Lisa Johnson Mandell

How can you possibly miss when you take the Academy Award-winning writer of ‘Thelma and Louise,’ team her up with American music icon T-Bone Burnett, and set them up in Nashville? Oh course there was a lot more that went into the creation of the ABC country music drama ‘Nashville,’ and I recently got the low down on it from creator/executive producer Callie Kouri, who, by the way, is married to Burnett.

But surprisingly enough, Burnett wasn’t onboard from the very start. And no one knew whether or not ‘Friday Night Lights’ star Connie Britton could sing before they cast her. Find out the dishy details on this and more in my article on Yahoo! TV, by clicking here.

As a film critic whose reviews run on more than 200 radio stations throughout the US, it’s my job to see hundreds of films each year: the Good (‘Les Miserables’) the Bad (‘Alex Cross’), the Ugly (‘Zero Dark Thirty’) and the Subline (‘Life of Pi’). I have to say that from a film perspective, this is the best year of the century. I had a hard time narrowing down my Top Ten list, whereas some years I have tough time filling it. It will be interesting to see if my colleagues agree with me as we vote for the Critics Choice Awards, which I’ll be attending and will air live on the CW Thursday, January 10. In the meantime, if you’re headed to the Cineplex this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with any of these fantastic films.

1. Life of Pi: This is one of those rare instances when the movie is even better than the book. Director Ang Lee has taken the bestselling story of a boy stranded in a lifeboat with a tiger and made it into an elegant cinematic masterpiece that will, as the main character says, “Make you believe in God.” Everything about this film, from the script to the score to the cinematography to the CGI effects, is wondrous and magical. The only movie you’ve ever seen before that is even remotely like it is Tom Hanks’ ‘Castaway,’ but Pi’s Tiger, Richard Parker, is infinitely more absorbing than Wilson the volleyball. See it in 3D if at all possible, because this is why the technology was invented. Upon leaving the theater, you’ll feel inspired, edified and privileged to have seen such a remarkable film.

2. Les Miserables: Even those who are not fans of musicals will be blown away by Tom Hooper’s big screen adaptation of one of the most successful stage productions of all time. Anne Hathaway’s rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” was able to evoke a standing ovation from a very jaded film critic crowd at the screening I attended. The fact that all the singing was recorded live on stage, without a note of lip synching, is truly amazing. Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean is at his best and Oscar worthy, Eddie Redmayne is fresh and moving as Marius, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are  great fun as the Master and Mistress of the House, and Amanda Seyfried is appropriately sweet as Cosette. This is THE Christmas film to see during your break this year, and one you’ll watch over and over again when it comes out on DVD.

3. Argo: Ben Affleck stars in and directs the story of an amazing rescue operation that involved US embassy workers posing as a Canadian crew making a faux film called ‘Argo,’ in order to escape Iran during the hostage crisis. Alan Arkin and John Goodman gleefully play the filmmakers in Hollywood who give credibility to the story, and both Arkin and Affleck are enjoying well deserved awards attention. Even though you know how it ends, the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the finish. If you’re only going to see one film this year about US intrigue and espionage in the Middle East, (and who wants to see more?) THIS is the best bet for your time and money. The grim ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ although other critics seem to love it, does not have half the entertainment value.

4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Kudos to Peter Jackson for once again taking us back to Middle Earth, and bringing new charm and wit to the first installment of the J.R.R. Tolkein classic. Aficionados feared that dividing the children’s book into thirds and making each film well over two hours long was a little ambitious, but Jackson has accomplished cinematic miracles, partially with the use of 48 FPS, which has to be seen to be believed. It enhances the story of Bilbo Baggins, played adroitly by Martin Freeman, (who you most recently saw as Dr. John Watson on BBC America’s ‘Sherlock’ and before that in ‘The Office’) teaming up with Gandolph (Ian McKellan) and a rowdy band of Dwarves to reclaim their stolen mountain. Yes, Andy Serkis is back as Gollum,  and as “precious” as ever. It’s fun and intriguing for all ages.

5. Moonrise Kingdom: Wes Anderson, one of my favorite quirky directors, has given us a sweet coming of age tale about boy scouts and the adults who love them. Or is it about an orphan who sets out alone to find himself? Perhaps about young love? Whatever takeaway you choose, you can’t help but be amused by the strange meandering of the a boy on an East Coast island, and adults attempting to bring him to safety. You’ll love Bruce Willis as a hapless sheriff, the polar opposite of his action hero roles. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand are dry yet transcendent as the parents of the girl who joins in on the adventure. And for once, Edward Norton isn’t playing the edgiest guy in the room. Listen for a lovely score in this many-layered “children’s” film in the same vein as Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”

6. Django Unchained: Hang on to your hats, the latest from Quentin Tarantino, who writes his own cinematic rules, is some kind of strange, but oh-so-much fun and entertaining. A comedy about slavery? Well, sort of, if you don’t mind the graphic, comic book violence previously seen in ‘Kill Bill’. Look for great performances from Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz. Perhaps best described as ‘Inglorious Basterds’ with spurs, it’s a revenge fantasy that’s a tad long and didactic, as Tarantino is prone (two hours and 45 minutes), but definitely worth the watch. You’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one — or send them over to see ‘The Hobbit’ again while you indulge in a little Tarantino type titillation.

7. Skyfall: I never have been fond of Daniel Craig as James Bond, although I love the 007 franchise. Craig has been dark and violent in the last two films, more like Jason Bourne than the sleek and savvy Bond we’ve come to know and love. But now, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the franchise, filmmakers have chosen to soften his edges and give him the wisecracking dialogue that makes the Bond films so much fun while buildings are exploding and bad guys are offed. Javiar Bardem is the consummate Bond villain — one of the best ever, and a true contender for a supporting role Oscar. We also get to see more of Judy Dench as M, since the film pretty much revolves around her being threatened. In a nice nod to the next generation of  Bond fans, the new Q is a hipster tech nerd. No martini is left unshaken.

8. Beasts of the Southern Wild:  You’ve never seen a film like this before, and viewers are advised to just sit back and let its gritty magic take you away. Using a cast of non-professional, rookie actors, young director/producer/songwriter Benh Zeitlin made this folklore fable of the modern south for a pittance of what most movies cost, and his creativity and resourcefulness are on brilliant display.  Six-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis who carries the film on her slender shoulders, is brilliant as Hushpuppy, a small girl exploring life in devastating poverty in a bayou community threatened by a hurricane. Her ailing father is played by local Lousiana baker Dwight Henry. Actors and filmmakers show fierce spirit in this alternate reality film that will stay with you for days.

9. The Sessions: How can a film about surrogate sex therapy be life affirming and enlightening you ask? Talented writer/director Ben Lewin, a polio survivor himself, has the answer. He adapted this true story about Mark O’Brien who lived most of his life in an iron lung. When we first meet this remarkable man, he has managed to get a degree from Berkley and develop a thriving writing career. He lives on his own, and now finds himself wanting to experience one of life’s most momentous pleasures: sex. But he requires the aid of someone adept at overcoming unique circumstances in order to fulfill his wish. Helen Hunt is magnificent as his sexual Svengali, and John Hawkes (‘Winter’s Bone,’ ‘Lincoln’) deserves an Oscar for his portrayal of the indefatigable protagonist.

10. Lincoln: How can I leave Steven Spielberg’s Civil War Epic off my top ten list, even though, I confess, I found the dialogue a bit overblown? This film, destined to be shown in every US history class throughout all time, explains the strategic passage of the 13th Amendment in great detail–never have back room politics seemed so gritty or hard-fought, never has a US president seemed so subtly brilliant. I felt Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal was a bit lumbering and the script  cumbersome, but game actors like Sally Field,  Tommy Lee Jones, John Hawkes, Joseph Gordon Levitt, David Strathairn, James Spader, Hal Holbrook and Tim Blake Nelson maneuver around the pitfalls to form one of the greatest ensemble casts in modern film.

He’s back! And at the ripe old age of 50, dare I say 007 looks better than ever? Skyfall marks the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, and breathtakingly revitalizes it while paying appropriate homage to all the best parts of the past Bond-age.

Up to this point, Daniel Craig was one of my least favorite 007s. When he donned the tux, the franchise took a violent turn into a dark tunnel, and left the silver-tongued playboy by the side of the road. He was more like Jason Bourne than James Bond, with most of the fun throttled out. But in Skyfall, the iconic musical cues, the watery opening credits, the girls, the gowns, the guns, the cars, the creepy villain, the double entendre–they’re all prominent party guests at this Bondanalian fest.

In case you didn’t get the message from No Country for Old Men, Oscar-winner Javiar Bardem does bad rugs and bad guys like nobody’s business. In Skyfall, he has a major beef with Judi Dench’s M that both fans and non-fans will enjoy seeing played out. Bond girls (yes, there’s a steamy shower scene) are bodaciously played by Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe. And a whole new generation of hipsters will immediately take to the this incarnation of Q, played by Ben Whishaw, whom you last saw in Cloud Atlas.

Savvy director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) shakes them all together and pours out one perfectly concocted Bond film with a twist. Here’s to the franchise lasting another 50 years!

‘Cloud Atlas‘ is one intriguing, awe inspiring yet disjointed journey through past, present and future. If you can just concentrate on the stories and characters, while saving the new age, philosophical spiritualism for a future viewing, you’re in for the best bang for your entertainment buck this season. In essence this 163-minute long film is six interwoven stories told with brilliant cinematic spectacle. Don’t stress — have faith that they will all eventually make sense, and marvel at the elegant way one scene transitions across space and time, into the next.

Meanwhile, be on the lookout for the amazing transformations of actors including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturgess, Hugh Grant, Bae Doo Na and Hugo Weaving, who cross gender and race lines, for leads and cameos in each story. Stick around for the closing credits, and be stunned by the quick cuts of who played what. That alone will be worth eventually buying the DVD so you can replay it over and over.

All this cleverness and spectacle is brought to you by the Wachowski siblings of Matrix fame. It’s made all the more interesting knowing that since the Matrix films, Larry Wachowski transgendered into “Lana” Wachowski. Lana and brother Andy, along with Tom Tykwer, adapted the screenplay from David Mitchell’s intricate hit sci-fi novel. If awards voters are overwhelmed by the ambition of this film, at least Cloud Atlas is a slam dunk for makeup kudos. It’s safe to say there never has been, nor ever will be, another film like quite like it.

Rated R

Have I told you lately how much fun I’m having doing film reviews on Mike Huckabee’s radio show, which airs on about 200 Cumulus stations throughout the US?

Mike, or, “The Governor” as some people like to call him, has a very congenial, common sense hosting style, with none of the conflict or contention that so many other conservative radio hosts seem to foster. And when it comes to weekend entertainment, Mike is a-political and pro-fun. We believe that life is not all about politics, the economy or foreign affairs. On the weekends, we need to loosen up, kick back, and go have a good time — perhaps in a movie theater.

He relies on me to tell listeners what to expect from the films that are released each week, and to help them decide where to spend their hard earned money and time. Movie tickets are expensive these days, not to mention popcorn and soda, and the last thing you want to do is waste cash and hours on something that will disappoint.

I always try to give a little unique flavor to the film that you won’t find anywhere else. Join us every Friday, for a little kickstart for you weekend. Heaven knows, we all need it.

You can listen to us every Friday at 11:18 PST. Find out which radio station in your area runs the Mike Huckabee Show by clicking here. If you can’t find the show in your area, you can listen online at KSFO.com.

How is it that this most scintillating tale has not held a prominent place in Iranian Hostage Crisis dialogue? Does anyone alive during that time remember it? Can anyone who has studied geopolitics in the ’70′s recall learning about it? Ben Affleck heroically rights this wrong by by bringing ‘Argo‘ to the big screen — the story of an amazing rescue operation that attempted to bring six US embassy workers safely home, after they avoided being taken hostage in Iran.

Ben Affleck’s masterfully crafted ‘Argo’ should erase all visions of ‘Gigli‘ and  ’Jersey Girl‘ from your mind forever. Not only does he direct, but he stars as a shaggy bearded Tony Mendez, the CIA agent who came up with the crazy idea of posing the embassy workers as part of a Canadian film crew, in Iran to scout locations for a sci-fi movie called ‘Argo.’ Alan Arkin and John Goodman gleefully play the filmmakers back home in Hollywood giving credibility to the story, and Breaking Bad’s Brian Cranston plays the CIA authority who supports it.

While the crescendo leading up to the climax feels a wee bit contrived, it will still leave you breathless. I felt like I’d done about an hour of cardio after leaving the theater, my heart was pumping so fast. This is definitely on the list of “Must See Movies of 2012.”

Rated R

I’ve interviewed just about every major celebrity out there, and there were numerous at last night’s “Aid Still Required” event in Hollywood. But I’m not sure I’ve ever had a bigger thrill than meeting the Sundance Channel’s remarkable “Push Girls.” To me, they are an example of all that’s right with reality TV, and fulfillment of the potential of a very powerful and ubiquitous medium.

The charity event we attended was held to benefit those who still need help in places like New Orleans, Haiti and Darfur. While most reality stars are busy shopping, bickering, drinking or getting Botox, the Push Girls  turned out in their finest, maneuvering the crowds in their customized chairs, to support a cause they believe in. They inspired me to do so much more for others with the gifts I’ve been given.

Their show, which has just been renewed for a second season, follows the distinctive lives of four beautiful women who use wheel chairs; Auti Angel, Angela Rockwood. Mia Schalcewitz and Tiffany Adams. Their struggles. challenges and victories are authentic and inspiring. There is no exploitation or alcohol-infused blather. We see strong, independent women facing life, love and careers on their own unique terms. Every episode is profoundly moving. If you haven’t yet seen it, you can catch last season’s episodes On Demand.

I admit I was surprised to learn that these women are even more genuine, impressive and beautiful in person. So many reality stars underwhelm. I had some great moments with Auti and Angela, and while Auti is happily married to a wonderful guy, I’m thinking about a number of my handsome single friends to introduce to Angela. When I asked her what kind of men interested her, the first word that popped out of her mouth was “spiritual,” which speaks volumes about her priorities. You seldom hear that here in Los Angeles.

So here’s a big push for “Push Girls,” some of the best programming on television. Watch them, love them, admire them.

I can’t believe it’s been more than a dozen years since St. Martin’s published my tongue-in-cheek: “How to Snare a Millionaire.” Everything in the world of dating and mating has changed since then. But it seems people are still very interested in matching up with a man of means: “How to Snare a Millionaire” is outselling “Career Comeback–Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want” on Amazon.

Since I couldn’t bare to have people spend their hard-earned money on old, outdated information, I’ve just completed the sequel: “How to Snare a Millionaire NOW.” Don’t you love the double entendre of the word “NOW”? In addition to the wisdom and knowledge acquired leading up to more than 50 marriage proposals, this version comes with the added credibility of having snared a successful guy of my own. My amazing husband James even gives his perspective in the sequel.

Right now, it’s only available at BookTango. But within a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. I’ll keep you posted. In addition, I’ve been approached by a number of talk show producers, including those with Jeff Probst and Steve Harvey, and I’ll let  you know when they’re going to air. But in the meantime, for those of you who just can’t wait, you can download a PDF or ecopy by clicking here.

Happy reading, and happy snaring! May you all find the kind of love and happiness that has blessed my life.

Everyone should attend Comic-Con at least once in his/her life. Whether you’re a fan, filmmaker, journalist, publicist, vendor, artist, writer whatever, it’s too much of a scene to miss. Yes, it’s uber-crowded, but it’s a docile crowd full of fabulous costumes and super-sincere geeks. For four days in San Diego, nerds rule, and it’s a joy to behold.

This year I attended to support my husband, who is working on a remarkable sci-fi concept album, and wanted to get a better feel for his demographics. Since I was not wearing my journalist hat I was free to dress any way I wanted, just so I wore sensible shoes. I know, stiletto-heeled hip boots would have been more attractive, but comfort is a big issue at this massive event. My flat Puma boots may not have been standouts, but the comic-illustrated tights I found at the sock shop on the Universal City Walk were a big hit.

I couldn’t help but marvel (pun intended) at the creativity zooming at me from all directions — that and the patience of fans who will stand in line for hours to score swag from their favorite comics, films and TV shows, or attend panels featuring their favorite heroes, super or otherwise.

My advice for those wanting to attend next year? Buy your tickets EARLY! I saw passes like the ones we procured from our good friends at Radical (the folks behind the Tom Cruise/Morgan Freeman flick “Oblivion”) for sale on EBAY for $1,200 after the event sold out. On the other hand, parking passes under the San Diego Convention Center are relatively inexpensive when purchased on EBay right before the event. But most of all — fashion aside, wear comfy shoes. At Comic-Con, there’s no place to run, no place to hide, and no place to sit down.

Every once in a while you interview someone who is so candid and talented you feel it’s a privilege to tell their story. Such is the case with “Nurse Jackie” showrunner Linda Wallem, who left her Emmy-winning series in New York to spend more time with her new family in California. That family consists of four stepchildren and partner Melissa Etheridge. This year will be her last chance to win an Emmy for the show, but like Edith Piaf, she has no regrets.

Giving up running a hit show to run a carpool would be professional suicide for most, but since Wallem has a killer resume that includes “Seinfeld,” “Cybill”  and “That 70′s Show,” and is also very close to Bob Greenblatt,  Entertainment Chairman at NBC, she’ll be able to keep her toe in the TV pool here in Los Angeles. The two have been noodling around a few very interesting concepts which should be making news soon.

Find out more fascinating details about Linda in my Yahoo article, by clicking here.

Recently, I was asked to put a little demo reel together with clips from my relationship expert, matchmaking, and date coaching stints. So I had a fabulous editor weave shots from my Dr. Phil, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, etc. appearances together, and voila! The following short video was created. Below, see everything you always wanted to know about Lisa Johnson Mandell, and probably much more. Enjoy!

I was just asked by an esteemed producer I’d worked with a couple of years ago, to do some film reviews for Mike Huckabee’s radio show, which airs in 200 markets throughout the US including KABC here in Los Angeles. He’s really a talented host, believes that life is not all about politics and foreign policy, and likes to lighten things up with a little entertainment chat.

So last Friday we talked about three of the films opening that day, including ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (which I loved), ‘The Perfect Family‘ with Kathleen Turner (which I didn’t love) and ‘The Avengers‘ (which I lusted). I told him, as well as anyone who read my Yahoo! piece, that even if you grow weary of the smash, crash and flash, as I did, that you can still have  a rollicking good time watching the movie, fantasizing about who you’d most like to be rescued by. My girlfriends and I have discussed this at length, and it seems that Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Captain America tie for second, and thundering to the number one spot is Thor, naturally. You can read more about this biased woman’s perspective and chime in here.

“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” That’s one of my favorite Michael Corleone quotes, and probably the best thing about The Godfather: Part III. It certainly applies to my own professional status these days. While I’ve spent most of my time over the past few years helping match people with jobs they love in this challenging economy, I’ve still been quietly utilizing my matchmaking skills to help people find partners they’ll love forever.

Recently, it’s been brought to my attention that the first book I wrote in 1998, long before I was married, ‘How to Snare a Millionaire’ (St. Martin’s Press), is outselling the most current one, ‘Career Comeback–Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want‘ (Hachette). In all honesty, I think the latter book is much more substantial, but the heart wants what the heart wants. So I think it’s high time I write the sequel, ‘How to Snare a Millionaire NOW’ with updated information on how to find your ideal mate in the 21st Century. He doesn’t have to be rich–all that matters is that he’s worth a million to you.

All this time I’ve spent writing, blogging and giving advice as a career expert, as well as filling you in on entertainment news, I never gave up on bringing happy couples together. I was finding, however,  that  it was difficult for people to be confident in a relationship when they didn’t have a job. You have to be able to take care of yourself and meet your own needs before you can feel good about meeting the needs of others, so finding a job you love can often be the first step towards finding a person you love. I decided to put first things first, and help people become gainfully employed. Career Comeback was born of that, as well as my own reinvention, which is sometimes necessary whether you’re looking for a job or a mate.

I have several other exciting projects in the works right now. I’m talking to a number of television production companies about some really fun plans, and I’m researching and writing my next book. Meanwhile, I’m also doing entertainment news for Yahoo, continuing my Undercover Boss interviews and movie reviews and updates. I expect to have some big news soon, so stay tuned. And meanwhile, whether you’re redoubling your efforts to find the right job or the right man, here’s to your comeback!

Have you been wondering why you’ve sent out dozens of resumes and haven’t heard a word back? The reason might be that you’re unintentionally committing a resume sin that’s damning you to unemployment. Yahoo Finance came to me recently wanting to know about resume blunders that go on beyond typos. Everyone already knows the devil is in the details, but what about those glaring gaffes that might not have even been a consideration five years ago, or the last time you were job hunting?

I’m talking about things like including a fax number, or omitting an email address. Both can make you look outdated and disconnected. Believe it or not (and this is something I didn’t include in the Yahoo! article) substituting a web address for a street address can be a big plus — your neighborhood could work for or against you, while having a web site not only makes you look savvy and prominent, but it can impress potential employers with information and photos you can’t include on your resume.

You’ll find the rest of the deadly resume sins by clicking here. Don’t send out another resume until you’ve checked this out. You’ll also find more resume tips and tactics in my book, Career Comeback–Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want.

A bright light went out on Jan. 23rd, when my good friend and talented style author Charla Krupp lost her battle with breast cancer. Charla, the author of “How Not to Look Old” and “How Never to Look Fat Again,” was only 58.

Charla and I first met on the CBS Early Show (see video at right), and we became fast friends, visiting each other when we were on either coast. She contributed a style piece to Career Comeback: ’12 Items You Need to Throw Away Now’ and ’12 Must-Haves for Every Hip Professional Woman.’ She also gave me a fabulous cover quote:

“I have been sharing Lisa’s tips with everyone I meet who is looking for a job–which is pretty much everyone I know. Do yourself a favor and read Lisa’s book before sending out another resume!”

I delighted in attending her book signings on the West Coast, and often brought a girl posse along. I look in my closet and she Charla’s tips and advice on just about every hanger, and in every drawer. She was a style genius and a talented communicator. She was also a warm, caring, generous and supportive individual.

She is a remarkable inspiration to all of us, and continues to inspire even now. Please, ladies, take care of yourselves. Get you examinations–don’t put them off. Each one of you is equally precious. I don’t want to lose any of you.