Two Things I Learned From Watching 'Scandal'

Let me just say that I have been bitten by the Shonda Rhimes ‘bug’ as she has captured my soul with her latest ABC television drama Scandal. It is a brilliant story that I think every person can relate to in some sort of fashion. But last night’s episode was the nail in the coffin (in a good way) for me. Now for those that do not watch the show whether male or female YOU ARE MISSING OUT!! And I will not disclose any details, but trust me it sucks you in and takes no prisoners.

I will give you just a brief synopsis so that you can at least have a mental picture of the show. Pictures this…

Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting the nation’s “high-profile” elite public figures, and she does this by making sure their secrets never get out. Pope is a former White House Communications Director for the president (basically she was running things), but left to start her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope and Associates. Leaving the White House and starting her own firm, she hopes to begin a new chapter of her life, however there are certain parts that she cannot leave behind.. in the past. Olivia Pope is a person with great intellect, numerous resources, power, charm and a definite sensitive, soft side.

Alrighty back to last night…I would come to realize that there are two things that I have learned from watching this show, Huck is Dexter 2.0 and Women truly run the world!!

If there is one person that you want on your side through thick and thin that would be Olivia’s tech guy Huck. Huck is that guy that when you see him, you step back and let him do his thing. (“My bad you got this…”) He is the type of guy that does not get in the way, however he does not necessarily need to be caged, just controlled from arms length. Not only is he tech-savy, a former CIA agent and Black Ops, but most importantly he is loyal and trustworthy. He does just what you need without even asking him to do it. You need someone to “disappear” quickly…Huck is your man. When you need to hack into a high-security system…Huck is that guy!! This man is a twisted genius who takes pride and pleasure in torturing people, even though he tries not to. If you have ever watched the show Dexter on Showtime then you already know the mental state of Huck. Just know he is a man that you do not ever want to cross, not even on accident. Even though it would seem that his behavior is predictable with each episode I am consistently shocked, amazed, blown away, and at times fearing for my own life. I would not doubt that there are multiple pictures of him in the DSM-V, I’m sure he is a classic textbook case. When it all boils down, when sh@$# hit the fan, Huck will ALWAYS be on my team, mental craziness and all!!

Now this next lesson that I would learn sits near and dear to me. James Brown once sang that “this is a man’s World, BUT it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” Well Mr. Brown you were right on the money!! Now we already know that Olivia Pope is running things in and out of the White House. But she is not alone…and once again last night’s episode made that crystal clear. I mean it was all in your face!! The killer and twist of it all are the other female players in this game!! Who would have thought that a Supreme Court Justice, the president’s wife, and the president’s mistress (who also happens to be the token black player as well) would all be on the same team!! Hmmmmmm…makes you wonder what’s really good?!! Now I could never quite seem to put my finger on the relationship between Olivia and Mellie, I but I get it now. Poor President Fitz can’t keep anything under control, whether its personal or political. I am beginning to wonder if this is all an act or id this for real, for real. See that’s why it is critical to watch each episode week after week, God forbid I miss one…let’s just say the train will be derailed. At first I was 100% Team Olivia, but now I see that Mellie got some skills and knows how to strategically stay under the radar. Now that I think about it I would not mind having her on my team…well at least for special situations that is…If you only thought women were just “ornamental objects” well last night changed up that whole scenario!! As much as I hate to use this Beyonce line …”Who runs the world…Girls do!!”

Well folks that’s the lesson for the day! Crazy is as crazy does, and women are a force to be reckoned with at all times!! These are the type of folks that you can never underestimate…let’s just say they are full of surprises…GOOD and BAD!!

Trailer Alert: "Iron Man 3"

No words necessary except....WOW!!

2013 is going to be a GOOD year!!

Film and Fitness... Perfect Combination!

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Finding You in the "Middle of Nowhere"...

DuVernay has done it again!! Opening Night at the Landmark Midtown in Atlanta, GA for the premiere of Ava DuVernay's second feature film, Middle of Nowhere been waiting for this moment since last year this time. But the wait was worth it!!

These days it is very hard to find a film that not only entertains but provides a humanistic experience. Middle of Nowhere does just that, and in a captivating way. It is not often that you find gems within Hollywood (and maybe that is a good thing), but when you do there is a greater appreciation of that film when you are able to view it with your own eyes. With this film, Sundance award-winning director Ava DuVernay is able to create a story that deals with love, trust, the complex prison industry, family, and finding one's self in this thing called life.

Middle of Nowhere tells a story of Ruby (played by Emaytzay Corinealdi), a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband Derek (Omari Hardwick) is incarcerated. As the committed couple stares into the hollow end of an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby must learn to live another life, one marked with shame and separation. And as a steadfast wife she soon becomes propelled into another world filled with self-discovery and choosing between two worlds and two men. 

In addition to the story, DuVernay should take pride in the actors that she used with this film. Without them there would be no movie. And the lead character Ruby (Corinealdi) is truly the center of it all, and plays this role so beautiful and eloquent. Corinealdi is brilliant in this role as she is able to capture her audience with a breath-taking convincing performance. Even though her specific circumstance may not be the same as yours or mine the character is still relatable in the fact that everyone has to make their own choices for themselves. No doubt about it she brought an Oscar-worthy performance, and look forward to seeing more of her. Her presence is one that will move mountains and shake grounds.

The supporting cast is just as remarkable. Omari Hardwick who plays Derek, Ruby's incarcerated husband, once again challenges his viewers to see him play very complex and intricate characters. Although we as the viewer know very little about him, we know enough that we feel his pain and his hurt as he struggles to be a provider and most importantly a MAN all behind prison bars. If you have ever seen the movie Nothing But a Man, you will have an even better understanding of Hardwick's character in the film. He conveys a performance that makes you feel sorry and angry for him all at the same time. And then there is Brian (David Oyelowo) who is like the wildcard. Oyelowo gives a low-key performance of guy who seizes an opportunity to pick up what another guy has left behind. In this role from Oyelowo, we get to see a more take charge, advancing character doesn't give up regardless of the circumstances. The interactions between Brian and Ruby light sparks and send chills because in the back of your mind you want to cheer for them even though it is technically wrong. These two men in Ruby's life are more than just another love story, but the provide the background and foundation for what she is really supposed to do with her life.

There is also a feminine connection as we get to see Ruby interact with both her mother, Ruth (Lorraine Toussiant) and her sister Rosie (Edwina Findley). The dynamics between these three women is filled with a mix of emotions sadness, survival, sisterhood, and grief. Both mother and sister maintain their sense of pride and dignity that ultimately put a strain on their relationship as well as with Ruby. All in all, each character brings their own personal formula to this chemical reaction of a story. Each relationship is authentic and full of clarity.

The film is to be commended for its ability to give you the whole package deal. Although there were moments where you wanted just a little but more, it kind of adds a bit of mystery to the viewing experience. Sometimes it is more important to focus on one character well than to branch off and do and average job.

Director/writer DuVernay brings a compelling and alluring screenplay to the light, with each scene you can feel each moment as it unfolds. The dramatic pauses, the close-ups, the scenery, the dialogue it all draws you in yearning to see what will play out in the next minute. Middle of Nowhere, is a prime example of a film that blends both an intriguing narrative and an awesome soundtrack. Every song in every scene worked perfectly. It is as though the script and the songs were written at the same time. Middle of Nowhere's soundtrack included such artist as Goapele, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ra-Re Valverde, Fink, J Melodius, and others.

Middle of Nowhere is a film the effectively uses all of it parts the acting, the narrative/storyline, the cinematography, the music, the color, and most importantly the timing. Everything and every person falls into its proper place without seeming forced or out of place. And after watching the film you realize that the title is actually quite fitting. Lest I not forget the way this movie ends... it is genius!! I will not reveal it to you, but just know"it's just something about that walk!!" Overall this is a film will challenge your mind and makes you look deep within yourself. Not only that but it gives you a sense of reality of the prison system (you win some, you lose some). There is an overarching lesson here...life is truly what you make it, whether you are free or seeking to be free...

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Sidenote: I kid you not this is a film that you do not want to miss. For those who live in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Oakland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, or the surrounding areas this is a MUST SEE!!

My PSA for 'Middle of Nowhere'

This post is my personal PSA for the upcoming African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) film Middle of Nowhere, starring Emayatzy Corinealdi, Omari Hardwick, David Oyelowo, and Lorraine Touissant.

About a week ago I had the awesome pleasure to meet the AMAZING woman behind this film and Middle of Nowhere leading actress. And let me just say both Ava DuVernay & Emayatzy Corinealdi are truly an inspiration beyond words!!

I have literally seen every movie and own one on DVD from what I like to call the AFFRM vault. Each film truly tells a story in such beautiful way that you can't help but feel the actors and what they bring to the screen. Middle of Nowhere is no exception!!

Winner of the Best Director Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, MIDDLE OF NOWHERE follows Ruby, a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband is incarcerated. As the committed couple stares into the hollow end of an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby must learn to live another life, one marked by shame and separation. But through a chance encounter and a stunning betrayal that shakes her to her core, this steadfast wife is soon propelled in new and often shocking directions of self-discovery - caught between two worlds and two men in the search for herself.

The film truly speaks for itself with its engaging and compelling narrative! I would not steer you wrong folks!! So please please take a friend, or two, or three and check this film out!!

Special shout out for all my ATL folks, as it will be playing at the Landmark Midtown. And if you need more information about the film and/or AFFRM check the trailer below and the website AFFRM (African American Film Festival Releasing Movement) .

Middle of Nowhere hits theaters October 12th!!

Calling All My Chicago Folks!!!

Chicago’s homicide rate is soaring, but unfortunately this is not surprising news. Some point to a lack of summer jobs for youth or a need for stronger work programs for the formerly incarcerated. Others blame weak gun control legislation and the criminalizing of marijuana. It has also been argued that we are living in a “culture of violence” that seems to be promoted by certain music and gaming industries. Still too, the finger has been pointed at the poor trust that African American and Latino communities have for law enforcement. Whichever is the primary reason, together these issues continue to be a breeding ground for contempt and crime.
Let’s get back to focusing on the solutions. 

This is a special post for my Chicago peeps and those in the area. Come out and enjoy the screening of two powerful anti-violence documentaries followed by a panel discussion featuring Chicago teens and young adults who offer creative and dynamic strategies to confront the violence in our city.

**19 And A Day
The Life and Times of J-Def, directed by Masequa Myers and produced by Pemon Rami, is the story of a family’s love and tragic loss of their only child. It centers on Jeff Abbey Maldonado, Jr., an aspiring hip hop artist, known as J-DEF, who was de

termined to use his talent and creativity to make a positive change in his Pilsen community and in society. Jeff’s life was taken unceremoniously by a senseless act of gang violence; a culture of which young Jeff vehemently opposed. This docufilm also portrays how the Pilsen Community helped to strengthen Jeff’s family in their darkest hour. It teaches us how we are all responsible for our future by investing in our youth

**On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets
Having a long-standing reputation for gangs and guns, Chicago continues to be one of the nation's leaders in murders. Gun violence is becoming the leading cause of death among young people. They are gunned down on the streets of Chicago on a daily basis. Some have survived the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to lose their lives in Chicago. On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets is a powerful and insightful documentary that takes a close look at the impact that gun violence has on some of Chicago’s most devastated communities. This film, by Derek and David Grace, highlights ordinary people who are taking extraordinary measures to protect their neighborhoods. 

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

2-4 PM

DuSable Museum of African American History

740 East 56th Place

Chicago, Illinois 60637

http://www.dusablemuseum.org/events/details/peace-talks-your-hood-your-call

FREE ADMISSION

For All My Halloween Fans..."Frankenweenie"

Well today is October 1 and we are 30 days from Halloween! So for all my kiddie fans who take part in this ghoulish holiday here is a little something for them... Check out some of the posters for the upcoming film Frankenweenie!!

In Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.

From creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

Frankenweenie hits theaters October 5th, 2012