PROMO UPDATE : MOLLY MOON .. UK CINEMA RELEASE .. DECEMBER 2ND 2016 NATIONWIDE! DVD / DIGITAL DECEMBER 5TH!

 Jennifer Sanin

A rather simplistic spin on the orphan fantasy tale we all know and love, Molly Moon presents its pre-teen audience with the full cinematic package: action, crime, drama, romance, comedy and a final touch of Christmas warmth, coinciding with its winter release date.

This film contains an unnerving abundance of child actors and banal dialogue such as “believe in yourself” and “Molly Moon, the rotten bad apple!”. Casting a young girl with supermodel looks to play someone described in the books as a plain, potato-nosed child is predictable and a bit disappointing, but Raffey Cassidy acts compellingly for her age, and is supported by an all-star cast including the kindly Emily Watson, a delightfully treacherous Joan Collins and Dominic Monaghan providing comic relief through awkwardly slapstick writing.

Molly Moon, abandoned at birth, is a rebellious girl growing up in an orphanage run by a cruel, unforgiving headmistress (Lesley Manville). After being inexplicably aided by the kind librarian (Anne-Marie Duff) in acquiring the Incredible Book of Hypnotism, she realises, in a pleasantly spooky scene – staring at her own magnetic eyes through the washing machine door – that she has the gift. The young leading lady then proceeds to effortlessly con her way into a chartered coach, a luxury hotel and international stardom. Ultimately, Molly learns that love and friendship are the most valuable assets of all and that cheating hurts everyone involved.

The picture does its best to keep its audience captivated by skipping through scenery like pages in a colouring book: from dreary orphanage to rustic English village to vivid visions of central London and, finally, back to the orphanage, not so dreary anymore after such unlikely adventures in the metropolis as taking part in a bank robbery for Monaghan’s odd and unnecessary side plot.

Youngsters may not notice plot holes, a roughly patched-together storyline or outdated special effects, but Molly Moon fails to create memorable characters and a whimsical alternate universe like other children’s live-action movies do (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Matilda, Paddington). It is, however, dynamic enough to keep parents awake and younger children entertained.

Verdict:                                                                                                                                  Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism is released nationwide on 2^nd December 2016.

Release date: December 2nd – theatrical and digital platforms + December 5th - DVD
Running time: 98 minutes
Certificate U

PRESS UPDATE : LEXILIFE .. TIMELESS BEAUTY .. NOVEMBER 27TH 2016 ..

Hello lovelies,

Today I’ve got an exciting beauty review; The Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Compact Duo. Before being asked to review this product, I had no idea that Dame Joan Collins had started her own luxury brand.  After spending some close up time with beauty masters, Dame Collins is giving it a go herself. Not only has she bought out a cosmetics line, but a skincare and fragrance line too. Check out the website here!

The Compact Duo retails at £34.00 and includes a pressed powder form the Meticulous range, a classic old fashioned square sponge, a mirror and a lipstick from the Divine Lips range.

The compact has a strong magnetic close so there’s no risk of it popping open on it’s own accord whilst in your bag. The slot for the lipstick to sit in fits ALL Divine Lipsticks meaning you can chop and change what lipstick you carry around with you, from day to night, without fear of loosing it to the bottom of your bag! The whole range of Divine lipsticks looks incredible retailing at £18.00 each.

 

You have a choice of 16 lipstick shades to come with the compact so whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a cute gift, you have plenty of options! All of the Divine Lipstick shades are named after a significant character she’s played over the years as Joan Collins believes a choice in lipstick can say something about the person wearing it and how the world sees them.

 

The shade I was sent is Alexis which is a truly stunning deep berry colour. This is named after Dame Collins playing Alexis Colby in Dynasty. From what I can gather, she’s a head-strong, feisty yet loveable character with the sass of a true diva.

 

The packaging is stunning and I have it on display on my dressing table as we blog. Not only does it remind me of Charlotte Tilbury, but the shade too. I want to say Glastonbury? This is one of my all time favourite shades to pick up so I was chuffed to see I was sent this.

 

 

Dame Joan Collins believes that cosmetics are protective and should care for the skin. The lipstick is described as hydrating and if I’m honest, I’ve never felt a lipstick quite like it. Granted, I haven’t had the full experience of ALL high end lipsticks, there may well be better ones out there. But this is the best lipstick formula I’ve ever tried.

I wore it for a whole day, eating, drinking, eating some more. The colour did fade (as would any), but it didn’t go patchy, my lips were never dry, in fact, they were more hydrated than ever. It feels more like a light layer of vaseline on your lips. The Divine Lipsticks have been proven to make lips softer and fuller and after 30 days, the all round hydration levels in your lips is higher. Win. Win.

 

The application I found tricky as I’m not used to such a pigmented lipstick. The colour pay off is AMAZING, so amazing that a steady hand is definitely needed. One application is enough but the lipsticks so buildable you can chose to make it darker if you wanted (I did).

 

I’m super grateful that I’ve had the chance to try a hydrating lipstick as I’ve found my new favourite lipstick. It’s always great when a brands luxury packaging is met with the formula, finish and lasting power!

The Meticulous powder is super soft and applies beautiful with the powder puff provided. I feel like thats the difference between luxury and high-street. The applicators that they come with and whether we end up using them or not. You can also buy this seperately at £22.00. It claims to:

• Even tones

• Regulates shine

• Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and fills fine lines

• Light reflecting particles help make the skin look fabulous!

   

  I love it. I’m not sure if the fact it’s a modern take on the vintage powder puffs that used to be around is swaying it, but I’m loving it all the same. It’s great for setting your under eye or just throughout the day when you can feel yourself going a tad shiny.

  I personally think that this is the perfect gift for those that love their lipstick so much so they carry it around with them. It also has the elegance and sophistication for perhaps the older generation too. What do you think?! I honestly can’t recommend the lipstick enough. I’ve never tried a formula like it! Check it out HERE.

  Let me know if you have someone in mind to give this too or if you’re tempted yourself!

  Love Life, Lexi!

DVD ALERT : MOLLY MOON ON REGION 2 DVD FROM LIONSGATE .. DECEMBER 5TH 2016 ..

For viewers in the UK & Ireland, Lionsgate will release Joan's 2015 film release 'Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism' onto DVD on December 5th. This charming family fantasy also stars Dominic Monaghan, Celia Imrie, Raffey Cassidy, Anne Marie Duff, Emily Watson and Gary Kemp...
You can order your copy here.......
Molly Moon on Rgion 2 DVD From December 5th! 

PHOTO UPDATE : ITS A RICHLY DESERVED DINNER FOR THANKFUL JOAN!

Joan enjoyed a joyous Thanksgiving with family and friends including her longtime pal Jack Rich... A good dinner was had by all!

PHOTO UPDATE : LUNCH IN HOLLYWOOD IS ALWAYS A CELEBRATION!

Joan with Jayne Moran, Umair Khalil & Barry Langford..

Joan currently in LA and with a busy schedule as ever, attended a special birthday lunch for Umair, who is one of Joan's good friends. The lunch was hosted by former Miss World and notable Bond girl Mary Stavin.. A good afternoon was had by all..

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S ALL SHOW FOR A LATE DINNER AT CRAIG'S!

Joan with James Corden and the son of Joans good friend Charles Duggan

Joan caught up with good friends at Craig's in West Hollywood for dinner and ran into popular tv host James Corden..

EVENT UPDATE : THE ABC TALK OF THE TOWN GALA .. THE BEVERLY HILTON .. NOVEMBER 19TH 2016 ..

Joan stunning as ever on the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton for The ABC Talk of The Town Gala to raise funds for breast cancer research at The John Wayne Cancer institute... Joan was guest of honour as she accepted The Spirit of Entertainment Award, while friend Angelica Huston accepted The Spirit of Hollywood Award... Also in attendence was the always fabulous Donna Mills among others..
Joan accepted her award as a tribute to the late Jackie Collins who died last year of cancer.. Joan commented....
 “I think it’s a very good idea to do that. I think it isn’t something you want people to be knowing about and feeling sorry for you.
“It was much better that she kept it to herself and very close family.”
 “As you know, Jackie passed away 14 months ago now so I feel this is somewhat of a tribute to her.
“I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three people are going to get cancer so it’s very important to try and find a cure.”

She told the Press Association: "I think it's a very good idea to do that. I think it isn't something you want people to be knowing about and feeling sorry for you. "It was much better that she kept it to herself and very close family." The 83-year-old actress said she was "honoured" to accept the charity's Spirit of Entertainment Award, while Oscar-winning star Anjelica Huston was presented with the Spirit of Hollywood Award. Dame Joan said: "As you know (Jackie) passed away 14 months ago now so I feel this is somewhat of a tribute to her. "I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three peopl

Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/celebs/joan-collins-jackie-keeping-cancer-battle-private-good-idea-1-8248341

She told the Press Association: "I think it's a very good idea to do that. I think it isn't something you want people to be knowing about and feeling sorry for you. "It was much better that she kept it to herself and very close family." The 83-year-old actress said she was "honoured" to accept the charity's Spirit of Entertainment Award, while Oscar-winning star Anjelica Huston was presented with the Spirit of Hollywood Award. Dame Joan said: "As you know (Jackie) passed away 14 months ago now so I feel this is somewhat of a tribute to her. "I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three peopl

Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/celebs/joan-collins-jackie-keeping-cancer-battle-private-good-idea-1-8248341

She told the Press Association: "I think it's a very good idea to do that. I think it isn't something you want people to be knowing about and feeling sorry for you. "It was much better that she kept it to herself and very close family." The 83-year-old actress said she was "honoured" to accept the charity's Spirit of Entertainment Award, while Oscar-winning star Anjelica Huston was presented with the Spirit of Hollywood Award. Dame Joan said: "As you know (Jackie) passed away 14 months ago now so I feel this is somewhat of a tribute to her. "I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three peopl

Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/celebs/joan-collins-jackie-keeping-cancer-battle-private-good-idea-1-8248341

shared news about her deteriorating health to close family. She told the Press Association: "I think it's a very good idea to do that. I think it isn't something you want people to be knowing about and feeling sorry for you. "It was much better that she kept it to herself and very close family." The 83-year-old actress said she was "honoured" to accept the charity's Spirit of Entertainment Award, while Oscar-winning star Anjelica Huston was presented with the Spirit of Hollywood Award. Dame Joan said: "As you know (Jackie) passed away 14 months ago now so I feel this is somewhat of a tribute to her. "I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three people are going to get cancer so it's very important to try and find a cure."

Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/celebs/joan-collins-jackie-keeping-cancer-battle-private-good-idea-1-8248341

Joan with Angelica Huston

A classic image of Joan & Jackie by Terry O'Neill was up for silent auction

Joan with friend Donna Mills

Joan addresses fellow guests

EVENT ALERT : ABC'S TALK OF THE TOWN GALA .. THE BEVERLY HILTON .. BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA .. NOVEMBER 19TH 2016 ..

All good wishes to Joan who will accept The Spirit of Entertainment Award, later tonight at The Beverly Hilton during the Annual Talk of The Town Gala.. The event raises funds for Breast cancer studies... Watch this space for updates!

PHOTO TRIBUTE FLASHBACK : ROBERT VAUGHN .. 1932 - 2016 ..

This super shot features Joan with Robert Vaughn who sadly dies a few days ago and is from an episode of the hit comedy series 'The Nanny'  from 1996 starring Fran Drescher.. Joan has known Robert many years as she also appeared on his hit cult series 'The Man From Uncle' in 1966 in an episode called 'The Gallatea Affair'.. Most of her scenes in that were with her old RADA mate David McCallum..

PROMO UPDATE : LUXURIA LIFESTYLE .. TIMELESS BEAUTY .. NOVEMBER 14TH 2016 ..

Hashtag Glam Squad.  Hashtag no filter needed.  Party season is just weeks away, so it’s time to plan your glam makeup looks to ensure you are camera-ready for those cherished Instagram snaps.
You don’t need a red-carpet glam-squad in tow.  All you need are a few select makeup products in your bag to get party-ready and take you effortlessly from day to night.
“Rummaging around your handbag for your lipstick and powder is now a thing of the past ladies” says Dame Joan Collins, Brit-born Hollywood actress and beauty entrepreneur, whose name is synonymous with movie-star glamour.
A much loved movie siren and Dynasty TV show actress, Dame Joan, is known for her youthful looks and also for her beauty and makeup brand ‘Timeless Beauty by Joan Collins’.

The Timeless Beauty Paparazzi Compact Duo by Joan Collins, is a beautifully packaged, luxe handbag makeup must-have!  A face powder and lipstick duo, with handy mirror, this will be your go-to makeup compact, to transform your face & lips from daytime minimal makeup to full on party glam, ready to go from desk to dancefloor.
“I keep my Timeless Beauty Paparazzi Compact in my handbag all the time as it allows me to be ready for any occasion” says Dame Joan Collins.  “Instantly take yourself from desk to dance floor and feel glamorous, confident and sexy by wearing a bright and bold lipstick”.
“Clutch bags are limited on space” says Dame Joan, so the Compact Duo is a perfect fit.  Whilst sipping cocktails at a party, Dame Joan also says “you can make your lipstick last longer by blotting your lips after application”.

I have the pink shade Suzy Starr lipstick and the pressed face powder comes with a handy brush.
Timeless Beauty Paparazzi Compact Duo £34 by Joan Collins, is available at selected stores nationwide -M&S, QVC and Urban Retreat.
www.joancollinsbeauty.com 

EVENT UPDATE : THE LONDON EVENING STANDARD AWARDS .. THE OLD VIC LONDON.. NOVEMBER 13TH 2016 ..

Joan with Elizabeth Hurley Timothy Sheader & Andrew Lloyd Webber

Joan & Elizabeth present audience participation award

Joan attended The Evening Standard Theatre Awards at The Old Vic earlier and met up with friends including Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Shirley Bassey...

Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2016: The winners

Best Actor
Ralph Fiennes, The Master Builder (Old Vic) & Richard III (Almeida)
Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress
Billie Piper, Yerma (Young Vic)
Best Play with Hiscox, Official Arts Partner
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, co-written by Jack Thorne, JK Rowling & John Tiffany (Palace)
Best Musical Performance
Glenn Close, Sunset Boulevard (Coliseum)
Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical
Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Milton Shulman Award for Best Director
John Malkovich, Good Canary (Rose Kingston)
Best Revival
No Man's Land, Wyndham’s (dir Sean Mathias)
Best Design
Gareth Fry with Pete Malkin (sound design), The Encounter (Complicite/Edinburgh International Festival/Barbican)
Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright
Charlene James, Cuttin’ It (Young Vic/Royal Court)
Emerging Talent Award in Partnership with Burberry
Tyrone Huntley, Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)
Beyond Theatre Award
Sir David Attenborough for his contribution to broadcasting
Editor's Award
Good Chance Theatre
Lebedev Award
Sir Kenneth Branagh for his Plays at the Garrick

EVENT UPDATE : JOAN'S THE ULTIMATE PARTY GIRL!!

Joan and Petcy at The Mandarin Oriental

Joan with Mark Weinberg, Princess Beatrice and David Tang

Joan had a most whirlwind of an evening last Thursday when she attended a series of events in London.. A book launch party hosted by David Tang for his new book " Rules for Modern Life" at Annabels .. Following that it was a nip to the Mandarin Oriental to help celebrate Ed Victors 40 years in the business. Kensington Palace was the next stop for The Centrepoint Gala where Prince William was the guest of honour. Joan looking as glamorous as ever looking suitably sparkly to herald in the festive party season!

C

PRESS UPDATE : RSVP MAGAZINE .. DECEMBER 2016 ..

Joan's fabulous Crystal Compact from the Timeless Beauty range, features in the latest issue of Irish magazine 'RSVP' on their Christmas gift page..

PRESS UPDATE : THE SPECTATOR .. JOAN'S DIARY .. NOVEMBER 11TH 2016 ..

Diary

Joan Collins’s diary: From Dynasty to Trump

Plus: building nightmares and the joy of the London Palladium

Joan Collins

 Seeing Trump win reminds me of a season of Dynasty in which my character, Alexis, ran for governor of Colorado against her nemesis, Blake Carrington. We used a bunch of dirty tricks, from kidnappings to accusations of murder, to embarrass, undermine and knife each other in the back. Viewers scoffed. Politicians would never do anything so underhanded and evil to each other. Really?
As hysterical as America gets, however, it’s still more peaceful than London. Our quiet residential street in Belgravia now resembles a building site. There are massively major renovations underway on the buildings to our left, to our right, the four flats above us, and two directly opposite us. To say this is tiresome is like saying Donald Trump is no wallflower. The view on our street is an intricate lacework of dirty scaffolding and ladders that would delight any of those wannabe Spider-Man street jumpers or free runners or whatever they’re called. Not that I wish to encourage any more excitement — my heart won’t take it.

 
To make matters worse, another colossal scaffold was erected at the back of my flat last June. Since then it has stood unused, blocking our view and our light, while the owner says he’s ‘sorry’ but that it’s due to ‘circumstances beyond his control’ – oh sure.
As a result of all this work, we’ve had a flood, and our hot water, heating, electricity, cable and internet have been cut off at various times. There is endless persistent drilling reminiscent of the dentist scene in Marathon Man, and hammering that starts at 8 a.m. and proceeds unabated until 6 p.m., six days a week. Complaints to Westminster council have elicited sympathy and an empathic ‘What can we do?’ shrug of the shoulders.

‘When will it all end?’ I wailed to the friendly man from the council.
‘Should be done by next July,’ he answered with a paternal smile. At which point I fainted.
I’ve worked on film and TV sets all my life and have always been amazed at the speed and dexterity with which they can build a house, a castle or even an entire village in a matter of a few weeks, complete with working plumbing and electricity, and then pull it all down. By contrast, the roadworks all over London and the suburbs are now a total joke. Half of the time there’s not a solitary workman in sight, never mind on site. How different from France, where they work 24/7 on their infrastructure and in the past year have created a new super-highway across Provence — and not a bicycle lane to be seen.

I have been going to variety shows with my parents since I was a small child. They always held a fascination for me with their singers, jugglers, dancers and comedians all vying for the approbation of the crowd. I saw many legendary stars at the London Palladium, so one of the high points of this year was bringing my new show Unscripted to that great landmark of London theatre. I had been touring all over the UK for several weeks and receiving wonderful receptions, but nothing could have prepared me for the display of affection with which the Palladium audience greeted my entrance. When we finished, again to a roaring ‘standing O’, I was followed off stage by Lord Lloyd-Webber, the owner of this fine theatre.

‘You’re the first person to be in the star dressing-room since we refurbished,’ he announced proudly.
‘I’m honoured,’ I replied, and indeed after some of the dingy dumps I’d been dressing in during my tour, this newly painted and lavishly decorated suite of rooms would have been perfect even for Carole Lombard in her prime.

‘Can I have a selfie?’ These words strike fear into my heart. Thanks, Tom Cruise, for starting this trend several years back: at a movie premiere in Leicester Square he kept the audience waiting for two hours while he posed with every fan lining the red carpet. But there’s a danger in doing selfies. Being hugged and snuggled up to by a stranger came back to haunt me when a picture was posted on Facebook claiming I was a close friend. It reminded me of an incident that occurred during the height of my fame in Dynasty, when a man asked for a photo with me and then went on to claim that I was his ‘fidanzata’ and engaged to marry him, parlaying this into some modicum of fame on talkshows in Italy. So I’ve decided there will be no more selfies now, unless I take them. Sorry, fans — you can snap me as I walk into an event or down the street but I’m not posing cosily with anyone I don’t know. Oh dear. I guess the Twitter trolls will try to get me now, when they’ve finished with Donald Trump.