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Interview With Janet Varney – She Has A Lot On Her Cheese Platter

You may know Janet Varney from that one thing. Oh, what is it, that thing you enjoy and makes you laugh out loud! There are quite a few things “that” could be though because Janet currently finds herself excelling in many different areas of entertainment. Whether you enjoy podcasts, television shows, web series or even puppetry Varney is your girl. I caught up with her Tuesday to talk about all her recent projects including season 3 of Stan Against Evil and her new web series Fortune Rookie. In Fortune Rookie she plays a version of herself, where a bathroom psychic tells her that she has “the gift” and she decides to quit acting to become a medium. She read my palm and told me I have happy hands which probably cements the truth, she shouldn’t have quit her day job.

Stan Against Evil – Season 3

Season 3 of SAE, what is happening with Evie this season?

Is maybe not expressed out loud the hope she feels that after the incredible snafu between her and Stan at the end of last season that he won’t be keeping secrets from her. It’s her hope that she and Stan will have wrestled through this big challenge that they face at the end of season two and is rectified at the beginning of season 3 that they need one another and Stan will start making decisions based on what is best for all of them. However, he immediately makes the same big decisions in this misguided effort to protect everyone else that ends up putting them in way worse trouble if he had just left well enough alone.

How do you keep a straight face during all this camp?

We have a good time, such a good time. I’ve gotten good at working with funny people and not ruining their take by laughing in the middle of their scene. It’s semi-easy with Evie, she’s so steely-eyed with everything, she has that Clint Eastwood way of handling her frustrations. Clench your jaw, take a deep breath, gulp, keep your anger down. It helps to be in that mode with that kind of character. It has to be harder for Deborah, she’s a total pro, but she’s playing Denise who is such a whackadoo.

Do you prefer Atlanta over Hollywood?

California spoils people, I don’t understand being bright out and raining. But I do love Atlanta.

Interview With Janet Varney – Fortune Rookie Web Series

So Fortune Rookie, how did this come about?

I have long been fascinated with the paranormal, obviously, I’m not alone in that. When I was little I’d read books about what makes someone psychic or try to move a ball across the room with my mind, they never moved. But like so many kids I wanted to believe in the wonder of it all.

The idea of playing someone who is psychic is very appealing, but also the reality of my cynicism I have to acknowledge I would not be the best person to be psychic. There is some nice tension about wanting to believe and not wanting to believe. I actually saw a psychic, for the first time if that tells you anything, I did not have the feeling of wonder I was hoping for based on the way my friend sold it to me. It did, however, continue to build my interest in this, especially in a city like LA that is so goofball about so many other things. This idea of a version of me who is willing to abandon all else in order to be special in a way a Hollywood actress doesn’t get to be just really tickled me.

I am obsessed with the way you incorporated Psych! With James Roday as a jealous fake psychic wanting you to back off his game, the show is a sure hit!

I really loved having the idea of having James Roday as being this jerk version of himself. We both play ourselves but people we are not. People in an alternate universe we’d be the most afraid of being. Being a jerk is so much fun! There is some great cross-over with Psych for sure. I also brought in Fred Armisen and I realized quickly that Fortune Rookie also has a Portlandia feel. A sense of making fun of a place you also clearly love. Obviously, I invited the best of the best to come and play with me and they agreed which only goes to show what a great place this is and how wonderful the people are.

Such fun guest stars, are they all your friends?

We wrote for the people, we didn’t do auditions. This was fun because when you know someone you can write for their voice. It makes the whole process of writing joyful. I never got sick of this show, never during the editing process, it never stopped being fun. I’ve never been so enthusiastic to share something that came from my brain with the rest of the world before.

Do you plan on taking Fortune Rookie into a full-length show at some point?

Absolutely that is the intention. This version shows the potential for it to be longer and make it bigger with what we had. I’d love to grow it out and make it bigger, make this my full-time job. The good news is it can be my full-time job along with Stan Against Evil so no worries.

Which means of psychic reading do you prefer?

I was very excited to bring cheese reading, it is an actual thing. There are other crazy ways of reading fortunes we haven’t been able to show yet. For example, telling a fortune based on animal paw prints around your yard. It’s just amazing. I feel such a tenderness towards the human race when I research this stuff, it shows we just want to find meaning in things. That’s one of the best ways of illustrating this idea with Fortune Rookie. We just really want to have a sense of understanding or control in our lives. And that’s never really gone away in our evolution as a species. I went kind of deep there for you, but those are thoughts I have going through it. Sometimes the answer is inside you, and you just need the right tools to find it.

Janet Varney Is So Extra – Other Projects She Has On Her Plate

You seem to be involved in a lot of things. What else would you like your fans to know right now?

I’d love for people to know about my comedy festival, SF Sketch Fest. It will include improv, tv channels, podcasts, movies, music, basically any form comedy can take. That will be happening in January and it’s the 18th year. I founded it in 2001 with Cole Stratton and David Owen.

And finally for a fun question, is there a specific actor or actress you’d like to work with?

I would love to work with Emma Thompson in any capacity, even if it were just to bring her a cup of coffee on set.

You can catch Fortune Rookie on both IFC and YouTube. Stan Against Evil season 3 debuts on Halloween night on IFC, Hulu and a few other streaming services. Janet hosts her podcast entitled The JV Club on Nerdist and you can catch up on her older episodes there as well. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for SF Sketch Fest in San Fransisco early next year. Yes, Janet keeps busy. I can see why she might have dreams of leaving all this behind to read cheese and paw prints, but let’s hope she doesn’t because she’s fantastic at her day job.

New Ryan Gosling Movie First Man – Neil Armstrong Biopic – Review

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I’ve spoken at great length about how my oldest son Jason has plans to colonize Mars. This isn’t a pipe dream, he has it planned in his academics and the years which he’ll work for Elon Musk at SpaceX. After this he’ll most likely take the second manned mission to Mars and hopefully spend the rest of his life there which breaks my heart. But he has been infatuated with space since he was 2 years old so I hate to stand in his way. When I was invited to screen the new Ryan Gosling movie First Man based on the life of Neil Armstrong they allowed me to bring a guest and I chose Jason.

First Man is based on the years of Neil Armstrong’s life when he worked for NASA with the space program. Armstrong lost many friends and co-workers to plane crashes and space-related accidents in the worldwide race to the moon. This took an obvious toll on him, one that affected his marriage, family, and career. He finally took his turn on Apollo 11 where he was the first person to walk on the moon in 1969.

Emotionally Stunted Scenes Lead To A Space Movie Which Falls Flat

This new space movie was not my favorite nor was it Jason’s which is surprising. While we were both expecting an epic Apollo 13 cinematic masterpiece what we got was an emotionally stunted movie about feelings. The addition of Armstrong’s daughter’s death did not fit the story well. The scene, though important in his life, wasn’t big enough so when the situation was continually brought up throughout the movie it fell flat.

On top of that, I felt bad for the youngest Armstrong son who was obviously dealing with behavior issues in his young years. I’m sure he’s since grown out of it and I hated that this is how he is perceived. I realize the point was to show us that Janet Armstrong was struggling to raise a family mostly alone, but it felt wrong.

Another issue I found mildly upsetting was this movie was all about America and a great American. However we cast a Canadian actor and a British actress to portray these powerful Americans. Acting is acting and strong actors can play any part, but I think there is a good chance American actors were probably available to play these roles. I don’t see Amy Adams starring in The Crown.

First Man – My Recommendation – It’s Not All Bad

However, with all this criticism I must say the special effects were pretty freaking cool. I heard somewhere that early screeners became motion sick due to the shaking of the camera but I didn’t experience this. Maybe they changed something? There was a lot of shaking, blasting off, space cuts and scientific technology that my son was interested in learning more about. Things have certainly changed since the 60’s.

While I don’t recommend First Man I will say if you have a space lover in your family it needs to be seen in theaters.

I’m Intrigued By The New Netflix Series The Curious Creations Of Christine McConnell

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Be still my beating heart what is this masterpiece? I recently saw a trailer for the new Netflix series The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell and I am wicked excited about the oddity that will air October 12th. I’m on a mission to learn as much as I can about this woman and her cooking show that includes puppets! Not just hand puppets but huge full size furry puppets.

Apparently, this new Netflix series is based on a real person. She has a fun, creative social media following based on the outlandish and spooky things she bakes and presents. Not just like, a birthday cake though y’all. Christine bakes up the Alien from Alien and makes it burst out of her chest with blood spray and everything. Yeah, she bad like that. And I love her so much and absolutely must speak with her.

Her new show seems to be a bit of Sandra Lee and a bit of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends. I for one can’t wait. Watch the clip above and be sure to tune in. I’m going to see what else I can find out! I’m a bit obsessed with one Christine McConnell right now and am impatiently waiting for The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell to come to Netflix on October 12th. Just knowing there is someone out there who enjoys the macabre and eerie as much as me and has made a unique career out of it is intriguing!

Little Talks With Little Women Director Clare Niederpruem

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Every once in a while even a cynic like me needs a feel-good movie. I’ve always loved the book Little Women and each movie and show series made after the classic has warmed my heart. When I learned of a new movie that would be a modern-day adaptation I was slightly nervous. I mean, I’m a bit of a purist and classics are classics for a reason. However, when I saw one of my favorite actors, Ian Bohen would be starring in it as Freddy I had to give the new movie a chance.

I screened it about a week ago and I’m so glad I did. The entire movie was beautiful and so well adapted. I don’t want to spoil it but let me just tell you, there is nothing lacking from this version. All the same March sister drama takes place, just in a way that makes sense for today. I mean Jo is allowed to go to college people, it is 2018. And some mean girls might take advantage of our Meg’s sweet sensibility. The honest truth is our world is not perfect and Little Women director Clare Niederpruem does a spectacular job showing us exactly this. On top of directing she wrote the screenplay as well. I sat down with her yesterday to talk about the movie and her journey and left with a full heart and my eyes bright with new information.

Little Women Director Clare Niederpruem Interview

Lee: Why Little Women?

Clare: I’ve been a fan my whole life. I love Jo and the other March sisters. I recently reread the book as a grown up and it had a different meaning to me because the story is about changing and going through different stages in life and I got so much more out of it this time around. I really connected with it. It reminded me of the relationships with the females in my life today. Then I wondered, what would the March sisters look like in 2018? It’s timeless and I began my journey.

Lee: What was your biggest struggle adapting the film (or script) to present day?

Clare: A few things, one thing was in the book women were not able to vote or pursue certain careers or college. We had to modernize that and still realize we have inequality. But we shifted it to Jo being an artist, not getting into her favorite college rather than not being allowed to go. We focused on the girl’s personal journeys.

Lee: This was your directorial debut – was it a bit of a Jo March moment?

Clare: Yeah totally! I felt like Jo through the entire journey. I mean it’s a struggle to get a script done, a miracle to get a movie made, another miracle to get it out there. I’m just stealing from her this whole time. Steal from the best I guess they say. I had an amazing crew and cast, I’m so grateful to Lea Thompson, Ian Bohen and Lucas Grabeel for working with a first time director and taking a chance on me. It was such a wonderful experience and here we are! An incredible crew and cast.

Lee: Each sister is so relatable even more so than in the book, was that on purpose? I mean I’m totally an Amy, things have to be a bit about me or I’ll make them that way.

Clare: Each one has a dynamic and distinctive personality and I wanted to explore that. Each girl who sees our version of Little Women should be able to connect with one of the March Sisters and see their own friends in the characters. Little Women at its heart is a love story between four sisters and we wanted to focus on these four characters. I think this is why so many women love this book because there is a character you can relate to and can be representative to who you are.

Lee: Which sister do you relate to most?

Clare: I’m a Jo/Amy as a writer I struggle with this but I have an edge to me like Amy and like you maybe I’m a bit self-centered, but not in a bad way. A lot of ways Jo and Amy are similar which is why they fight so much, they are firecrackers and they fight to the death.

Lee: How long did it take to make the movie?

Clare: Hmm. A year and a half process total, 2-3 months to write everything, 6 months to get it off the ground, 17 days of shooting and now we are promoting it.

Lee: Tell us about incorporating Pilgrim’s Progress in your movie?

Clare: That was something that Kristy(writing/production partner)and I decided on together because we loved that part of the book. The March sisters use it to play and to learn. It was a beautiful part of the journey, a representation, a piece of art from the book. And for those true Louisa May Alcott fans it is an easter egg of sorts.

Lee: Tell us about the Christian aspect of your movie? There have been chats that this is a faith-based film but it wasn’t heavily mentioned in the movie? Papa March is a doctor in the Military not even a Minister. I think I recall a cross necklace at one point.

Clare: We don’t consider it a faith based film but instead a family film. I wanted to stay true to who the Alcott family was and they are very spiritual. Now, the castles which are an important part of the movie are representative of heaven and following God’s plan. Beth is the most spiritual character. She is mature and knows the importance of life. This is why she has the cross, she’s an angel in a lot of ways. It’s not only for Christians, it’s for families. It is being distributed by Pureflix which is why people think this, but Pinnacle Peak is more secular.

Lee: Fun questions time! What is your favorite movie?

Clare: Yay! It’s A Wonderful Life. I go back to this all the time. Also Now and Then, it’s one of those I saw when I was 12 or 13 and it was so meaningful to me and I always remember it.

Lee: Who is your favorite actor?

Clare: Hmm, (she really thought on this one.) The first woman who comes to mind is Emily Blunt, she can mold into anything. Musicals, horror, sweet, strong, fierce. Also Sally Field she is so loveable and funny. Leo Dicaprio because he’s so good at everything he does. Titanic is my favorite. I love Kate Winslet as well.

Lee: Is there anything else you want to tell your audience about Little Women that I didn’t ask you about?

Clare: I want to encourage people to go see it opening weekend so it can survive because these small indie films need this type of support. Take your daughter, your sister, cousins, see a film about supporting women.

I can second the encouraging words to see the movie over the weekend. Whether you’re an old fan or new to the classic this adaptation is heartwarming and charming. The scene where Meg goes to the high school dance in the inappropriate dress is probably my favorite but in an unfortunate way. It’s one of the chances Niederpruem had to adapt the classic book and she does an imaginative job of turning the storyline into a real-world situation. A real “parent’s nightmare”. Of course, I also loved the scenes between Jo and Freddy, usually Jo being dismissive of Freddy’s opinions and feelings which is a bit different than the original.

I had such a fun time speaking with Clare. She is a true fan of her own actors. She talked to me at length about Teen Wolf because Ian Bohen starred in it and now she is totally into it. So basically we’re best friends now. LOL. She’s also one of those people that is just unaffected and real. And I wish her absolutely the best in the future.

Apopka Orthodontics OFFICE Has Opened On Park Avenue – Baptiste Orthodontics

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So far braces haven’t been too bad for Spencer. Once in a while, I hear “Ouch that hurt!” and I know he bit into something too hard. However, we both know it’s totally worth it to bring down this flair he was sporting. Especially since it wasn’t exactly comfortable. My favorite part so far is the Apopka orthodontist office Baptiste Orthodontics just opened so I no longer have to drive across town for appointments. Located directly across from Kit Land Nelson Park the practice held their ribbon cutting last week.

New Apopka Orthodontics Office – Baptiste Orthodontics

As I mentioned in a previous Baptise Orthodontics article they currently have three offices. Conroy Windermere Rd, West Colonial Dr. and now Park Ave. in Apopka. This is great news because just about anywhere you are located in Orlando there is an office near you. And now Dr. Baptiste is bringing in another doctor, Dr. Stephen Nelson, his cousin who will now be supporting his workload. Dr. Baptiste has promised us that Dr. Nelson has years upon years of experience and that we will like him even more than our current favorite orthodontist. I’m not sure if this is true but I’m certainly willing to give him a chance.

The new Apopka orthodontics office is absolutely beautiful, designed by J Alexander Design. It is certainly not your typical dental office. Take a look at all the stone and sleek lines. It seems more like a spa all the way through than it does a doctor’s office. I love how they went with light colors in the back and deep dark colors in the lobby. It changes the mood of the entire office, smart thinking! Also the new office is simply classy looking. The oversized photographs on the walls add to the homey feeling and also add some color. I’m a huge fan and I’m proud to support Baptiste Orthodontics.

Their recent ribbon cutting included the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, the local Mayor Bryan Nelson and at least half of our community. I might be exaggerating but it was awfully crowded with client and friends who wanted to support Dr. Baptiste and his employees. He invited the Wekiva High School chorus to sing and entertain the guests which was a lot of fun. There was so much food everyone had the chance to fill up on fancy pretzels, teriyaki glazed meat kabobs, butter chicken and so many desserts I lost count.

If you or your child are in the market for braces, aligners or any other orthodontic work I would recommend Baptiste Orthodontics located in Apopka and all over Orlando. Call them now at 800-300-7755.

*Big thanks to Baptiste for their continued support of my blog and Spencer’s braces.