By Guest Blogger Tamara Lowe
On Monday night, I had the pleasure of attending the movie premiere and after party reception for “The Greening of Whitney Brown”. “The Greening of Whitney Brown”, is a story that starts in the city of brotherly love (Philadelphia), and tells the story through the eyes of main character and narrator, Whitney Brown (Sammi Hanratty). Whitney is a pre-teen that has just been elected class president, and is the most popular girl at her upscale middle school. According to Whitney, she has the best friends, “The” clothes, “The” crush, and “The” parents. Her parents, Joan (Brooke Shields) and Henry (Aidan Quinn), are wealthy, upscale individuals, who’ve become accustomed to the good life; until, Henry loses his job and has to move his entire family to his childhood home (farm) in the country. Whitney isn’t pleased about this move, and feels this is the end of the world. When Whitney arrives at the farm, she is disappointed to see her new living arrangements, and is shocked to see a Gyspy Vanner Horse, named Bob (Odd Job Bob), in her living room. Bob is Whitney’s least favorite person in the beginning of the film; however, as the film goes on, we grow to love the playful and loyal friendship that Bob and Whitney develop. Throughout the film, Joan and Gramps (Kris Kristofferson) give wonderful advice to Whitney which help her come to the realization that “home is wherever you are” and that we “rarely get the chance to get do over’s in life”. I loved these quotes when I heard them in the movie, and felt that I could tell my own children these simple, yet precious words of advice with regards to life. “The Greening of Whitney Brown”, is a feel good, family movie, which children of all ages will enjoy. I have a feeling that my 13, 10, and 6 year old will enjoy seeing this film and look forward to taking them to see the film, once it is released in theatres on Friday, November 11th.
After the viewing of the movie at AMC Loews Lincoln Square, “The Greening of Whitney Brown”, after party, took place at the Empire Hotel, W. 63rd Street, 12th floor roof top. It was a lovely night in NYC, with a great view of the Manhattan skyline in the background. The ambiance of the event was very warm and laid back. The cast, family and friends of the cast, and press/bloggers were in attendance. Those in attendance had the pleasure of indulging on yummy sliders, deserts, and open bar. During the party, Brooke Shields, Aidan Quinn, and Sammi Hanratty mingled with guest, took pictures, and provided brief interviews. Luckily for me, I got the chance to chat with each of them and enjoyed every moment.
Brooke Shields was so down to earth and welcomed anyone that wanted to sit down and talk to her. You never know how celebrities will act when you meet them; however I must say that it was a nice chat. We talked about her role in the “Adams Family” on Broadway, and how much she enjoys doing the play, and that “Broadway has welcomed her back with open arms”. She also explained to me that “she brought her children to the premiere, since they really wanted to come; however, she made a deal with them that they could only go to the premiere for an hour, and had to go back to the hotel room at 8, since it was a school night”.
17 year old, Sammi Hanratty, was so sweet and a lot of fun to talk to. She explained to me that she “enjoyed doing the film, and that she didn’t perform all of the stunts, especially the train scene”. She also stated that she “had to take horseback riding lessons for the film”, and actually “obtained some injuries during filming”.
Aidan Quinn was very charming and handsome. When asked to take a photo with me, he didn’t object, but instead asked what the photo was for. I explained to him that I was a mommy blogger covering this event on behalf of the themamamaven.com, and he simply asked me, what is a mommy blogger? I graciously explained it to him, and his response was very cute. I would tell you that response; however, I think I will keep that response between Aidan and me.
A special thank you to Moms and The City, for inviting TheMamaMaven.com to this wonderful event, and to NIVEA, for providing each guest with a wonderful gift bag!
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