Contribution to My Film Career: The Girl Who Can Turn the World On With Her Smile

I have opened a new tumblr account that is dedicated to Mary Tyler Moore.

I'm sure you are aware of my obsession with MTM, because, as you should know, she is FREAKTASTICALLY AMAZING.

I want to share something with everyone because it relates to my life, my choice of career, my childhood and Mary Tyler Moore (among other marvelous influences in my life...)

I mentioned Tumblr because I was searching for content about the MTM Show (so that other fans can not only visit my page but also have MTM influence in their blogs/lives) and I came across this video:

Now this video doesn't do much. It's simply a line up of classic television shows, but to me, it is a menu of greatness.

When I was about 2 or 3 years old, I saw what opened my blue eyes to Classic television... the opening credits of Bewitched. I distinctly remember walking up to the television, which was kept in this HUGE brown entertainment center (I loved the glass door that had a "popping-magnet") and looked into the television. I tried to figure out where this was coming from, but couldn't be torn away from the beautiful glory that was Bewitched.

Fast forward to Alexis at age 7. Now, officially a product of the United State Air Force family, a bit strange, but loving television like a loyal friend.

I loved Bewitched. I lived for it. At that young age, I arranged for my bedtime to be pushed back by a half hour in order to stay up and watch. I remember that it was I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, I Love Lucy and then Mary Tyler Moore.-- this changed through out the years, but this year, it was crucial to my lifestyle.

I had to do well in school, stay out of trouble, be nice and share with my sister, get my homework done (which if you ask my mother, in 3rd grade, for some reason, we had a SHIT TON of spelling word homework--yet I still can't spell.) and be quiet during the shows. The quieter I was during my favorite programs, the likelier it was for me to be able to stay up past bedtime and watch the other shows!

The shows altered-- Gilligan's Island was on at one point, Get Smart, The Dick Van Dyke Show... all of which I gazed into, admired and memorized... but there's a key factor here that we forget as we get older... perspective.

Now I see Bewitched as an example of a woman breaking boundaries; mixed marriage, differences, family issues, breaking conventions, etc.
Back then: Bewitched was a pretty lady who was funny, could travel by snapping her fingers, had the world at her finger tips and glamorous clothing.

I thought ...Jeannie was great too-- but not as good (I still hold this opinion high).

I Love Lucy, well, it speaks for itself. It's fantastic- though I never was into it as much-- I've never been very good at going with the majorities' flow...

The point, I guess, to all of this is The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

When I was little, I remember thinking the song was great. I thought she was a pretty lady, with great clothes, a funny friend, a job and an apartment. Nothing really to write home about.

The show was boring to a 7 year old trying to stay up for the next round of classics to be re-run re-runs at 12:30am. Why would we watch a girl who goes to work, then goes home?

Fast forward again-- after all of the papers I managed to crank out in college about women in television... siting Bewitched in immeasurable amounts as well as 30 Rock and SNL, I never, until last year, revisited Mary Tyler Moore.

To a bourgeoning feminist-- this is the Bible. She is Moses... well she's Moses' friend Mary, because we all know that Rhoda would claim herself Moses. This show is the best television writing, the best writers, women and men working in a time of great importance to my generation and making it look so fun and beautiful.

I love these shows. They have been good friends to me. I guess I just wanted to write about it a little.

I'd also like to thank my parents-- because I know that you know that I know you let me stay up and watch these shows-- and yes, it was for my own good. Thank you immensely! I love you for it and other reasons.

Well, I'm going to go absorb some more classic television... thank you Netflix! :)

Video-- I'm A Lazy Blogger

Video Tour: Welcome to the Hood

Latest Fiesta Mission-- #6

This month's Fiesta Mission is: "Trick or Treat...or Terror"
"For kids, Halloween is full of awesome stuff: pillowcases stuffed with candy, hilarious costumes, and running around wreaking havoc with your friends. But nothing makes the night more memorable than getting the tar scared out of you at a haunted house. Create the most epic one you can and give the kids in your neighborhood a night they’ll never forget."

I love Halloween- I think it's my favorite holiday.

I cannot wait to scare some kids in the neighborhood. I'm working on ideas, but if anyone has suggestions, let me know! :)

Fiesta Mission 5!

Sorry This has taken so long to post! I have been mad busy trying to get my life together since moving back from CA and then work, being sick, and then getting ready to move back to CA in the winter for USC SCA!!! :)

Anyway- personal stuff aside, here is my latest fiesta mission. Hope you enjoy it!

Sugar Town

With my latest obsession-- the Deschanel sisters-- as well as my longing to make more films, love of music, convenience of two adorable children and the webbie, I have made a new music video for "Sugar Town." It's the version found on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack.

Hope you enjoy it! :)

Post It Video

Here is my latest contest entry starring my friend Carol, Me and the Fiesta. Enjoy!

Oh, there will be a voting period on Youtube for the video, I'll update it when I know where to send you! :)

Lacrosse video promo

Please follow the videos and go vote for my video! Thanks!

I'm trying to enter a ton of contests, so be prepared to see some AMAZING footage. Lol.

Latest Video: EAT MY SHORTS

This is my latest video: "EAT MY SHORTS"

This video is for a contest held by Crunch Gyms. Hopefully I'll have a good shot at winning.

Please don't forget to vote for my Howcast.com video!

PLEAse Vote for my Video-- AGAIN

Please help me win this howcast.com video contest.

Go to MY VIDEO, join howcast and vote. It's free and it would be a huge feather in my cap. Thank you!

"What am I Going to DOOOO?"

The title of this post is my favorite line (lines) from the new film, Julie & Julia, which I have now seen twice.

I would like to write about it right now-- but I cannot. I have to work on a bunch of bullshit from the Bank of America. I can't wait to sit down and tell you all what I loved and didn't love about this film.

I am now watching The Blues Brothers-- a film that, I know, have seen. I love SNL. I love Dan Akroyd and John Belushi. It just gets old as hell hearing from everyone "You have to see this film."

Mostly this quote is aimed at my Dad, my Uncle James and Jay.

Watching it dudes. Chill.

James Lipton Questions

These ten (10) questions originally came from a French series, "Bouillon de Culture" hosted by Bernard Pivot. They're better known as the questions that James Lipton asks every guest at the end of "Inside the Actor's Studio." You'll be amazed at how much they reveal about a person's thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

1. What is your favorite word?

I think it's "Blurg" it's not really a word-- it was on 30 Rock 3 years ago and I've been using it ever since

2. What is your least favorite word?
"Like" I hate that I use it so much and I can't stand it when we, U.S.'ians, say it SO much.


3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
Creatively: seeing beautiful things or reading them. I'm inspired by life and people and everything.
Spiritually: deeds not words
Emotionally: I'm pretty easy to make laugh or cry so almost anything. Lol


4. What turns you off?
Bad teeth.

5. What is your favorite curse word?
Shit.

6. What sound or noise do you love?
I love ABBA. Lol or Musicals! I can't be sad when either of those things are playing.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
people eating sounds, clicking pens and balloons popping

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
an Archaeologist

9. What profession would you not like to do?
nurse

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Yes, you can come in Alexis. I knew those were jokes.

The River Wild

Meryl Streep + Kevin Bacon + A young John C. Riley + The kid from Jurassic Park = 1994's The River Wild, a movie worth referring to on any family rafting trip and/or camping trip.

After one gets over the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon and the Queen of the world status of Meryl Streep, this movie strips down to hard core family fun.

I mean, hey mom, it's cool that you row every day outside of Boston, but let's put that to the test. Dad hates nature, but let's throw him in head first. Oh, and I'm the boy who's almost eaten by DINOSAURS.

There are great things about this movie beyond the sweet story line of bad asses Kevin Bacon and "Walkin' Hard" John C. Riley trying to kill Meryl's family.

Here are some bullet points for you:

• Natives have left drawings on rocks.
• Meryl's American Flag t-shirt
• Sweet 1990's outfits and familial fighting
• Kevin's hat and hair
• John C. Riley
• Level 5 rapids
• Fantastic cinematography

Now I've had some people tell me that this movie isn't anything great. But they're full of shit. This movie has so much to offer. I mean it's like Cape Fear meets the Parent Trap--any other questions?!

Watching this is as close to the river as I need to get. Sike-- I just know how it feels to be the only one who gets sent from the raft/tube.

Speaking of; I don't know if my sister reads my blog, but if she does, this will allow me to find out: When we went white water rafting, it was incredibly fun and hilarious.

Here are highlights:

My sister bouncing into the air on a double hole--never falling into the water--just up in the air like a flapjack and back into the boat.

I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't see ANYTHING.

My Mom was the first one bounced-- I've never seen her eyes so wide.

My Mom and Dad sitting in the back of the raft screaming at the guides.

Erin smiling at the "rock camera" for the family photo op.

LOVE IT Roarke.

Movies Saved My Day

Today was a shit pile of hopelessness. Not as bad as some (keeping in mind any war torn country, anyone in "actual" poverty and of course any shark attack victims--PS ITS SHARK WEEK), but not a great day.

I went to the ATM to get some fresh, crispy, well-earned Hamiltons and much to my dismay I was firmly dissed by the machine. The bank fairies who work behind the ATM told me that I had "insufficient funds" that I was "in the red" (as some might call it) and to "go fuck myself" because I was "S.O.L." Okay, so they didn't actually tell me the last two things, but they mine as well.

Due to my sole nature of the trip--getting some green paper to buy a sweet hair cut, to which I will refer later--I was short on time and heavy on problems. I called the hair salon to postpone my appointment.

Let me tell you something; Growing up, I was the only Alexis I knew. There was never a need for "Alexis M." or "Lexi" or even "Lex" (yes, I used them, but under my own free will, not due to some teacher's need for me to be recognized if punishment be needed). So when I called "Studio S," the hippest, bangin'-est salon in Santa Barbara, it really threw me for a whirl that the lady on the other end's name was in fact, Alexis. Here's how it went:

Alexis: Hello, Studio S, this is Alexis Whatevermylastnamewas, how can I help you today?

Alexis: I need to reschedule my appointment

Alexis: Okay, can I have your name?

Alexis: (in my head) *Bitch you already stole my name.* Alexis Morrell.

Alexis: Okay, Alexis, I [Alexis] have you in for a 1:30. Can I switch you to 4:15

Alexis: Yes, thanks.

Is that confusing? What the fuck!?

So after this adorable rendezvous on the phone with my alter ego who just happens to have my name (that's how freaking awesome my name is) I entered the block, the bastille, the BofA, The Bank of America.

Now the last time I was in the building, I was reporting some fraudulent activity that had come my way. Guess what I was there for this time? The same thing!

I am not a wealthy person. I am not a poor person, well not in my head. But in real life, I am a poor person, I just have well off people around me and I am babysat by LOTS of people. When the money disappears, I have problems. I work hard for those dollars. Julia demands quite a bit of legos, trips to the beach, potty trips, books read aloud and attention spent on her and only her. These hours are wasted when some douche-bag hacks into my shit and steals my dough. NO WAY JOSE~!

I talked to the dude in the BofA and he said I have to wait until tomorrow to do anything! This is BOGUS! So tomorrow, part 2 of the lovely bank activities will continue. Now all of this was unexpected stress. Here, you might say, is where you could criticize me and tell me that "That's not stress, I'll tell you about stress"--well here's what I have to say to you. How about you lose ALL of your money, go into the red and be 3000 miles away from your Mommy! That's stressful brotha. So stick it up your ass. The only way to get away with this-- say it like in Crocodile Dundee "That's not a knife..."

I am lucky in all of this. Because I am a metaphorical 12 year old until January, my surrogate family here in Santa Barbara paid for me to have my hair cut. I think they were nervous that I might do something dramatic or possibly cry. I didn't do either--well I mean the haircut is slightly dramatic-- but it leads into the more positive part of my day!

I saw 500 Days of Summer, again, this weekend. I am in love with this movie. It's my generations The Graduate. Though I know I have already blabbered on about this flick, it's worth it. Zooey Deschanel is in this movie and she is kick ass, across-the-board-kick-ass. I decided, due to my interpretation of the character, my brown hair, blue eyes (not quite Zooey blue, but bugger off!) and my boop-boop nose, that I would emulate the hair cut that Ms. Deschanel has in the film.

My new haircut

Unlike Ingrid Bergman's short hair cut, which destroyed a lot of the women's hair in middle class America in the 1940s, this haircut is a winner!!

Totally made my day to have it come out exactly as I had hoped! One movie saves the day! Oh, wait, there's more.

After a hilarious dinner with the Case/Carlander clan, we watched George Cukor's 1938 classic Holiday starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn; this movie is fantastic. What a great way to end a shitty day! This movie is a hilarious comedy that was transformed from a play to a movie and then remade into this movie. See it. It's worth it.

I took a liking to the drunk brother, Katharine Hepburn's character who is the crazy sister--love it!-- and the people Cary Grant hangs out with and of course Cary Grant's character.

This movie is screwy yet poignant showing conflicts between classes and gender. There is so much that it has to offer. See it.

Now I'm going to read more of Nathan Rabin's book "The Big Rewind," It's been taking me a bit because I'm pacing as not to have it end. Read it.

Buena Notte!

P.S.

Did you know that Great White Sharks are warm blooded and can therefore beat the ever-living crap out of a Tiger Shark in cold water. That is why Deloris the Tiger Shark's radio tag was beeping from the stomach of a White Shark. R.I.P. Deloris.

Also-- the camera guys and shark experts shouldn't wear black wet suits, they just look like seals.

"Live every week like it's shark week"-30 Rock

My Life: Movies

Movies are my favorite thing in the world. I think if I had to choose between eating and watching movies-- it would be a rock, scissors, paper type of deal. The thing about loving movies so much is that they become a true part of me. Now this is the best thing in the world, except that it sets me up to think like movies, talk like movies and obsess over movies. I read about them, pick them apart, try to put them into every conversation I have and look for events in life to become possible films I create. This weekend I discovered that I am in a vulnerable state as far as my summer movie selections and my emotions run.

This weekend I saw 500 Days of Summer again. This movie has hit me like a ton of bricks. I get it on so many levels that it makes me want to cry. I am so grateful and lucky to have met the writer and director of this film because I was able to express my sincere gratitude for the film. It is very The Graduate-esque. I mean, obvi, it refers to The Graduate as well as shows clips of the film, but there are deeper levels of meaning behind some of the shots and story line. I guess at this point in my life it is easy to succumb to the finer points of a movie about people in their early to mid twenties dealing with life, love, happiness, sadness, sexuality, money, jobs, school, etc.

This movie struck a chord the first time and the second time, but I don't think it truly sunk in until today when I saw Funny People.

Funny People is not the normal balls and nuts Judd Apatow film. This film was dark, cynical, hilarious, sad, happy, lovable, hateful and everything else all balled into 2 hours of cinematic experience. I identified deeply with Seth Rogen's character, to the point that I started to cry a bit. I'm sitting there, in the theater, laughing my ass off at some hysterical joke Adam Sandler has just told and then crying because things are too real. This is powerful stuff. Thank God you can't smell films because my senses were all in sensory overload.

The reason this bridges the two films together, more than just me seeing the movies in the same weekend, is that in 500 Days... Zooey Deschanel's character, Summer, cries when she witnesses the end of The Graduate. This made sense to me in the film because that part when Benjamin and Elaine are riding on the bus towards the unknown is a gray space of emotion. Do they have anywhere to turn? Do they know each other? Will anyone actually ever be happy if put in a situation like this? What is marriage? Will I ever find "the one?" Will I ever find someone? Will I ever find anyone?

All of these things become real in what was just a happy accident in film courtesy of Mike Nichols.

When I began to cry in Funny People, I understood what she was feeling. I actually understand those feelings regarding The Graduate (which just happens to be my 2nd favorite film of all time).

It's not easy being 20 something and trying to figure out what comes next. Sacrifices become heavier than ever. Family becomes more distant than ever (even if they're right next to you). There is a sense of aloneness that hasn't been realized until this time. You have to start to figure out what you want to do or really what you don't want to do. This movie really showed what choices do to people and how they affect the people around you. This age is a very selfish time, but it isn't always selfish.

I think what really got me was that Seth Rogen's character wasn't just with his peers, he was in this other arena of slightly older adults. I too live in a world where I constantly encounter this "10 to 15 years above me crowd"--they're rough and like to tumble.

This age group has helped me and hurt me--both of which I am happy to have dealt with because they have taught me what I want and don't want just from observation.

Seth Rogen's character reminded me of myself in a different sense as well:

He was malleable in the sense that he wanted to learn the ropes and the tools of the trade.

He was impressed by the elder group's achievements and saw everything for the first time--enjoying every moment of what he loved.

He was grateful for every advantage and privilege doted upon him... not taking any single moment for granted.

Something fantastic landed in his lap and though he felt he didn't deserve it, he did and worked hard to keep it.

He didn't let the arguments and generation gap keep him from taking the next necessary steps toward success-- I think this is how you figure out how to be on your own and how to make decisions to create success.

I think I'm going to turn this blog around. I'll occasionally write about what's happening in my life, especially when I go to school, but I'd really like to start reviewing films and books that I read. I'll give you the spins that I find and the finer points that I enjoy or hate.

If you have any suggestions as to what films you'd like to see on here let me know. I'll either take them or ignore them.

PS

This is what I want to get my hair cut like-- and this is how I might get it done for Kate's wedding.

Kablewy

I have been trying to think of things to write about. My Ingrid Bergman blog is sometimes so much easier to maintain. There is one clear subject to write about; Ingrid. I feel like there is never a shortage and I always want to have something there.

Here, it is more difficult to write about EVERYTHING.

I know I should write about the Fiesta. I know that I can write about whatever I want, but who cares? Now this isn't self-pity. I care about my life and I have those around me who genuinely do care about what I do and what I am up to. But I don't know who cares about what. I think I might start to focus on something specifically.

Should I write about my filmmaking? Seems a little pretentious, plus I like to show final results, not really into revealing my process.

Should I write about strange things I see in life? Just a social commentary? Is that what I and you are into?

Should I set a goal--like my Dad has done-- a 365 days type thing? I'm not sure I like a box. Not that boxes are bad, I just don't work well with them. I'm more of a squiggle.

I have been reading 2 memoirs, both written by people who work on websites and blogs.

One is Julie and Julia written by Julie Powell. She shoots from the hip with her writing but she definitely always has an objective. She had her blog about the Julia Child recipes and now has a book, movie deal, blog and a clear concise way of writing. It's inspirational and intimidating all at the same time.

The other book is called The Big Rewind by Nathan Rabin. This is the funniest book I've ever read. Nathan Rabin is the head writer of the A.V. Club and this book reflects his sarcastic, hilarious, reference-full, way of revealing things that are happening in his world and the world around us. He has what would be my pick for a dream job. If you're not making films, you're writing or writing about them. He is one of my new heros.

You can check out there work here:

What Could Happen

The A.V. Club

The Onion

Follow them on twitter here:

@licjulie

@nathanrabin

Buy their books here:

Julie and Julia

The Big Rewind

I recommend it all. I also recommend that you give me suggestions as to what you would like to read. I'd like to revamp this blog--big time :)

FiestaTune UP

My buddy Julia and I ran some errands today--she got a blue lollypop from the bank. Excitement!

Today was a strange day for the Fiesta. It was kind of a strange day for me as well. Not strange in a bad way, strange in a way that is like an out of body experience. Not the kind you might have if the anesthesiologist doesn't do the meds the right way and you're present for your surgery, the kind where you're like--is this my life?

Okay-- Now I'll explain.

Yesterday, I didn't realize it was Thursday until it was too late. I didn't sleep well Wed. night. I had something on my mind, but couldn't really pin point it.

Thursday, at about 12 pm, I realized what had been keeping me up all night: the 10am appointment to have the Fiesta worked on (3000/ 3mos check up). GREAT JOB ALEXIS.

Andrew, my "Mission Control" dude, helped me out. He scheduled a tune up for this morning at 9am. This worked out perfectly.

When I went out to get into the Fiesta, there was something in the window. A card. Someone had left a card in the window regarding "alter-eko" an alternative fuel-eco friendly company. The card has a note and a phone number. Though I'm pretty certain I cannot use their fuel, actually I'm 100% sure, it is pretty cool and pretty weird to have a card waiting in the driveway on my car. I feel slightly violated--but in a good way.

Now I have to tell you about the Perry Ford guys in Santa Barbara.

Want to feel like a goddess? Drive a Fiesta into Perry Ford on Hitchcock Way in Santa Barbara CA. I'm going to give the dudes there MAJOR props. They treated me like I OWNED Ford. Actually they treated me better than that--like I was the daughter of the person who owns Ford. You don't fuck around with the daughter of someone who owns anything, she knows the ropes and how to manipulate them. (Any daughter does for that matter.) The guys at the Ford Service department were über excited to have the 2010 Fiesta drive into their station.

Dean Severson, the Service Advisor was amazing. He and Dennis Cummins took care of me and the Fiesta. Thanks you guys, you did a great job and made getting a tune up incredibly easy!

(So many play on words--insert a "that's what she said" where ever you want.)

To see where I took the car-- visit www.perryauto.com

Please Vote for my Video-- AGAIN

So howcast.com somehow LOST my video entry. I was glad that I checked back, disappointed that they lost my entry, but HAPPY because I misspelled "safety" in my original, so this gives me a much-needed second chance!

So can you please view and vote again? Even Views help!

Click on this video to go to my howcast.com page and view and vote! :)

Thank you!

<3>

FIESTA MISSION 3! :)

This is Fiesta Mission 3: Fashion and Style of Santa Barbara CA! :)

This video is a little different than what I've done before. I tried some new techniques and held some interviews. I did the whole thing on my webbie and one shot with my mac camera. I need to get some sound equipment!! Probably should find a better camera too...but this is HD so w/e!

Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you like it! :)



Please visit my video at howcast.com as well! I need views and thumbs ups! HELP ME WIN CASH FOR COLLEGE! I'll explain my tuition thing laterrrr... for now... FIESTA!!!

HELP ME WIN THIS FILMMAKING CONTEST~!

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY VIDEO~!

Click on this video and follow it to Howcast.com

Vote Thumbs up (Please cuz a thumbs down would SUCK)...

It would really help me out!! :)