Monday, February 28, 2011

And the Winner's Are...


Just in case you missed last night's coverage of the Oscars, check out some of the BIG winners below....

Best Picture:  
The King's Speech Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers

Actor in a Leading Role: 
Colin Firth in The King's Speech

Actor in a Supporting Role: 
Christian Bale in The Fighter

Actress in a Leading Role: 
Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Actress in a Supporting Role:
Melissa Leo in The Fighter

Animated Feature Film:  
 Toy Story 3 Lee Unkrich

Cinematography:  
Inception Wally Pfister

Directing:  
The King's Speech Tom Hooper

Film Editing:  
The Social Network Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

Makeup:  
The Wolfman Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

Music (Original Score): 
The Social Network Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Documentary:   
Inside Job Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs

For a complete listing go to OSCARS !

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Do you need a 'Hall Pass'?

First let me start out by saying this a great movie for all those in any type of relationship whether dating, married, engaged, or just simply single. Radcliff and I went to see this and had a very stimulating conversation afterwards. After watching Hall Pass you really begin to think about how much do you really value your relationship with your partner.

Remember the Farrelly Brothers and some of there many entertaining comedies (Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, and Fever Pitch) well now we can add Hall Pass to that list.  Hall Pass has captured the well known male character of today's society - the suburban middle age male who gets a "hall pass". Now one may ask what is this "hall pass", its basically a week-long excuse for married men (or women) to behave badly, drink to excess and sleep with whomever. And by the end of the film you might have to ask yourself is it worth it to have a "hall pass". 

So we start with the problem, Rich and Fred are two married guys who cannot help but notice all the attractive women who come within ten feet of their radar. And when they get caught on tape glorifying their sexual thoughts and wanted escapades, things take a turn far left. It's not as though, Rick and Fred are totally miserable in their marriages but they just feel they might could some serious action if they weren't "tied down". So their wives Maggie (Jenna Fischer) and Grace (Christina Applegate) give them this "all pass" so that they can let loose their male tendencies. Now one might think since they have been granted this "hall pass" that they would get buck wild and fancy-free.....well let's just say things don't really go as the guys would like. It almost seems as though its more of a hassle than it is freedom. And as much as we might think this "hall pass" is only for the men, the women actually kind of get a "hall pass" as well.


The acting in this movie does not require a lot, just as long as you can keep the audience amused. And Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis  mesh very well together. They have such a great chemistry with this movie, and if you think about more than likely we know people (or maybe ourselves) that have their relationship/friendship. They feed off of one another to the point where they begin to rub off on each other. As a matter of fact all the actors played each of their roles with ease. And to top it off there was a well-written script, that came together for several big laughs. Just thinking about it now I can't help but giggle.


 The one great thing that really liked about this movie was the approach that they took to convey there message. Watching this movie will definitely make you take a look at your current relationship status and possibly do some re-evaluating. Needless to say Hall Pass deals with some real-life situations, and thankfully you can get some solutions. The fact that it uses a very humorous platform the story becomes believable but at the same time it entertains the audience. Now don't get me wrong it can be a little over the top, but that just makes the story even more unique. And let me just say if you are not comfortable with sexual references or outlandish sight gags, you might want to take rain-check, but if that does not bother you then move forward with purchasing your ticket.


To sum it up you get a good dose of bar-hopping, golfing, laced brownies, sexual fantasies, and much more all tied up in one gift box.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Friday, February 25, 2011

“We’re Being Lazy On Our Game” Anthony Mackie on African Americans in Hollywood

Check out this very interesting interview from Hurtlocker & The Adjustment Bureau star Anthony Mackie and his take on African Americans in Hollywood....



He definitely brings up some very valid points...Your thoughts?!

Friday Line-Up


Check out what hits theaters on today...

Hall Pass (R)
Best friends Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) have each been married for a long time, and they are showing signs of restlessness. To revitalize their marriages, their wives grant Rick and Fred one week to do whatever they please, no questions asked.

Drive Angry (R)
Thrown down into hell for his crimes, brutal felon Milton (Nicolas Cage) breaks out of the fiery pit after cultists murder his daughter and take her baby.

The Grace Card (PG-13)
A personal tragedy leaves police officer Mac McDonald bitter, angry and hating God. 

Heartbeats (NR)
Three close friends get involved in a love triangle. 

Of Gods and Men (PG-13)
French monks trust in their faith to carry them through during the Algerian Civil War. 

For specific show times check out FANDANGO !!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Teaser Trailer Alert & Poster for "The Hangover Part 2"

One of my most anticipated films for the 2011 season has a sneek-peek trailer that was just released...The Hangover Part 2, check it out...



Keep in mind I saw The Hangover 3 TIMES in the movie theater, and numerous times on tv...Its just that good, so let's see how part 2 will do.

Your thoughts....

Here is the poster as well...


















In theaters May 26th, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

On this Day in Movie History...

Interesting the facts that you learn about what great accomplishments movies have had over the years.

So I decided to highlight a great moment that happened on today back in 2004.... The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King becomes the second film in history to gross more than $1 billion in worldwide box office receipts.



Without a doubt this is definitely a favorite of mine, as a matter fact the whole series. Who would've thought this series would be such a hit?!!

Celebrating the Life of Comic Writer & 'Milestone Media' Creator Dwayne McDuffie


On this past Tuesday (2/21/2011), Marvel and DC Comic writer Dwayne McDuffie, who also co-founded his own publishing company before crossing over to television and animation, died. He was 49.

The Detroit native just a day after his birthday, according to DC Comics. Cause and place of death are still unknown. 

McDuffie attended the University of Michigan, and would later receive an MFA in Film from New York University's Tisch School of Arts.

McDuffie was the creator of such iconic characters Static Shock, Icon, and Hardwire.  However, he is most remembered for his accomplishment in the comic industry by creating the comic label Milestone, Milestone would release comics predominantly starring African American characters, when other companies were still not racially diverse. 

According to the Associated Press, "his work at Milestone set a new tone for the use of multicultural characters in the pantheon of heroes, something that lent itself to his television work, too, where characters of color became part of interlocking teams."

Just recently McDuffie attended the premiere of the new "All-Star Superman" film (which was released Tuesday on DVD) in Los Angeles and New York, and was scheduled to appear at an event Wednesday at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles.

"As a writer he was simply brilliant — adventurous, effortlessly funny, ferociously smart. As a person, he was all that and much, much more — more, in fact, than my puny words can even hope to express," said by executive producer of the DC Universe Bruce Timm said.

He will definitely be missed in the comic book world.

R.I.P Mr. McDuffie

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

DVD Releases 2/22/2011




Check out this week's DVD releases...

Megamind (PG)
Due Date (R)
Get Low (PG-13)
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (R)

Another short and sweet list!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Trailer Alert: "Jumping the Broom"

Just in time for Mother's Day!!

Famed director Salim Akil and producers Tracey E. Edmonds, Elizabeth Hunter, T.D. Jakes, Glendon Palmer, and Curtis Wallace are bringing to the screen a "collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha's Vineyard for a wedding" with Jumping the Broom.

Check it out right here...

In theaters May 6, 2011.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Laurence Fishburne stars as "Thurgood"

Laurence Fishburne will be starring in a one man show Thurgood, based on the life of the late civil rights leader and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

According to HBO Thurgood, “is a compelling present-tense narration revisiting the turning points in his life and career as he remembers them. Recalling childhood stories of his family and home life in Baltimore, to his college days in North Carolina as an aspiring lawyer, Marshall recollects his triumphs over adversity to pursue a successful career in the judicial system fighting for human rights.”

Check it out here...



Thurgood will premiere on HBO on February 24th at 9 PM (Encore presentation on February 27th).

Friday, February 11, 2011

Trailer Alert: "X-Men First Class"

For all that know me, you know I am a HUGE fan of two cartoon/comic book series Transformers and X-Men. I was hoping to see both trailers on Super Bowl Sunday, but it didn't work that way. However, on this past Thursday, the X-Men: First Class trailer was revealed. Check it out below:



Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass), X-Men: First Class hits theaters on June 3rd. The film will star James McAvoy (as Professor Charles Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Rose Byrne, January Jones, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon and more; this movie is definitely going to be in the competition for this summer's biggest blockbusters. And for refresher sake, some of the mutants you'll probably recognize  from previous installments (like Mystique), and as a bonus we will get to learn more about mutants like Beast, Havoc and Emma Frost.

So what do you think? Can't wait for this summer!!

Friday Line-Up 2/11/2011


Check out this week's line-up...

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (G)
Just Go With It (PG-13)
Gnomeo and Juliet (G)
The Eagle (PG-13)
Cedar Rapids (R)
Carancho (NR)
Poetry (NR)
The Scenesters (NR)

For theaters and show times check out FANDANGO .

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Trailer Alert: "Madea's Big Happy Family"

The trailer has arrived!! After seeing all the "hilarious" and somewhat "controversial" posters we can now get a little taste of Tyler Perry's newest film... Madea's Big Happy Family. Check it out below:



Your thoughts?

Idol Star and Grammy-Nominated Singer Fantasia to play Mahalia Jackson in Film Biopic

The potential role of a lifetime has been given to American Idol Winner and Alum Fantasia Barrino. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the season three winner is slated to appear in a feature-film adaptation of the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel, which recounts the life of the late American gospel singer.

This could really put Fantasia on the movie map if it works out! Remember the greatness that resulted from her role in The Color Purple Broadway play (when she was doing it consistently). To be honest I can't think of anyone else that could fit this role other than Jennifer Hudson, but I think the right call was made.

The film will be directed by Euzhan Palcy (A Dry White Season) from a script by Jim Evering, and goes into production in April in Pittsburgh and Chicago for a December release.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

DVD Releases 2/8/2011


Check out this week's DVD releases...

For Colored Girls (R)
I Spit On Your Grave (R)
It's Kind of a Funny Story (PG-13)
Life as We Know It (PG-13)
Ong Bak 3 (R)
Middle Men (R)
Paranormal Activity 2 (R)
The Romantics (PG-13)
Tamara Drewe (R)
Wild Target (PG-13)
You Again (PG)

Plenty to choose from!!

30 Black Hollywood Game Changes


Throughout the storied history of American movies, there have been quite a few black filmmakers that have shaped society through their art and left an indelible mark on our lives. From pioneers like directors Ossie Davis, Melvin Van Peebles to modern day movie makers Kasi Lemmons and Tyler Perry, these filmmakers have produced some of our favorite films, while changing the face of cinema. BlackVoices.com takes a look at 30 game changers through the years.*

Check out some of the highlights:


Oscar Micheaux: Can't forget about him, he basically set the game up for such great as Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and many more. Micheaux formed his own movie production company and, in 1919, became the first African American to make a film.

Ossie Davis: As a pioneer in the film business and a legend in the African American community, Davis was an actor, director, poet, playwright, writer and social activist whose career spanned nearly 50 years.

Melvin Van Peebles: Most famously known for his contribution to the blaxploitation era with the independently financed and critically acclaimed film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.

Bill Duke: Known for his imposing 6-foot-6-inch figure and action films such as 1987's Predator, Cover, Hoodlum, etc.

Kasi Lemmons: Made her directorial debut in 1997 with the critically acclaimed Eve's Bayou, which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Lynn Whitfield.

Gina Price-Bythewood: Starting her career as a writer for 'A Different World' and 'Felicity,' Prince-Bythewood directed two urban romantic films in 2000: Love and Basketball and Disappearing Acts.

Tyler Perry: No other African American filmmaker has made an impact in the film business this decade like Perry. Perry's films have grossed close to $500 million in five years.

For the complete list check out Black Filmmakers Through the Years




*Courtesy of BlackVoices.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Rite... Got it Right!!

Someone finally got it right! (No pun intended...lol)

Inspired by true events The Rite follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas, who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.

After seeing so many exorcist type movies (ex. Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Last Exorcism, Dominion, etc.) you begin to wonder if maybe you might stumble upon one that is actually good. Thankfully, The Rite delivers an exorcism film that is actually worth seeing.

To me, Anthony Hopkins can do no wrong and he proves that time and time again, this film is no exception. The Rite does an excellent job of portraying an accurate representation of what an exorcism is. The cinematography helps to shape the movie with its excellent shots of Rome, the Vatican interiors, Father Lucas' home, and even the exorcisms are filmed very well. Also there is a great appreciation for the development of the main character Michael Kovac (played by Colin O'Donaghue), by the end of the movie we truly know who he is and so does he. With this movie, it almost feels like we are taking a journey through a surreal world. In this journey we realize the movie is more than what is seen on the surface. And it still blows the mind that there are exorcism classes, but I guess that's the only way to learn right.

All in all, going into this movie blindly would not be wise, its pretty important and almost vital to have some sort of knowledge of faith for it to really sink in. Put it like this when leave from watching this movie it will definitely leave something for you to think about. I can honestly say it put a cold chill up my spine!!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Going down a very deep hole in 'Sanctum'

"The only way out is down..." 


Sanctum is the type of movie that serves one purpose using a metaphor such as a cave to bring about a message. Now what is this message, that not everyone is trustworthy and that sometimes family is all you got. Now I'm going to get straight to the punch, there's nothing fancy about the acting, location (although interesting), or plot, its basically just another movie with a big name attached to it (James Cameron). And even with a big name attached, you can't even tell. This movie was a perfect example that lacked attitude and spunk.

Unfortunately with this movie, there is no real solid plot, the audience is no way able to connect with any of the characters.  At no point do you empathize with them, except maybe a slight connection between the father and son (Richard Roxburgh & Rhys Wakefiield). But other than that you could almost careless if they survived (that's kinda of sad, but the unfortunate truth). And to top it off the dialog almost bores you to sleep (literally). Sanctum brings in nothing original except how they convey its central message.

All in all, one thing I learned after watching this movie, is that sometimes a 10:30 pm show on a Saturday may not be such a wise choice if the subject matter is not all that eye-catching or right in your face. Now I'm not saying that all successful movies should have this basic set-up, it just helps. The only thing that keeps this movie afloat (no pun intended) is the many underwater scenes that give it a somewhat realistic effect. And even with the editing and cinematography it's still not strong enough to make a splash. Maybe that were trying to go for another "Abyss"....well it didn't quite make it there.

Although Sanctum is inspired by a true story, the possibility of making this into a documentary might have warranted a better response. Melodrama is not the best color for this movie.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars*

*Rating system changed effective Feb. 2011 

Friday, February 4, 2011

2011 Pan African Film Festival Schedule Announced



The 19th Annual Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, which runs from February 16-23, film schedule has been announced.

There will be over 100 films from 29 countries, including features, documentaries, shorts and panels, the festival will screen several world premieres, some highlights will include Thunder Soul Cornerstone, Shaft or Sidney Poitier: The Emergence of Black Masculinity in Comic Books , and many more!

For more info about the film as well as a complete listing of the films and events GO HERE!!

Friday Line-Up 2/4/2011


Check out this week's line-up at the movies...

The Roommate (PG-13)
Sanctum (R)
From Prada to Nada (PG-13)
Cold Weather (NR)
Dressed (NR)
Frankie and Alice (R)
The Other Woman (R)
Waiting for Forever (PG)

For show times and theaters check out FANDANGO !!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Trailers to Debut Super Bowl Sunday!


It’s that time of year again folks!! The movie studios are gearing up (or have done already) to pay up to $3 million for their 30 second Super Bowl TV spot.  Over 100 million people will get a chance to see the 2011 summer blockbuster line-up. Check out the list of trailers to be on the look-out for on Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (My Personal Favorite)
Limitless
Super-8 
Captain America: The First Avenger
Thor
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Cowboys & Aliens
Kung Fu Panda 2

Do we smell a 'The Best Man' Part 2?

Could there be a chance that The Best Man, one of my top 5 movies, will have a sequel?

Can you imagine 12 years ago on January 29th, The Best Man was #1 at the box office!!! Well on this past weekend the entire cast along with director Malcolm Lee got together to celebrate in West Hollywood.

When a got word that the entire cast met up for drinks this past weekend, I just knew something good is going to come out of this. This is one of those type of black movies that had so many great messages that we could relate to and such a long-lasting impact on its audience. Even today we can still find ourselves talking about this film and relating to the situations.


Front row: Monica Calhoun, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, and Terrence Howard  
Back Row: Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, Melissa DeSousa, and Director Malcolm Lee 

Just beautiful!!

Director Malcolm Lee said about the cast's reunion:

On Saturday, January 29th, the cast and the director of the 1999 film, The Best Man, which opened at #1 in the box-office, got together in West Hollywood for drinks and dinner to reminisce, catch up and discuss the future. It's hard to believe we all haven't been in the same space for over 12 years, but it was like we've seen each other everyday. It was a joy to reunite with the "Black Pack", one of the best casts ever assembled in my view. Judging from the laughs, conversation and smiles we'd all love to find a way to collaborate again. God willing it'll happen.

I so would be first in line if this happens. I remember back in 1999 leaving the theater after watching The Best Man and saying this is a classic in the making!!

Let's keep our fingers crossed!!

Here's a little flashback for ya...

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

DVD Releases 2/1/2011


Check out this week's DVD Releases...

Let Me In (R)
Conviction (R)
Never Let Go (R)
The Tillman Story (R)
Chain Letter (R)

Enjoy folks!

G-Breezy's Favorite Movies

  • Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
  • Die Hard series
  • Do the Right Thing
  • Fracture
  • Idlewild
  • Imitation of Life
  • Inside Man
  • James Bond series
  • Love Jones
  • Malcolm X