2015 Critics Choice TV Awards Lisa and Jim

The 2016 Critics Choice Awards Winners — Miles of Smiles

After a year of raking celebrities over the coals, it always surprises me that the stars show up for the Critics Choice Awards, which for the first time, combined the best of both film and television, as voted for by the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA). I’m a voting member of…

Mad Max Fury Road Races to Top of Critics Choice Awards Nominations

I hate to say I told you so, but does anyone else remember little old me saying how blown away I was by “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and declaring that we had the year’s first Academy Awards contender? Well here we are a couple of months away, and all the critics groups are showering the…

Jon Hotchkiss' Adorable Puppies — Home Sweet Television Network

This may look like your typical Sherman Oaks home with a drought tolerant yard, but something more lurks behind that wrought iron gate. Owner Jon Hotchkiss, a TV veteran with 14 Emmy nominations to his credit, has created his own TV network here. He fetchingly calls it Adorable Puppies Inc., and has everything he needs to shoot, produce, edit and…

AHS Kathy Bates Iris

AMERICAN HORROR STORY Lady Gaga is to Die For: Visit Her Hotel

On paper, the Hotel Cortez looks like a killer deal. The photos show a super-swank Art Deco lobby with custom carpets and furniture, outrageous elevator gates and leaded windows. The bar makes you want to sidle up in a pencil skirt and order a Manhattan. If the rooms and hallways are a bit threadbare and…

dark-places-poster

DARK PLACES Review — Charlize Theron Meets Gillian Flynn

By Staci Layne Wilson @StaciWilson I have a major girl crush on author Gillian Flynn. She’s only written three novels, but I’ve read them all twice and can. not. wait. for her fourth! She’s a genius at combining the beloved beach-read with the classic winter’s night thriller. Her first book, Gone Girl, was made into…

Catbaret with Lisa Johnson Mandell

Only in Hollywood: Catbaret Feline Fundraiser

With apologies to At Home In Hollywood Hound Frankie Feldman, L.A. has not only gone to the dogs, it’s gone to the cats as well — at least for one night, as stars like Amy Schumer, Fred Willard, Wendi Mclendon-Covey, Nia Peeples, Nicole Sullivan and Keith David lent their support to the Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats at the annual…

Barry Weiss Auctions America 6

Barry Weiss, the Bubble Car and Me at Auctions America

I admit that I’m not really a car girl. When I tour celebrity homes, I’m usually more interested in the decor style of the garages than in the cars they house. But all that changed last weekend, when my hubby and I attended Auctions America’s California Auto Sale at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. I originally went to see our buddy…

silicon-valley-poster

Five TV Highs to Ease 'Game of Thrones' Withdrawal

By James Mandell Ever since cable execs figured out that summer re-run season was the perfect time to launch original programming, the corporate game o’ thrones has breathed new fire into June TV. And with AMC, Netflix and Amazon following HBO and Showtime’s lead, the bar’s been raised with entertaining, high-quality choices. Here are five titles, all available for streaming, one way or another.

American Gods Gets Green Light

Neil Gaiman's American Gods Gets Green Light

Many of you know that I don’t spend all my time in movie theaters and celebrity homes. I pass a good deal of my “off-hours” with my nose buried in my Kindle. Ever since I learned how to read, I’ve been absolutely devouring the written word, and I’ve been plowing through about a book a week…

Transgender Chaz Bono

Is the Transgender Movement Sexist?

Transgender seems to be the new black–at least transgender women. Caitlyn Jenner graces the cover of Vanity Fair, Jeffrey Tambor picks up award after award for his portrayal of a dad who makes the switch on Transparent and Lana Wachowski is finally gaining respect for her bright-haired transition. And now ABC Family, Disney’s more “progressive” family oriented channel, is…

The Latest

What Everybody’s Watching Right Now and Which are My Favorites?

New Property Brothers Under Pressure to Steam Up HGTV

3 New Apple TV Series Based On Bestsellers

Taylor Sheridan’s New THE MADISON to Gallup Forth

Was That Really the Fancy Westgate Las Vegas on PLURIBUS?

Nominees for the 2025 Critics Choice TV Awards — Are Your Favorites on the List?

Top 10 Holiday Movies — Some May Surprise You

The Girlfriend Review — 2 Critics Share 1 Strong Opinion

HOSTAGE Review — Lisa and Tandy On The Hollywood Beat

OUTRAGEOUS Review, Black Mirror Review —Lisa Loves Both