So … last night David and I were invited to attend the Hollywood premiere of the new JJ Abrams-directed Star Trek film at Grauman’s Chinese Theater and we JUMPED at the opportunity. As a long time Trek fan, I was very anxious to finally see the movie that I have heard so many good things about. I am happy to report that all the hype and the great reviews are absolutely justified … I loved this film. There is so much for old Trek fans to feast on in this film but also much for new fans (or those who aren’t even fans all) to enjoy as well. I suspect that this film will do very well with everyone … it’s got movie blockbuster written all over it. If you wish to remain unspoiled by my review, I suggest you skip over the next part and just go down to see my pics from the premiere after party instead:

Man … where to begin. The story is really superb. The film opens with an action sequence that really sets the pace of the film and clues you in that Abrams means business … he is intent on revamping the entire series into a new, modern version that remains true to the classic series while injecting enough excitement to make it all fresh again. There is action, there is humor and there are pretty fantastic acting performances that are sure to please pretty much everyone who sees the film. Each character gets to shine in this film and each one is infused with enough of their classic mannerisms and catch-phrases to appease the most ardent Trekkie in the audience. I will reveal that a warp core does get ejected somewhere along the way … it wouldn’t be a Star Trek movie if not.

Now, the one thing that I’m not sure that I like. AND THIS IS THE SPOILERY PART SO DON’T READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN UNSPOILED! As we should all know by now, JJ Abrams loves to play with time travel … and time travel features heavily in this film. Without going into any details, I will say that a time shift alters the Star Trek timeline and the events of this film break off and head in a different direction than the timeline we know from the classic Star Trek series. This is why I don’t think the movie should be marketed as a prequel. History is changed and a new alternate timeline is created. To me, the movie is more of a sequel to all of the previous TV series and movies that we’ve already seen. That said, this new alternate timeline opens up WIDE the ability to create entirely new stories and wholly new adventures without having to worry about staying true to the original Trek timeline. Again, I’m not sure how I feel about this exactly. There are major changes in this film that drastically alter the Trek universe. I’ll be very interested to hear what others think about this after they see the film (so, please, feel free to email me when you see this film).

But, as I said, I absolutely loved the film overall. Zachary Quinto’s Spock is excellent and he is, IMHO, the star of the film. I was just so impressed … I’m dying to see the movie again already.

After the movie, we made our way to the afterparty that was held off site from the theater and we got down to celebrating the film. After the jump, check out a bunch of photos of some celebs posing in a fun Star Trek photobooth and see some of the cool folks I got to meet last night …

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Each year, for NY Fashion Week, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute hosts their annual Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Fashion Show which features designs from some of the hottest designers (both established and up-and-coming) being modeled on the runway by some of the most fashionable celebs on the scene … or just so happen to be available ;) Here are a few pics of some of the celebs who rocked their red dresses on the runway at this morning’s fashion show and some deets on this year’s event itself:

The annual Heart Truth Red Dress Collection, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is arguably the feel-good moment of Fashion Week as a star-studded lineup of celebs and athletes strut their stuff on the runway wearing, natch, red dresses from top designers to promote heart health awareness among women. This morning’s joyous romp at the tent was no exception. A breathless Tim Gunn provided a welcome message, calling the Red Dress, “a sexy, passionate and powerful symbol,” noting that “being healthy never goes out of style.” And then wham . . . out came the 20 high-profile women who volunteered to take the walk down the runway for the cause. In the not-a-bit-shy department: Lynda Carter of “Wonder Woman” fame looked swell in a Carolina Herrera slither with one-shoulder bow, laughed and mugged her way down the runway. Vivica A. Fox worked it too wearing a glitzy sequined number from Jenny Packham. The crowd went nuts for charmer Cicely Tyson, though her dress by Michael B. — with sleeves on steroids –was an “Oy Vey” moment. Long Island’s own Susan Lucci was all-out glam in a goddess chiffon and sequin number by Gustavo Cadile. Newly slim Valerie Bertinelli won cheers in her Christian Siriano strapless job; Kristi Yamaguchi in fave Vera Wang and “Dancing With The Stars,” co-host Samantha Harris in jersey David Meister both got high scores for their animated runway glide. Hilary Duff was demure in Donna Karan’s languid body conscious gown. More restrained but still fab: an elegant Jennie Garth in Badgley Mischka, body beautiful Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin, in sexy, short Max Azria and finale model Katie Couric, wearing a rhinestone strapped Carmen Marc Valvo, her signature wide smile and an aura that read, “What am I doing here? Get me Sarah or Sully.” Interested in frocks worn by one of these gals? A selection of these will be available at auction beginning today through Feb. 27 at clothesoffourback.org with proceeds benefiting the Foundation For National Institutes of Health. Want to see some of them in real life? Some will be on display at Rockefeller Center’s Top Of The Rock Observation Deck from Feb. 14-21.

Hello … where is the love for Amanda Bynes and Tori Spelling, for christsakes?! Tori looks AMAZING in her cute little number … she deffo looks much hotter and sexier than her 90210 cohort Jennie Garth (sorry Jennie). Amanda’s cute little red dress is also a stunner. It’s really great that these fashionistas are able to pair up with great designers (like Christian Siriano) for a fun event like this … that it’s all for charity only makes the event even more special. Click HERE to visit the auction website and place YOUR bids for your fave red dress. Which one of the bunch do YOU like best?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that we learned that Amanda Bynes was dating former Hills castmember and Lauren LC Conrad cast-off Doug Reinhardt (well, I guess it was just about a month ago that we heard that Amanda decided to hook up with LC’s leftovers) but, sadly, today we learn that the couple have called it quits. Actually, we learn that Amanda decided to call it quits and give Doug the heave-ho. They’re dunzo, y’all:

Amanda Bynes had ended her relationship with baseball player Doug Reinhardt. “She ended it. She had had enough,” a source close to the actress tells Usmagazine.com. “Her friends didn’t trust him. Everyone thought he was using her for celebrity. He was not good, and she was over it. It was definitely her who ended it.” The two began dating late last year. On Tuesday, Reinhart — who previously dated Lauren Conrad — denied that their relationship was on the rocks. “Amanda’s great – she’s an awesome girl,” he told Us. “We’re having a lot of fun. “Everything is really good,” he went on. “We were just in the Bahamas, and we spent Christmas together … everything’s really solid.”

Hallelujah! This is great news … for Amanda, notsomuch for Doug (who you just *know* is desperate for attention). I am not a big fan of Doug (despite his own high opinion of himself), especially after his d-bag portrayal on The Hills … I wasn’t really on board with his hooking up with little Miss Bynes from the start. It’s unclear what exactly Amanda “had enough” of but I’m sure I could venture a guess. Amanda doesn’t need to be associated with a wannabe reality TV “celeb”. Here’s hoping she finds herself a really nice, hawt guy to truly make her happy. And here’s hoping we won’t be hearing much more from Doug Reinhardt.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Well, well now … what have we here? Minor movie actress Amanda Bynes was lookin’ awfully cozy with ex-reality “star” Doug Reinhardt (who you may recall tasted his 15 minutes of fame when he briefly dated Lauren LC Conrad on The Hills, then buddied up with Brody Jenner … then fell off the face of the planet) as the couple made their way out of Crown Bar here in Hollywood, CA last night. Could it be that lurve is in the air for these two?

Full disclosure … both LC and her Laguna Beach/Hills BFF Lauren Lo Bosworth were also at Crown Bar last night so it’s possible that Amanda and Doug weren’t there expressly for a date — but they sure do look chummy in these pics as they made their way out. They did leave together after all. HMMM. I wonder where they might’ve sneaked off to after the club closed for the night. We all know that Doug has a very high opinion of himself so I suppose Amanda should be thanking her lucky stars that he deigned to be seen with her. Amanda’s a cutie … I hope she knows what she’s doing with this guy.

UPDATE: A rep for Amanda Bynes confirms to Life & Style magazine that the couple have been “together for a couple of weeks now and are very happy”. The mag also reports that Reinhardt’s Facebook profile lists him as “in a relationship”. Sounds like the real deal to me.

[Photo credit: Splash News]