Reviews

When I got up this past Saturday morning (7-18-09)this movie was on and what a welcome surprise it was to be able to cook breakfast and watch this old favorite. When I was a little girl this was one of my favorite movies. It is just as touching now as it was then. The only thing I didn't realize was that Jackie Gleason wrote this movie and the musical score and that Gene Kelly directed it. No wonder it's a classic! Jackie Gleason totally embodies the "child-like" qualities of Gigot as well as the compassion and innocence of a caring adult. I cried just like I did years ago at the sad parts and I laughed just as I did at the humorous parts years ago. I saw that it is not available to purchase on-line so thank goodness I taped it when it came on again (it was shown twice on our local PBS station. Also this time I happened to notice that the lead Katherine Kath was also the lead dancer in the original version of "Moulin Rouge" (La Goulue). Anyone who has never seen this movie it is truly a classic as it brought back sweet childhood memories for me!

I watched "Happy Feet" last weekend (3/31/07) and I really liked it. My only critique was not that Robin Williams was used as a voice-over because he does great work but the fact that he was used for two "ethnic" voice overs. I am African-American and as the voice of "Lovelace" he sounded like a "white person trying to sound black" and the same with him doing the voice of "Ramone" and trying to sound Latino. In that respect I found it to be quite insulting and a mockery. Come on guys spend the money and try and get an Eddie Griffin, a Tommy Davidson, an Issac Hayes, a Ron Glass, or a James Avery (Uncle Phil on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air". And as for "Ramone" I'll bet you Carlos Mencia, Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez, or maybe even Cheech Marin would have done a bang-up job. I do know that there were some Latino actors used for some of the other minor parts and that rapper "Fat Joe" was also used. Remember, nobody likes a "poser"!

I had decided that I was going to see this whether my daughter was going with me or not. It was good but I guess I expected more. The characters were quite funny and there were a lot of references to other movies which some I got and some I didn't get. I liked the premise of the movie because it made a statement to the fact that in life, some of us are content just where we are (which is not always a bad thing) and some of figure there is more to life then just our own little environment and want to seek a little more adventure, but be careful where you go to seek adventure because you may or may not be ready for it. I must say though that the only song (the one that Julian the lemur sings)in the movie will stick with you for a while--it's quite catchy!

I had been wanting to rent this movie for a while now, ever since I read an article about it in "Entertainment Magazine". That article piqued my curiosity about this film. Since I am African-American I know how we see ourselves in society but I wanted to see how Asians (especially young Asians) view themselves in this society. The amazing part about the film was as long as these teens grades were good no one suspected them of committing any crimes plus the fact that their demeanor at school was so laid back and normal. Unfortunately that is also the eerie part about this movie because those kids could be your own next door neighbors or friends of your own kids and you would never suspect them of such crimes. Also the fact that out of all the character's "dark sides", Ben (the most unlikely one) had the "DARKEST SIDE OF ALL". I think it was a piece of symbolism to say that when he lost his virginity that all his inhibitions were released to the point that he would do just about anything which led to his ultimate act of violence. It was quite disturbing to see Han trying to comfort Virgil as they were finishing off killing Steve and then to have the guilt weigh so heavy on Virgil to where he attempted suicide. It seems as though Virgil and Ben mentally switched places. I was explaining to my daughter the fact of what happens sometimes when people are too smart for their own good--you get bored and your "idle mind becomes the devil's workshop". These kids were striving and pushing themselves towards perfection but what they did not realize was "perfection (or near perfection) comes with a price".

I just happened to rent this movie by mistake--but what a good mistake! My daughter was supposed to pick up "Hairshow" instead of "Jackie's Back" but they must have been right next to each other. I am a fan of mockumentary films because of the "spoof factor" and what could be more funny than the deadpan look on someone's face when they're being interviewed in "mock fashion". I was amazed to see the "cavalcade of stars" that were on the roster for this movie! Jennifer Lewis did a great job portraying Jackie Washington and Tim Curry was wonderful at the interviewer. I think the person who totally stole the show (besides Jennifer Lewis) was Whoopi Goldberg as her sister. She definitely played the part of being the scorned, upstaged, and overshadowed sister. I just cracked up when I saw the "afro pick" marks on Richard Lawson's ("The Milkman") head alluding to the fact that Jackie had stabbed him. The one hit song that she has "Yield Me With Your Love" was totally Motownish in nature and when David Hyde Pierce (Perry-the deaf piano player) got a hold of the music to play for her revival comeback it sounded like a "graduation march" which was hilarious! Anyone who is a fan of mockumentary films don't "Yield"-"Go" to your local video store and rent this! Kudos Robert Townsend, you've done it again!

This was one of those kind of movies where after you see it everybody kind of leaves the theater in silence which is definitely what happened when I saw "Crash". People did not know what to say because I believe it left you with so many things to think about. It was just that powerful which can sometimes leave you speechless!!!!! The audience in the theater was of a mixed crowd who could relate. People who only believe what they see on the news about race relations should definitely see this film. It was shows "the hush-hush" conversations that are said "behind closed doors". The cast is marvelous! I was totally surprised at rapper/actor "Ludicrous". He definitely held his own with the rest of the great cast-from Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Larenz Tate and Matt Dillon to Keith David, Loretta Devine, Terrance Howard, and Thandie Newton. It was also good seeing Tony Danza and Jennifer Esposito on the big screen. And lets not forget Brenden Fraser. The script is smartly written and the characters say what a lot of us think but are afraid to say. The scene with Terrance Howard and Thandie Newton being frisked and violated by Matt Dillon's police character was like something out of a "Civil War" epic the way the slave-masters would use their power over slaves. The encounter with Sandra Bullock and the Hispanic locksmith said a lot especially in the fact that while he was installing her new locks and she was making false accusations against him, he in turn was trying to protect his own family by moving them into a nicer neighborhood. The one that hit home for me the most was when Ludicrous talked about not robbing black folks but he turned right around (being a hypocrite) and tried to car-jack Terrance Howard but then Terrance turned the tables on him and let him see how embarrassing he was not only to him but to himself as well. This movie definitely dispels the myth about people looking at other people and "not seeing color" because they do. Color is first, gender is second, and the human being themselves is last.

This movie has such a powerful message! Kimberly Elise does a superb job as abuse victim Michelle Jordan whose life went spiraling down a black hole after her "innocence was stolen" by her mother's lowdown-dirty-snake-of-a-boyfriend and her mother turning her back on the situation. I watched this movie with my 13yr old daughter and it made me want to hold her even closer to me than I already do because I can't imagine her going through something like that. Loretta Divine also does an excellent job as her selfish-in-denial-but-ever-"man-hungry" mother. Debbie Morgan is superb as the humorous, comforting, and advising family friend and Clifton Powell couldn't be anymore convincing as the snake-in-the grass boyfriend. T.D. Jakes put together a stellar cast to bring such a moving and powerful story to the big screen. There are so many lessons taught in this movie as well as learned. The character of Michelle is trying to deal with trust issues from her standpoint as well as others. In the scene where she has been ushered to a seat at church and the lady usher sees that she is wearing an electronic monitoring device on her ankle and then she asks her did she take a Bible and Michelle gets very upset and gives an upsetting reply. Then Michelle sees that others are taking and using the Bibles to study during the service and she realizes what the lady meant. Although it doesn't end all "warm and fuzzy", it is a must-see for anyone who is battling with or seeking forgiveness.

I think Oprah did a wonderful job of putting Zora Neale Hurston back on the map as a premiere author. African-American women were already kind of considered a non-entity and for her to strike out and write a novel with such substance was an enormous undertaking. I loved the movie, not only for Halle Berry starring in it but it gave Micahel Ealy a chance to stretch his "dramatic wings" and my oh my what a "take-off"! I was so impressed with his skills! I was also impressed with Lorraine Toussaint, Nicki Micheaux, Terrance Dashon Howard, and Ruben-Santiago Hudson. And although Ruby Dee had a cameo appearance she definitely made her presence known. It was amazing at how the character of Janie was able to adjust to each marital situation especially when she was asked to tie up her hair in a rag by her 2nd husband (Mayor Starks) and went through the same routine for 20 years and yet she still had a love for him even though he became bitter with hatred for her even on his death bed. But on the other hand "Teacup" didn't have much but he gave her his heart which was all she ever wanted and of course and having to kill the man you love (in self-defense because he was half out of his mind from being bit by a rabid dog)was the hardest thing for her to because he was her one true love. He also put himself in harms way to save her from the rabid dog because he too loved her very much. I must say that if Zora Neale Hurston was alive today she would be proud of how Oprah took her book and brought the pages to life and hopefully by the revival of this story the book sales will soar!

I loved this movie!!!!! I, like countless others, found myself so engrossed in the movie that I actually thought it was Ray Charles! I always knew that Jamie Fox was a talented actor (when I saw him in "Ali" as Bundini Brown and he was more convincing than Will Smith), singer/musician, and comedian, but after I saw this movie I was more convinced then ever! When I first read he would be doing this movie I told my husband that he would nail this. He literally peered into the soul of this man and brought out everything that he was. Judging from the movie, Ray Charles was a tortured soul who finally faced his demons and got through it all without losing it all. He was portrayed as a savvy businessman who knew what he wanted without letting his handicap stand in his way although he let Joe Adams(played by Harry Lennix) cloud his judgment and manipulate his dealings with longtime friend and employee Jeff Brown(played by Clifton Powell). I also thought Regina King, Bokeem Woodbine, Kerry Washington, Aunjanue Ellis, Clifton Powell and Harry Lennix had stellar performances! I hope Jamie get's an academy award nomination for his performance because you would have to be "blind" to not see that this is one of the best movies of the year!

My 13 year old daughter and I decided that this would be a great Xmas gift to ourselves if we went to see "Fat Albert" on Xmas Day (unfortunately my husband is not not a fan). Apparently there were more people than I thought who had the same idea! Keenan Thompson was amazing as "Fat Albert" and as for the other characters they were also good. The actor who was "Bucky" was definitely a match! To me every thing was so authentic from the mannerisms to the clothing even down to Young Bill's tee shirt of "The Brown Hornet". I was surprised at Rudy's character being so "chivilrous" which is not normally his character but yet it was refreshing to see. I was also glad to be able to see a family movie without fear of profanity or nudity popping up. The movie also teaches some valuable lessons on self-esteem, good manners, and friendship. I would love if there was a sequel (maybe "The Brown Hornet" could be included also)! I can truthfully say that I am still a "fan" of the "fat man!" Also I would like to say that the ending was wonderful!

This is one of my all time favorite movies (I am a big fan of "period pieces" "swashbuckling tales" with a hint of "comedic edge" of this movie has all three!)! Very few people know and only if you are well versed in "black history" do you know that Alexander Dumas (the author of the book "The Three Musketeers") was African-American. If you put it in terms of today's language you've got four brothers who are "gentleman playas of honor" who are "holding it down" (for King and Country) whose motto is "We either ride or die son" (translation: "All for one and one for all"). There is one sista who is "blocking" (Faye Dunaway's "Countess De Winter) and Contance (Raquel Welch) fights with her to protect her "homegirl" the queen (Geraldine Chaplin). Oliver Reed (Athos) is smooth yet stressed over the history between he and his ex, Porthos is witty and daring, Aramis (Richard Chamberlain) is always "macking" the women with poetic verse while entertaining thoughts of the priesthood and then there is "youngblood" D'artangian (Micahel York)who proves he is "all that and a bag of chips"! This is one of my all time favorite movies as well as the sequel (The Four Musketeers). Kudos to the director's for making this great as well as the author-Alexander Dumas. This is truly a "black man's tale".

I was definitely blown away (no pun intended) by this movie. Michael Mann's name is written all over this film! He is still one of the most stellar director's on the planet! I loved all the underlying messages in the movie. Seeing wolves in the movie was symbolic of both Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx being "Lone Wolves" and the fact that Jamie had to have everything perfect was symbolic of the relationship between he and his mother (a "not-so-perfect" relationship). Jada Pinckett-Smith also did a great job in the short time she was in it. I loved the chemistry between Cruise and Foxx. It was just phenomenal!!! The interaction between Jada and Jamie was something that I felt had been lacking between african-american couples in movies because they are either portrayed as "kinky-jungle-animalistic" sexual beings or "urban dysfunctionals" being derived from "single-parent hovels" (no disrespect to single parents). It was refreshing to see them interact as just a man and a woman making pleasant conversation which could lead to a pleasant and mature relationship not to mention that he was her "knight in shining armour". I also caught the fact that even though Jamie's character (Max) was a perfectionist he saw that life wasn't as perfect as his own world and that he was going to have to cause a "shake up" in order to "shake off" the likes of Tom Cruise's character (Vincent). I also liked the fact that each hit that Jamie Foxx drove Tom Cruise to was different (dialog and all). Also let's not forget Irma P. Hall's performance as Jamie's mother (Ida) was stellar. Jamie Foxx is makeing the "Tom Hanks metamorphisis" from comedy to drama and doing a very good job!

I saw the premiere of this movie and it was like watching a "Midevel James Bond" but better!!!!! Even the music was cool! The director of this movie just outdid himself from choosing the right actors to, to the special effects, to the setting, to the music. Hugh Jackman was simply wonderful and not to mention as handsome as ever!!!!! To me dracula, the wolfman, frankenstein, and Hugh Jackman are the perfect "horror cocktail"! If anyone has lost faith in horror films (as I have because of all the stupid slasher films), this will restore it. It's a fantastic flick!!!!! The storeyline is not only entertaining but it gives background information as to why these creatures are the way they are which makes this movie all the more exciting!

For this to be Denzel Washington's directorial debut, you'd think he was a veteran at this. This movie was so well done acting-wise as well as directorial. I would dub this movie as being a "thinking man/woman's movie. The story moves very smoothly throughout the film with enough toughness and compassion for all. Derek Luke does a phenomenal job as the lead character and as usual Denzel does a phenomenal job as well. I recommend this movie highly to anyone who has a hard time opening up about their past and making amends with themselves as well as others.

I was a little disappointed in this sequel to say the least. I liked the first "Bad Boys" much better. I guess I can best sum up my thoughts about "Bad Boys II" in these four statements: 1. "Too" much cussing 2. "Too" many sexual inuendos 3. "Too" many explosions and car chase scenes 4. "Too" little family interaction "Bad Boys II" is more like "Too Bad, Boys" couldn't be like the first one.

These literary heros surely showed the bad guys "who was the boss." I loved how they took the literary characters and their talents and made them triumph over evil. My favorites were Dorien Gray(although he turned out to be a bad guy but he was "so fine"), and Mena Harker(that sista' was "no joke!"). The scene settings between Africa, England, Paris, Venice and Anartica were beautiful! The connections and jokes between the characters was quite clever. The directors and producers seem to have left room for a sequel and I hope it happens. I think it would be wise for english literature instructors who are trying to introduce their students to the classics to have them go see this movie because it would definitely pique their interest. "The League" is "The Bomb!"

I did not see the original (but I understand it was a hoot!) but this re-make is just hilarious! I was laughing so loud that I missed some lines so I might just have to go see it again. I already knew Albert Brooks was funny from his days of stand-up in the 70's but Michael Douglas was a welcome surprise! He was hanging tuff with Albert Brooks in the "laugh department" and both were on top of their game. Another welcome surprise was to see K.C. And The Sunshine Band make a cameo appearance in the movie. It's not always easy to make a good action/comedy, but this was on the money! This duo can now join the ranks of Will Smith/Martin Lawrence, Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker, Robert Deniro/Billy Crystal so move over guys, there's two new "funny bones" in town!

I thought this movie was hilarious! I was surprised that so many "heavy-hitters" were in the movie (i.e. Ryan O'neal, Mike Epps, Taye Diggs, Blair Underwood, Anthony Anderson and of course Jaime Kennedy). The premise for it is genious and the story-line is just a crack-up! The most versitle actor has got to be Taye Diggs to go from being so serious in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" to being so funny in "Malibu's Most Wanted". As for the premise, you finally realize that "B-rad" is just trying to be true to himself and that what he sees in the mirror is not what he feels on the inside. The journey to this realization is chocked full of laughs from the beginning to the end.

This movie truly "brought down the house" with so much laughter! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I thought the storyline was great and everyone in the movie was great! Besides the two stellar performances by Steve Martin and Queen Latifah, Eugene Levy, Joan Plowright, and Betty White were quite outstanding! You definitely cannot judge this movie by it's trailer (even though the trailer is entertaining) because there is more to it. There is a variety of "comedic antics" to suit everyone's taste. There is also a good moral to the story of not "judging books by their covers" and that no matter who you are "you can always learn something from somebody." Also I would like to add the music in the movie was great especially when the song "Don't Look Any Further" (by Dennis Edwards and Seidah Garrett) was played as Steve Martin entered the club (it just made me crack up!). And on the same musical vein, kudos to whoever came up with the idea of having Kelly Price perform Chaka Khan's hit "Ain't Nobody" in the classy dance nite club scene. In conclusion I think Steve has tapped into a hilarious new "comedy formula": White male/black female "buddy movie!"

This movie was clever and funny from the first frame to the last! I laughed so hard that I almost fell off my couch! If there is such a term as "retro-funny" then it definitely fits this movie. I have always loved Eddie Griffin, Chi McBride, Neil Patrick Harris and Aunjune Ellis, but I think the standout performance was Dave Chappelle! He made the part of "Conspiracy Brother" his own. Anybody who loves "blaxploitation movie" humor will love this movie and the soundtrack because it definitely "gives the people what they want!" Right on! Right on!

I had been waiting to see this movie for two years because made it to some theaters and university auditoriums (with Tim Reid hosting). I rushed to Blockbuster to rent it because I saw it was coming out on Feb 11th. It was worth the wait! Blair Underwood, Michael Beach, and Debbi Morgan were outstanding! It was kind of like a black "Fatal Attraction!" It was so nice to see a black film portraying "well-to-do couples" and yet they were still keeping it real. Tim Reid's direction was superb in how he showed that something so innocent as four couples (who are all best friends)going to the fair can turn into a fatal and horrifying experience and create a "deadly domino" effect that can threaten and ruin relationships as well as lives. I thought the storyline was great. I also liked how Blair Underwood's character (Chance) evolved from docile to demented and how Michael Beach(Michael) explained that Chance once had a "dark-side" and once he met and married Roberta, it calmed him down. All the main characters had their crosses they had to bear. I also loved the town-setting, scenery, music and cinematography. Kudos to Tim Reid, Blair Underwood, and Daphne Maxwell-Reid for taking author Eric Lee Bowers and putting it on screen.

I was a former high school band member and I have always enjoyed watching black collegiate bands perform and watching "Drumline" was a truly wonderful and entertaining experience! From the drum majors, choreagraphy, music, band directing, and sheer athletic ability to the actual "dueling drumline" competition. Orlando Jones was great as the infamous "baton-wielding" band director Dr. Lee. I liked how his character had an appreciation for the classical, contemporary and "crunk" style of music because that is what school band music is all about.

I just loved this movie!!!! It brought back the "old-fashioned" love story. Everyone was so good in it but I thought the actor who stood out was Mos Def especially with his "Humphrey Bogart/Casablanca" analogy. It was just too funny and yet it made a lot of sense. Also his conversation with Boris Kodjoe in the kitchen was also very funny. This (to me) seems to be the first piece of film work that took hip-hop seriously and beautifully incorporated it into a love story. I was also impressed with the fact that there was no nudity and hardly no profanity.