When you’re smiling
Here’s something to smile about: Operation Smile’s 8th Annual Smile Gala taking place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday. Hosted by Malibu’s Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, this year’s event honors local businessman Stephen Berman of JAKKS Pacific, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard J. Riordan and Eric Winter.
There’ll also be a Founders Circle presentation to the Simpson clan-Jessica, Ashlee and Tina. Every year, the presentation honors loyal and longtime friends of Operation Smile and its worldwide mission. Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood” will serve as master of ceremonies and Philippine singing sensation Charice Pempengco will perform.
Roma promises a memorable evening for a great cause. “We are so looking forward to the event, which just grows bigger and better with every year,” she said. “People are kind and giving. Even in these tough times, every child deserves the dignity of a smile.”
At the movies
It’s time to pick your flicks for the upcoming movie season and there are lots to choose from. One of the year’s most anticipated films comes from Malibu’s James Cameron. Although the famed director has been plenty busy with other projects over the past 12 years, “Avatar” is his first big feature film since the blockbuster “Titanic.”
It tells the story of exotic blue creatures called “Na’vi” and is loaded with special effects. Cameron describes the work as a love story, but he wants moviegoers to walk away “seeing the world through the eyes of people who are culturally different.”
The much-loved children’s classic “Where the Wild Things Are” arrives in theaters mid October. Max Records, Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo will bring Maurice Sendak’s magical story to life. It’s the tale of a young boy who encounters fearsome yet friendly monsters in a series of fantastic adventures.
Oscar winners Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day Lewis team up in “Nine.” It’s the adaptation of the Broadway musical and follows a high-strung director who’s juggling a variety of ladies in his life.
As for holiday fare, look for Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman in “A Christmas Carol.” Carry seems perfect for the part of Scrooge and, thanks to motion capture technology, he’ll be able to play the character in all his phases plus the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.
Speaking of Christmas, Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes” comes to theaters on Dec. 25. Downey plays the famed 19th detective in this period piece, which is directed by Guy Ritchie. See you at the movies!
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.