trials is a Must for Hispanics

Hispanic Actress & Immigration Advocate Francia Raisa’s Call for Unity