Enchanting Hotties at Los Angeles Film Festival 2012

Michelle Clunie in “Magic Mike”

Michelle Clunie appears opposite Matthew McConaughey in “Magic Mike” as his girl and take it from me, the comedy is heavy on testosterone but there’s more than enough talented vixens on show. On top of being ravishing, we’ve had crushes on the “Queer As Folk” star because she adept at pushing the envelope onscreen. Slated to dazzle in the off-Broadway play “US”, a 21st century love story during our time of constantly evolving media, Michelle has become a figure of admiration.

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Teresa Palmer in “Bear”

When it comes to choosing a soulmate, I reckon Teresa Palmer comes pretty close as being a first choice for most. Not just because she went topless in the intense slow-burner of an Aussie thriller “Restraint” but because she has a sereneness about her. Since then, she’s cut her teeth on sci-fi, comedy and the shocking short film “Bear”. All I have to say 11 minutes might be a tad too short to admire Teresa onscreen but what we get is sheer magnetism from this fascinating blonde starlet.

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Leslie Murphy in “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”

Leslie Murphy is becoming quite the regular face on this blog and with good reason. The beguiling redhead is in “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”, starring alongside Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Her laudable turn as a feisty love interest in “White Irish Drinkers” back in 2010 got her instant approval from reviewers and moviegoers alike, with one calling her a firecracker. In her case, it’s not just Irish eyes that are smiling for there are surely plenty awaiting her next feature.

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Clare Bowen in “Dead Man’s Burden”

A little reminiscent of Jennifer Lawrence in her riveting performance from “Winter’s Bone”, Australian actress Clare Bowen makes her own bold statement in “Dead Man’s Burden”. Just as she did in the under-rated child-harvesting thriller “The Clinic”, she’s a picture of strength in the moody western as a woman whose brother seemingly returns from the dead. With so many dramatic roles under her belt, Clare is being touted as a future leading lady…:)

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Amber Benson in “Laura Keller, NB”

Post-Buffy, Amber Benson has grown into her own as an indie darling and it seems she is tailor-made to shine in the genre. Her projects are as diverse as they are emotional, bordering on our inner desires and the complications that so often follows. In the short “Laura Keller, NB”, she’s a woman who learns of her permanent sterilization in a world of over-population. Intriguing at its core, this is another role for Amber that defines how accomplished an actress she is.

Must Watch Sizzling Cuties At SIFF Film Festival 2011

KRYSTEN RITTER in “Killing Bono”

One glance at the intriguing mix of films Krysten Ritter is slated to headline and you’ll get an inkling of why she’s looked upon as a quirky trailblazer. From Amy Heckerling’s “Vamps” to “Audrey Hepburn’s Neck”, the stylishly delicate beauty is on a roll. “Killing Bono” , screening at SIFF retraces the roots of megaband U2 and Bono’ rivalry with his friend Neil McCormick. Kristen plays the American manager of Neil’s band whose potential never comes close to the successes of U2. Her own start in the acting/music world was incidentally triggered by her having met indie rockers and having friends in bands hence her casting in “Killing Bono” is spot on. Here’s a mercurial actress with dizzyingly charming facets that’s always inviting..:)

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LESLIE MURPHY in “White Irish Drinkers”

Before Leslie Murphy becomes a Hot TV Siren Of Summer thanks to appearances on “House M.D.” and the upcoming comedy series “Franklin & Bash”, we all need to catch her in the intense “White Irish Drinkers”. You’ll get drunk with admiration for this special talent…hehe. Reviewers have constantly commended Leslie for the engagingly fresh spin she imbues her feisty Shauna Friel character. Honest, flirty and even bordering on the erotic, her portrayal as Shauna should see her becoming an indie darling in no time. A film convention such as SIFF 2011 deserves its share of rising starlets and Leslie doesn’t just cut an appealing figure onscreen, she’s super pleasant and a special talent indeed.

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SALI SAYLER, DANIELLE PANABAKER, LAURA-LEIGH & MIKA BOOREM in “The Ward”

Kudos to horror maestro John Carpenter for showcasing the hottest young ladies of the modern era in “The Ward”. Sure it has two of the sauciest sirens in Amber Heard and Lyndsey Fonseca but we should remember the foursome featured here that are just as delectable. First off is blonde cutie Sali Sayler who appears at the very start as Tammy and could just be the cause of the ghostly happenings plaguing Kristen (Amber Heard). Danielle Panabaker and Laura-Leigh are two mental patients, Danielle being the attention-seeking prima donna Sarah while Laura as Zoey is the nervous wreck in schoolgirl outfits. As Alice, Mika Boorem provides the twist of the story. The attractively nubile emsemble of “The Ward” is to be applauded for being so convincingly rousing in the roles they’ve been entrusted.
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RACHAEL TAYLOR in “Summer Coda”

Having lived in Australia for 3 years, I’m thrilled to include a gorgeous Australian actress on any and every Hot List I’ve concocted. And since I’ve already seen the sights of Melbourne, it’s fantastic to feature “Summer Coda” which is set in Murray River, one of Melbourne’s pristine locale. The film’s leading lady is none other than the stunning Rachael Taylor whose understated sexiness permeates the Aussie Romance; she has a nude scene in the bathtub after all. A remarkable breath of sunshine in her role as Heidi, the Aussie gal returning to her homeland from the US to re-connect with her estranged family but ends up finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Refreshing takes on romanctic flicks are much welcomed and Rachael is a must-see in this one.

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Kristin Kreuk in “Vampire”

Don’t you miss Kristen Kreuk when there was a huge gaping void following her departure of Smallville. Sorry Teri Hatcher but Kristen trumps you in the Lana Lang stakes; don’t you miss the will they won’t they hook-up storylines with her and Tom Welling’s Clark Kent. While we got to satiate our Kristen Kreuk fix by shamelessly supporting her Chun Li phase in Streetfighter (where were the buns and sexy outfits??), one has to admit her best work has been on TV. At this year’s SIFF Film Fest, she delves into indie territory as a suicidal women falling prey to a teacher with a thirst for blood. Somehow he finds a way to fall in love with his victims before killing them. A premise with shock value and rumored scenes of ingenious drawing of blood should have us returning to our obsession for the lovely Miss Kristen Kreuk.

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Jennifer Connelly & Isabelle Fuhrman in “Salvation Boulevard”

It’s almost like looking in a mirror when talking about Jennifer Connelly and Isabelle Fuhrman from the star-studded dramedy “Sunset Boulevard. It’s no surprise that they are playing mother and daughter in this satire that paints mega-churches as a conglomerate. From the off, it is their similar bushy eyebrows and alluring chiseled features that would hypnotize viewers into submission. Jennifer Connelly is an Academy Award winning actress who’s risen above her sexpot image to become a celebrated dramatic actress. Isabelle Fuhrman is a teen sensation who’s about to top everything she’s done having scored the pivotal role of Clove in the much-discussed upcoming flick “The Hunger Games” with Jennifer Lawrence. It doesn’t matter if critics dismissed “Sunset Boulevard” as unfunny or disparaging Pierce Brosnan’s insane preacher as over the top; Give me a taste of Jennifer and Isabelle any day of the week!

Hot Actress #491 – Leslie Murphy: Indie Princess

“White Irish Drinkers” may be the first feature film for rising starlet LESLIE MURPHY yet her moving portrayal of Shauna Friel, the Brooklyn girl aiming for the high life has gotten rave reviews. The compelling drama set in 1975 has its Irish-Americans with signature sideburns resorting to crime, a general bleakness of the human condition and the ugliness of domestic violence. The solid cast including veterans Peter Lang and Karen Allen as well as fresh faces Nick Thurston and of course LESLIE keeping us engrossed every step of the way. The romantic subplot seems headed for calamity despite the obvious sexual chemistry between lovebirds LESLIE’s Shauna and Nick Thurston’s Brian Leary. By the way, there’s a sizzling sex scene in a cemetery that’s gonna be the talk of town! I was astounded to read that Director John Gray had to move the cemetery shoot as caretakers at the previous location frown upon nudity…LOL! Leslie has so kindly drawn attention to the movie’s run at Laemmle Sunset 5 West Hollywood…can’t wait for its premiere in ASIA! This fair-skinned beauty has an interesting loveliness; Leslie kind of reminds me of a cross between the soulful verve of Anna Torv (Fringe) and the enigmatic desirability of Maggie Gyllenhall. LESLIE herself is a stage actress (just like Maggie) who once played the title role in Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice for New York Stage and Film.

It’s all about connecting with audiences and I realized that indie actresses bring out the fears, hopes and needs of everyday people so well, leaving a poignant reminder that life can be a complicated mess. My passion for them is overflowing as the characters they portray are steeped in reality, almost mirror images of ourselves no matter the cultural context. Even though I’ve only seen LESLIE in the trailer of “White Irish Drinkers”, she’s so charismatic and I’m positive that she’ll remain an enthralling factor for years to come…:)