It’s a new year and the time has come. I started this blog over a year ago with the intention of making weekly recommendations for must-see films, giving news and insight into issues going on in film and media – particularly as far as women are concerned, and providing a place for both you and I to have a frank conversation.

But I’ve been remiss. I’ve been busy developing the Women’s Film Festival, finding the right middle school for my 11-year-old son, driving him around for his very active social life, theater rehearsals, performances, soccer games…. Well you get the point. Oh, and I did I mention my husband?

But perhaps these are all excuses for not focusing and demanding more of myself. We all know that we have to find time for people and things we deem important. So I proclaim that this is the year that I’ll move forward with goals that are important to me. Find better ways to manage time and get the excuses out of the way. Yes it’s time to kick butt.

These were my thoughts as I was watching the new movie “Haywire” starring Mixed Martial Arts fighter Gina Carano, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas and Channing Tatum. This is Carano’s first major role in a movie, and she not only had to act but also do her own fighting. And the fighting was supreme. Carano’s physicality was impressive. It’s no wonder that Oscar Winning (Traffic) Director Steven Soderbergh wrote the part with Carano in mind. He knew that someone with her skill could bring a unique and realistic element to the film which could possibly lead to a new female action hero (and a sequel).

I caught up with Carano last week while she was here in Miami. During our conversation she said it was her goal for the fight scenes to be “extremely real.” She was able to add certain “moves” in the film and was pleased with the way they scenes turned out “because the martial arts fans will like that.”

Indeed successful female action heroes are few and far between although the idea is growing. Zoe Zaldana’s 2011 summer hit “Columbiana” was one of the industry’s latest attempts. Angelina Jolie’s “Salt” and her ‘Lara Craft’ personas have also been very popular, but what’s different about this movie is that for the first time in a western woman action movie, the heroine is actually a martial artist first and an actress second. Kind of reminds me of Steven Segal, Jean Claude Van Damme and of course Bruce Lee (although there are many others. See my review of “SALT”)

And although Carano’s a woman playing a tough guy role, she wants women to appreciate her as well. “I want women to like me as much as men do,” she said. “It’s a special moment when women back each other.”

Carano was charming and down to earth. Very likable. And she hopes to be a source of inspiration. “I’d like women to say Gosh I really liked that film. It makes me want to go to the gym or run,” she said.

But the source of inspiration that Carano gave me was not so much about kicking the butt of a double crossing boss/ex boyfriend consultant to the CIA who ordered my murder, but for kicking the butt out of doubts and insecurities and negative images and people. Kicking the butt out of all obstacles that keep me from accomplishing my goals.

What’s standing in your way? Are you ready to kick butt?

Haywire opens this weekend in local theaters. Go see it. I give it 2 and half high heels.

Take a look at the trailer on the right hand column of this blog to get you ready to Kick butt.