Countdown to 'Restless City' 2 DAYS!!

OK ATL, NYC, LA Are you ready?!!

AFFRM's Restless City is coming to a theater near you!!

Trust me when I tell you this is a film you do not want to miss! 

I had the opportunity to see a sneak peak preview and I was blown away to the 20th power!! This is beautiful story that touches every part of the soul!!

And as a special treat for my ATL folks you can catch the movie on Friday and then party on Saturday!!

And just in case you missed the trailer here it is... 

 

So what's your next step...selecting a showtime and purchasing your ticket http://www.affrm.com !!

“Red Tails”… A History Lesson for the Books!

“We Fight! We Fight! We Fight!”

This movie did just that! FIGHT!! Red Tails made it very clear from the start to the beginning, movies such as this one deserve to be placed in high regard just like any other Hollywood film and should not be ignored. And to think this project took 20 years to make…tisk tisk tisk.

Here is a positive, inspiring, and uplifting story that speaks to the masses while at the same time telling an important story in history. Keeping in mind that Red Tails is based on actual events, one should expect a bit of dramatization will exist in order for there to be some artistic expression. However in almost sheer perfection the look and feel of the film is genuinely authentic. Considering that most of the battles are in the air, there is that slight loss of the gritty and griminess of a battle being fought on land, but the film is about airmen so it is only appropriate.

Red Tails is one those 'cleverly-created' films that utilizes something of a methodic approach to telling the story partly because it's reliable and also because its clear and directly to the point. Let’s face it this is a war film minus a huge amount of blood shed that is to be expected, yet it still tells an accurate story of racial prejudice and the mighty men that prevail in spite of its ugliness. Without a shadow of doubt this film pushes all the buttons, it gets every emotional reactions expected, it evokes much needed laughter, simply put it was long overdue but worth the wait. These quick-wit squad fighters pretty much take on every mission allocated to them, regardless of how apparently unimportant and get the job done with prestige and honor. Eventually, when given a true opportunity to shine this unit demands to be heard and given the chance to prove they are worthy to fight in this war. This along with their unorthodox style of flying and fighting is what makes them unique and distinctive.


And nothing is more intriguing than a beautiful setting to go along with this wonderful story! The photography is breathtaking, stylish and handsome costuming and striking art direction. Each shot was strategically choreographed and composed so gracefully that it evolves visually like a storybook that is read to your child just before they go to bed. The cinematography has the look of an absolute divergence to the colorless photography of a film like Saving Private Ryan; but more like the flawlessly-lit photography of Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor. George Lucas’ production expertise is definitely seen through out the film as damn near every shot is perfection.

And lest we not forget the handsome ensemble of this all-black cast that made this film possible. There is no denying the skill and genius in each of these gifted actors as each one of them portray true soldiers of war, The Tuskegee Airmen. With much delight, Red Tails is jam-packed with a wide cadre of talent in the cast, the film has just the right mix of mid to very seasoned actors (Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr, Nate Parker, and Andre Royo) to some bright newcomers and folks we have not seen in a while (David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley, and Marcus Paulk) so much so that you would think many of these actors lived and breathed each others air the way they meshed together. In their own special way, they bring to the screen a mixture of experiencing prejudice and adversity, but also falling in love and forever bonds of friendship. This is what I call a perfect selection of cast members!!

Overall, this film did an excellent job of showcasing a group of dedicated, committed, and heroic soldiers who fought in war that did not necessarily want them fighting in. This movie deserves to be in the spotlight and supported in every way!! However what would have been nice is to maybe add about another 20-30 minutes and provide a bit more dialogue along with more character development and plot exploration. I understand that there are numerous stories to be told, but maybe just giving the audience a little bit more would’ve quenched their thirst. With several backstories and a range of emotions I think this would have strengthened the overall plot and story. If nothing else the viewer left the movie happy but desiring just a little more. 


Red Tails is without doubt a film that deserves your attention and your dollars. It is not often that a film of this caliber comes around, and it would be a shame if it were the last. Whether young or old, male or female, black or white, there is a message for everyone. One in particular is that of,  “Going Big or Going Home!” When it is all said and done after watching this film I have a greater appreciation and respect for individuals like George Lucas and Anthony Hemmingway, because they did what they had to do and wanted to do, despite what Hollywood thinks!

Matter fact I just may need to see it again, and you can bet on it that this will be part of the collection. A classic in the making! And a special thanks to a good friend of mine Sojourner Grimmett for the passes, truly a treat!!

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

The Next Great Indie Film That SHOULD be on your Radar... "PARIAH"

 “Wherever the bird with no feet flew, she found trees with no limbs.” ~Audre Lorde

Wow…Powerful…Deep…Major Impact!!

These are all words that describe the 2011 Focus Feature film Pariah.  I had the pleasure of being able to take part in an ATL screening of this Sundance winning film, and I so thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. It is not often that you come across a film that just rocks your soul, and writer/director Dee Rees hit the jackpot with this beautifully composed film. Now let me provide you with this disclaimer, I will do my best to provide you with a synopsis that will not spoil the film. Pariah is the type of movie that can stand on its own…loud and clear!! I promise you that there will no spoilers just enough to get your palette wet enough that you will go purchase a ticket!!

Pariah is SO NOT HOLLYWOOD and guess what…it does not need to be either. I love the fact that it is so RAW, this was a great example of a “truth serum” film. And I emphasize Pariah is not a “PSA” film, its not a “preachy or messagy” film, it is movie sexual expression and the reality that exists in the LGBQT community along with partnering issues of sexism, race, the black family, love/heartbreak, friendship. As a heterosexual female it is easy for me carry on with my “normal” life, but that is not everyone’s reality. Even with all the glitz and glamour after the dust settles, everything comes to the light. Pariah takes us on a journey with Brooklyn teenager, Alike aka Le (Adepero Oduye) who is struggling to live up to her mother's expectations and at the same time come to terms with who she is. If nothing else she is definitely certain about her sexual orientation, yet there is this insecurity about where she fits in as a young lesbian woman and a blossoming writer in search of her authentic voice.

In addition to a great plot/storyline you have to make sure you have a cast that will reinforce the message via their character’s performances. And Dee Rees brings together a phenomenal cast that brings out the complexity and fearlessness of the character’s personalities. Rees does an admirable job of relying on her cast to shine a light through small gestures to convey the fears of Alike's archetypal father Arthur (Charles Parnell), who at the same time is as gentle, loving and sensitive as he is dominating. Then you have Alike’s mother, Audrey, (Kim Wayans) who is confused and trapped in a fantasy world all by her lonesome self. Now a character who stands out just as much as Alike is her younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) who is best described as the “voice of reason”, she supplies a level of courage that within a blink of an eye it will sneak up on you, bite you and gone in a flash. Finally, Alike’s best and closest friend Laura (Pernell Walker) who delivers a stunning performance of another lesbian trying to fight past her own demons and come out on top. Caught up between a controlling, disappointed and worried mother (Kim Wayans) and a disillusioned, tired and caring father (Charles Parnell), Alike along with her parents and sister are all stuck in this smothering web of lies that is somehow keeping the family together, but at the same pulling them apart, they are stuck in a tug of war battle. However, what is unique about each of these characters is that they all share a common theme, a struggle to get just a piece of the “ultimate freedom”. Rees and her cast must be commended for their courageousness to fill the shoes of these real life situations. When it is all said they may be actors and actress, but characters that are being portrayed are actual people, they are your friends, your co-workers, your family. “Each of the main characters is a pariah,” Rees asserts. “They all have their fears, desires, strengths and weaknesses.”

Throughout the film, everything is about a transformation and what better way to show that through the costume design. Each person, especially Alike, illustrated an authentic, non-stereotypical style ranging from “the peacock” to the “conservative”. Rees also skillfully uses silence as a golden tool. Often times a movie can talk too much and it loses its appeal, but somehow this film does just the opposite. Silence is used appropriately and without using words the message is still crystal clear and in the forefront. Not only is silence a key factor, but the cinematography was off the chain. The camera tricks were phenomenal, the film starts out as this narrow box, but with each scene the picture becomes wider and wider until we see the complete picture. And for those that know me, know that I am sucker for some good poetry (in addition to writing my own), and Pariah will definitely not disappoint with the strategic execution of it through out the entire film. Damn I’m just got a chill just thinking about it…Prepare your mind for some chilling and moving scenes, I guarantee you will laugh, shed a tear or two, but in the end it will be a mind transforming experience. And to add a little musical blaze to this powerful fire, we get a special treat from Afro Punk artist Tamar-kali (brilliant artist by the way).

This film has so many dynamics that you could get a lesson in gender, sexism, patriarchy, love, and so much more. As a matter of fact Pariah would be a great tool to use in the classrooms especially on the high school and collegiate level.  I can see it now, Pariah will definitely become part of the growing African American Studies, Women Studies, and Gender Studies canon. Regardless of your sexual orientation, you as the viewer can definitely relate and understand the many struggles that are presented on the screen. Rees paints a true picture of what it is like to be the “pariah”. But at the same, being able to blossom from the cocoon and metamorphose into a beautiful butterfly. This film will definitely hit home for a lot of people, especially those trying to create their own identity, those trying to obtain that needed acceptance, or those trying to find that welcoming community. We all know someone struggling to come into their own, the next step is what do we do about, and Pariah is just that film to answer that call.

In the end the film does an excellent job of providing the viewer with a realistic yet hopeful ending. Rees’ makes sure not to package it with this pretty gift-wrap and bow-tie and I personally say “Thank You!!”. She appropriately brings closure to a film that will open a “surround sound of conversations!!”

Be on the lookout for filmmaker/director Dee Rees she is definitely on the path towards success, and Pariah is the perfect beginning to this journey.

“I’m not running…I’m choosing…” ~Alike

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Very few times do I give a perfect 5 out of 5, but this one deserved it without a shadow of doubt!!)