Hey there now, I Love the kids too!!

Well now you know I had to post a movie or two with a kiddie feel, you know G-Breezy loves the kids!! Here are some previews for some upcoming films Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa, Ice Age 3- Dawn of the Dinosaurs, and Transporter 3...Enjoy!!

Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa


Ice Age 3- Dawn of the Dinosaurs



Transporter 3

Possible Third Installment to the Batman Series.....Hmmmm

Well well could it be that there may be a third installment of the Batman series from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan? Considering he did have a record-breaking blockbuster hit this summer with "The Dark Knight" many are beginning to wonder if the franchise will continue.

Its even possible that there are a slew of actor/actresses that could be on the docket including Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and even Cher.



So that we did not have to speculate anymore the infamous tight-lipped director spoke to the Los Angeles Times in a rare interview, hinting at a third film:

"Well... let me think how to put this. There are two things to be said. One is the emphasis on story. What's the story? Is there a story that's going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one? That's the overriding question. On a more superficial level, I have to ask the question: How many good third movies in a franchise can people name? [Laughs.] At the same time, in taking on the second one, we had the challenge of trying to make a great second movie, and there haven't been too many of those either. It's all about the story really. If the story is there, everything is possible."



When asked about what he might do next -- either another giant-sized blockbuster or something on a smaller scale -- Nolan seemed to have mixed feelings (Yahoo Movies).



"The Dark Knight" will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 8th. Warner Bros. Pictures has also indicated they might re-release the film into IMAX theaters in January to capitalize on it's Oscar potential. To date, the film has earned $527.8 million in the U.S. and almost $1 billion worldwide(Yahoo Movies).



All I can say is watch out now, its hot like fire!! I think Nolan will keep us in suspense and then hit us when we least expect it. Either way I will be waiting patiently!!!

Rewind Wednesday: Hav Plenty

You know every now and then we have that one movie that we can't think of the name, but we know we want to watch it. Well that movie for me is "Hav Plenty" I happen to be watching tv one Sunday night and I started flipping through the On Demand...and bada bing boom there it was.

This 1997 film based on an eventful New Year's Eve weekend in the life of Lee Plenty (Christopher Scott Cherot). Based on the true story of Cherot's unrequited romance with Def Jam A&R executive, Drew Dixon. This film takes a look into love and what can come of it if you act on it or if you let it go. Its one of those movies that makes you think about life and the many choices that one must make all in the name of love.

Pride and Glory....NYPD at its Finest

Pride and Glory (2008)

Now why I torture myself by going to a 10:15 PM show on a Monday night is beyond my imagination but in this case it was actually worth the trip. This is one of the those types of movies that I don't think is going to get the recognition that it deserves. Partly due to the fact that several other big time movies came out on the same day, but its all good.

Before watching this movie, I had an idea of police corruption (specifically NYPD) and the maddness that it creates, but this movie brings it to a slightly different level. This 2008 American crime drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor takes into a multi-generational New York police family trying to solve a troublesome case. Ed Norton who plays Ray Tierney is brought back into the fold along with his older bother and brother-in-law (Colin Farrell). Once brought back to help catch this drug dealer/killer, Tierney is faced with having to sacrifice his marriage and potentially his immediate family. The viewer can almost assume that Ray has many second thoughts returning back to the field. But somehow his father (Jon Voight) assures him that this is the best thing to do, to bring them out of the valley and at the same time keep their pride and glory intact. And in the midst of this drama his brother Francis, Jr. (Noah Emmerich) who is the main Lieutenant in charge of this case has to check his presiding officers who seem to have a hand in the debacle. And through thorough investigation of the crime, Ray reveals a police corruption scandal which tests his moral and family ties.

"Pride and Glory" seemed to have one central theme and that was departmental police corruption and then several small themes that branched from it. It somewhat took you in many circles whether it was the potential loss of a wife, an overbearing father, or a depressed officer trying to overcome a divorce. What we see in this movie is the same story of crooked cops but just to a different crime. One may even question why the director (O'Connor) felt it necessary to place a disclaimer before the beginning of the movie (maybe their were too many real-life situations in the movie...you be the judge) However, I will say that it was interesting to see Ed Norton as the good cop versus Colin Farrell the bad cop. Both have had their share of playing both good and bad guys but these roles seem to fit them (although some may disagree). Norton and Farell had an interesting chemistry that I wish could have developed more, instead of the rushed outline.

For the movie to be a little over 2 hours it did seem to drag out to a degree as if they were trying to fill in open holes. Even the ending somewhat leaves you hanging as to what really happens? But, overall it was a pretty good drama performance a classic example of a famous cast that was just maybe to big for the plot.

"Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Family...What are you willing to sacrifice?"

Grade: C+/B-

Trick or Treat!!

Although I am not a fan of Halloween per se' I am a fan of a good horror flick!! Anything to keep me on the edge of my seat!! With Halloween right around the corner, why not pay a lil homage to some of the great horror flicks of our time. Feel free to plug-in some if you feel one is missing from the list.


Top 20 (Plus an Honorable Mention)

1. The Exorcist

2. Poltergeist

3. Child's Play

4. The Birds

5. Carrie
6.The Shining

7. Friday the 13th

8. Silence of the Lambs

9. Alien

10. Saw

11. Nightmare on Elm Street

12. Halloween

13. Psycho

14. Dawn of the Dead (1979)
15. American Psycho

16. Texas Chainsaw Massacre
17. Dracula
18. Scream (just the first one...lol)
19. The Thing

20. Underworld
21. Jaws (Honorable Mention)

The Express... A tale to remember

The Express (2008)

What a powerful story of the first African American football player to win the Heisman Award. This movie was definitely appropriate for this time, demonstrating what it means to struggle, survive, and overcome. The story of Ernie Davis (played by Rob Brown) is one that can be passed down to any child regardless of race and color. He would change the face of professional sports and its impact on the youth.

Being raised in the Southern Tier of New York State, Davis would overcome numberous hurdles and barriers to become "a force to be reckon with" running back for Syracuse University. Davis would follow in the legacy of fellow Syracuse Orangeman Jim Brown and become not just a great high-school and college athlete but a legend as well. With the guidance of a "surrogate father" figure coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) he would become greater than great, and better than Davis could even imagine. Ernie Davis' story is a true testament of the power that one man can possess. He would become an inspirational icon during the civil rights movement letting the world know that his ability and skill was just as good as the next athlete. By breaking through and refusing to give in to racist rules, Ernie Davis would set a standard of excellence and pride. Davis would have a helping hand by a key supporting performance from his teammate and friend Buckley (Omar Benson Miller, "Miracle at St. Anna) who has already experienced much of what Davis would on the Syracuse campus. He wanted both black and whites to reexamine a life that one would live in which was based on color-based priviledges. And with all of the extra commotion going on in his life, Davis would also maintain a strong relationship with his family always giving praise and thanks to them. One could tell that he had a very personable relationship with his grandfather "Pops" (Charles Dutton).

The story of Ernie Davis is definitely one to remember and tell to the future. A story that makes people reflect on the quality of life, and that you can have a huge impact on the nation in just 23 years. I like the fact that it did not take the "blamin" road, but more so a road of what all can people can do. Dennis Quaid did an excellent job in playing the late Syracuse football coach, as well as the perfect choice in choosing the budding actor Rob Brown for Ernie Davis. I am sure both men would be proud to see the selected representation. One could see that the acting was not overworked and was relevant to the times. The true character was exhibited through each of the actors in this film.

And how appropriate this was to come out when it did considering we are in a prime time for collegiate and professional football season. It made a touch down in my book!!

Grade: A/B+

The Secret Life of Bees...Now this is deep!!

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

It's about 10:30 PM at Movies ATL and I am hyping myself for the new film "The Secret Life of Bees" based on a best-selling novel. All I can say after watching this film is WOW!! This film is true to form with several thought-provoking and hidden messages.

Set in 1964 in rural South Carolina this film tells the story of Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) a 14 year-old girl haunted by the memory of her late mother. To rid herself of guilt and loneliness she plans an escape from her troubled father and leaves with her caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), to a South Carolina town that holds the key to her disturbed soul as well as a secret to her mother's past. Once Lily and Rosaleen reach the town of Tiburon, she meets an unique set of sisters the Boatwright's. In her time with the Boatwright's Lily embraces her passion for writing as well as lifting a heavy burden from her heart. In particular, Lily finds solace in world of beekeeping and honey from the eldest August Boatwright (Queen Latifah). August serves as a "mother-like" figure to Lily and even the rest of her siblings. One could even compare her character to that of the Black Madonna (see picture) an universal mother figure to many including all the members of Daughters of Mary and to Lily who holds on tight to that love and tries hard not to betray it.

What is also interesting about this film is the parallelism between Southern African American culture and that of the Ifa (Yoruba) culture. For example, in the Yoruba culture twins (aka. Ibejis) are thought to have special powers to bring good or bad fortune, and for this reason they are catered to in a way that other children are not. May (played by Sophie Okonedo) demonstrates this to a "tee" as she plays the surviving twin (April and May). She brings a release of pain, tension, and a will to survive through others. The whole Boatwright family provides a wealth of knowledge whether its self-identity, the need for love, embracing your passion, and a will to mentally free yourself.

This film brings about many themes which can be interpreted in so many ways psychologically and spiritual. Prince-Bythewood does an outstanding job of marrying this best-selling novel with the film. This all-star cast brings a ray of "sweet" sunshine. Many will come to this movie with tears in their eyes while watching and definitely before they leave the theater. Not only will the movie bring a sweet taste to your mouth but most importantly to your soul. All in all, this family film teaches young and old the importance of unconditional love, trust, and the bond between sisters whether blood or adopted.

Grade: A

Body of Lies and Max Payne

Body of Lies (2008)

“Your friends dress like your enemies and enemies dressed like friends…living the double life. Trust no one…Deceive everyone.” This is the year of memorable movie quotes and this one is no different from the past and even future films.

As if we have not heard enough about terrorism, C.I.A., and the F.B.I we get another movie that comes along and brings all three into the spotlight. Based on the novel by former Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, Body of Lies gives audience members a “heart-pounding” story of danger, deception, and deceit boasts. After viewing the trailer, I could not help but want to watch the film, something about a good terrorist film brings chills to one’s soul. Body of Lies demonstrates a modern-day tale of threats and suspense. In comparison to other films such as Lions for Lambs and The Kingdom, this film sheds a better spotlight on terrorism and its worldwide effects.

Recent divorce and U.S. Intelligence operative Roger Ferris (Leonardo Dicaprio) travels around the world, but has been recently sent to Jordan to track down a high-ranking terrorist. Ferris travels the globe following orders from of C.I.A veteran Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) while at the same time still tries to live a somewhat normal life. So that he can expose the terrorist, Ferris must join him in his illusory and violent world. Through out the movie we see Hoffman keeping tabs on Ferris via an unmanned aerial vehicle as to make sure he knows his every move. All orders seemed to be delivered with slight haughtiness and southern drawl. Hoffman plays out the situations as if he is playing a video game, dishing out orders whenever and wherever he pleases, even at his own daughter’s soccer game. It seems with every move that Ferris gets closer something always gets in the way, or Hoffman tells him otherwise. It becomes a battle to earn the trust of Hani Salaam (Mark Strong), head of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department who informs from the jump “to never lie to him”; and at the same time track the terrorist. Their uneasy alliance leads to cultural and moral clash between the men. Ferris later uncovers information on Islamist mastermind Al-Saleem (Alon Aboutboul) he devises several plans and sends them back to Hoffman but somehow each plan is never thoroughly played out as planned. This would happen on several occasions throughout the movie. As one can imagine Ferris is constantly infuriated, which leads to Ferris quickly feeling as though nobody is on his side.

Ridley Scott seems to do it again by establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s best and most resilient directors. By having two of Hollywood’s biggest actors Russell Crowe and Leonardo Dicaprio this adds to the credibility of the film. With Body of Lies having such a complex plot with many layers and sub-layers, Scott never loses sight of the picture. He does not disappoint, hopefully it will breakthrough the mold that every other movie in its genre could not.


“It’s about Islam, where we are and where we’re not, and its interesting, proactive, internalized view of that whole subject.” –Ridley Scott

Grade: B-

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Max Payne (2008)

Its 7:30 PM and I am at the Atlanta premiere screening of Max Payne at the Rialto Theater on the Georgia State University campus. I will admit I was a bit anxious because the film reminded me of Sin City (2005), which was a film that I did enjoy. Now an added bonus to the screening was that fact that one of the stars of the film Chris “Ludacris” Bridges was there to introduce the film and give a little background. His appearance was probably one of the highlights of that evening.

Keeping in mind that this noir film is based on the legendary video game which came out in July 2001, one can only imagine the type of action and excitement (or lack of) that will result from this film. Max Payne (played by Mark Wahlberg) plays a maverick cop who is on a mission to solve a case which is near and dear to his personal life, his wife’s murder as well as his former partner. This obsession for revenge grows more and more intense as he somehow draws closer and closer to finding the killer. With this intense fixation, Payne also finds himself taking a nightmare journey into a mysterious underworld. As he goes further into this mysterious journey, Payne must battle enemies from beyond the natural world and yield to an unimaginable betrayal.

The film does do some justice to the video game by opening the film as it does in the game by Payne (as an undercover cop) scoping out some high strung druggie teenagers and going straight into the action. Even though it still does have somewhat of a slow start, it does pick up speed towards the midldle. This is probably attributed to the movie setting up the background story. This may serve as a negative because it does take up a good portion of the movie (considering its only 100 mins). However, as the movie progresses I am somewhat confused and left hanging as to what story I should follow. Beau Bridges (BB Hensley) as well as Chris O’Donnell (Jason Colvin) play excellent roles as protagonists quite well surprisingly. I must say Ludacris does a compelling performance of Internal Affairs detective Jim Bravaur which is actually a 60-year old plump white man, adds a bit of twist don’t ya think. One thing I should fail not to mention is a highlight that I did learn from the film which was brought from the video game was “bullet-time”, which is a computer enhanced simulation of variable speed (slow enough to show normally imperceptible and un-filmable events, such as flying bullets). This all-star cast does not disappoint when it comes to bringing the video game to the real life screen, the storyline was somewhat accurate with some minor changes.

Overall the Max Payne was pretty decent adding many unpredictable plot twists and brilliant special effects. As Kurt Loder from MTV puts it, another video game brought to a grim starling life for the screen. Good thing I caught it early, I got chance to go to a red carpet premiere and beat the rush, sounds like a deal to me. As a little side note, when planning for this movie Director John Moore did listen carefully to his fan requests and integrate as much of their feedback as possible. This will probably bring a huge audience on the first weekend due to the popularity of the video game, but will it be able to sustain its fizz, or just fizzle out.

Grade: C

Watch Out....Here comes Captain America!!

Well well well...Marvel Comic is truly trying to do a takeover in the Spring and Summer of 2010. For all those comic book junkies like myself (nothing wrong with that) Marvel is truly trying to hit the cinema real hard!! FULL FORCE, taking no prisoners!!!

If anyone remembers the weekend after "Iron Man" came out there was much buzz about the secret scene after the credits with Samuel jackson in a cameo as Marvel Comics' Nick Fury. It made it such a trend that Robert Downey Jr. made an appearance as well at the tail end of "The Incredible Hulk", but also had it featured in many commercials. But what many maybe failed to realize was the hints in both Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk were signaling the forthcoming appearance of another Marvel icon: Captain America!! So with Iron Man out on DVD now and Incredible Hulk to soon follow you can catch up on these tidbits. (It pays to stay after and watch the credits...did we not learn from X-Men 3.)

A few perceptive observers noticed during the theatrical run of "Iron Man" that in the scene where Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) walks in on Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as his armor is being removed, there was something on the workbench behind him. Circular, with red and white stripes and a half-completed star in the center, it was speculated that this was Captain America's iconic shield. (Kudos to Marc Daniel on Yahoo Movies)

Captain America himself made a cameo in "The Incredible Hulk," but don't feel bad if you didn't see it. While director Louis Letterier had hinted in interviews that they had shot an appearance, the scene ended up on the cutting room floor. But now it can finally be seen in the bonus features on the DVD, as first spotted by FilmSchoolRejects.com.

The character is scheduled to get his own film, called "The First Avenger: Captain America," in May of 2011. Then he's expected to join Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and other Marvel heroes in the group "Avengers" movie that July. The speculation is that the first movie will be his origin story, set during World War II like the initial comics. Then he will be frozen and brought back in modern times to join the team, just like he did in the books. Jon Favreau has stated he'd like to direct "The Avengers," but first he's focusing on "Iron Man 2," hitting screens in May 2010.

Breaking News!!! Don Cheadle Replaces Terrence Howard in Iron Man 2

Marvel Studios has hired Don Cheadle to replace Terrence Howard in the upcoming Iron Man sequel. Cheadle will play Jim Rhodes, Tony Stark’s best friend and future War Machine. After watching Iron man this summer many had concluded that a part two would result including the character War Machine. The Hollywood Reporter’s sources claim it was a conflict due to financial differences as to why Howard will not be starring the sequel. Earlier this year, it was widely speculated that Marvel was trying to low ball Favreau with an offer not much higher than his initial payday for the first film. It is not unusual for salaries to double for a sequel, especially when the first film outperformed to the level that Iron Man had. Many believe tha the superhero characters themselves are the real stars, and some have said that the company is being thrifty in their negotiations for their future projects.

Now most people will agree, Howard and Downey Jr had a fantastic chemistry. But we shall see if Cheadle will be able to reproduce the same magic in the sequel. But I can't be mad at a brotha like Cheadle coming in for the assist he just might do the job.

Weekly Update

Well well ladies and gentleman this month is going to definitely be a busy one for me at the movie theater! And I am too amped!! So I better start saving my duckets for my popcorn and drinks cause its going to be a long weekend!!

Shout out to those who have logged on and left comments it is much appreciated. This is just the beginning of a revolution of the cinema!!

Well lets see...on the docket this week is Quarantine, The Express, and Body of Lies!! Check ya soon!

And that's a wrap!!

Eagle Eye (2008)

I know it seemed like I was gone for a minute, but these past few movies really gave me something to ponder about. But guess what we are back on track!! Lights, Camera, Action!!

"If you want to live you will obey..." an infamous tagline that comes from one of the first action/mystery/thriller this fall season.

Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monoghan) have been somehow connected and realized that they have been framed as terrorist set-up to assasinate a politician. Amazing how one phone call can change your life for the worse and not the good as they would probably have hoped it to be. Both Jerry and Rachel's families are being threatened and put on the line in order to put a plan of attack into motion.

The film brings about many twists, unpredictable moments, and exciting thrills, although more fit for the IMAX theater. A jammed packed plot with a somewhat unrealistic plot, but I guess there's some action right. As the action escalates the interest level somewhat becomes depleted. Initially in the first 20 mins, I struggled to grapple with the film to keep my interest going, but nonetheless the action did help. As a matter of fact the the woman's voice on the other end of the phone definitely adds to the entertainment value and excitement of the movie.

It was a good attempt at trying to bring terrorism and technology into one to show how deadly they can be and at the same time make it an action-packed movie.

Grade: B-/C

Miracle at St. Anna (2008)

Spike Lee has taken us once again on another historical trip but this time he has mixed it up with a taste of fantasy and a touch of magic. In this film, Spike takes us to 1944 Italy where we see the story of four Black American soldiers who get trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII. In addition to the war story we are also introduced to an intertwining plot of one of the solidier Sam Train (played by Omar Benson Miller, Transformers) who in particular risks his own life to save an Italian boy, which in the end makes a full circle. For those unfamiliar with the story of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, in August 1944 a massacre occurs killing a numerous church worshippers perpetrated by the Waffen-SS, which is in retaliation to the Italian partisan activity.

While trapped in the Tuscan village the four soldiers are also holding onto a priceless piece of history, a sculpted head from Ponte Santa Trinita in Florence. This head serves as a magical tool that gives an invincible strength in more ways than one.

Once again Spike brings us a cast of excellent new, rising , and seasoned actors/actresses [Derek Luke, Micheal Ealy, Laz Alonso, John Turturro, D.B. Sweeney, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kerry Washington]. With a great film and cast of characters the audience is also graced with the musical score of longtime friend and composer Terence Blanchard. Miracle at St. Anna, gives us a look into WWII from a different perspective which is not normally expected.

With the times that we are in now with the Iraq war, this film sheds light on a brighter side on the U.S. during this war time. Lee does a fine job of showing us into the present and then taking us back in the past for an explanation of events. So often we see war movies, but the lead roles are not African American, in this film we get to see FOUR of them!!

Lee also makes sure to present the social and political issues during that time which are still relevant to today. Race, class, social 7 economic status still hold true to form even in the 21st century, almost 65 years later after the war. Even in the midst of it all, the film however does tend to jump around sometimes maybe confusing the audience, as well as include unnecessary scenes; but overall serves its purpose of documenting the contributions of African Americans in WWII.

Grade: B+