Taking A Trip Back in History...to "Selma"*

Bringing certain historical events to the Hollywood screen can have a spellbinding, lingering effect. The historical drama Selma does just that for audiences. The candid film witnesses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights, while it simultaneously chronicles a significant chapter in American History, the epic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Here is a film that is very difficult to expound in a few words, considering the obvious affect that it will have on viewers. Certainly, many historical films are tough to appreciate, especially when one already knows the story and the eventual outcome. As far back as we can remember, we have read, heard, taught, and maybe even experienced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts. There are numerous hours of footage and countless recounts of his modus operandi and the volumes of writings that give insight into his mind. This film is exceptional for examining deeper than King the dreamer, and providing an understanding of his humanity as a man.

Selma is possibly one of the most powerful films ever made regarding the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Sundance-winner and Golden Globe nominated director Ava DuVernay does an incredible job of capturing, what she refers to as, "small moments" that permit you to connect to King’s character on an intimate level. At the screening I attended, DuVernay spoke to these moments saying, "I knew that by doing a movie on King, we would have to do speeches, and early on I obsessed about the speeches. However, when I got on set, I began to focus on how to best capture the small moments that showed King's humanity." The film’s timeline was brilliantly constructed, neither exaggerating how much of King's life viewers needed to see, nor exhausting the moments.

As worthy a film as it is, "Selma" is not unblemished. For example, painting the relationship between King and LBJ as borderline confrontational. However, this may have had the purpose of making a point about the devastating, in many cases fatal, struggles and inequalities African Americans faced during the 1960s. Screenwriter Paul Webb and director Ava DuVernay present Dr. King as a fully rounded individual, even including his flaws, something rarely done when discussing King. Additionally, the majority of "Selma" points to of Dr. King’ strategies and adversities during the crusade.

One of the strong points towards the film’s credit is the cast, and their ability to showcase these amazing historical figures. The audience gets a front-row seat in the mind of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (played by David Oyelowo, Lincoln and Jack Reacher), watching him work during this tumultuous time. Early on, Oyelowo is somewhat inconsistent in playing King, but as the film progresses, he visually and figuratively transforms and elevates the role to another level. We witness a spirited and vulnerable King unfolding. By the close of the film, his performance is so strong, were Oyelowo not actually shown on the screen, one might not be able to identify whether it was Oyelowo or an old recording of King himself. Additionally, Carmen Ejogo (Sparkle, The Purge: Anarchy), offers a beautiful performance portraying Coretta Scott King with such depth and honesty that she's hard to overlook. Ejogo's performance is truly memorable.

Selma highlights other key figures, particularly women, from the Selma marches and the civil rights movement as a whole. For example, Amelia Boynton (played by Lorraine Toussaint “Orange is the New Black”) took part in the early activism and black voter registration drives in Selma, Alabama, and was part of the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma. Another key figure was Diane Nash (played by Tessa Thompson, Dear White People), a bright, fearless leader and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Audiences also witness the work and diligence of other leaders close to MLK such James Bevel (played by Common, American Gangster), 1963 March on Washington, organizer and key leader in the 1965 Selma Voting Rights Movement. Other leaders and key players portrayed in the film included Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Annie Lee Cooper, Hosea Williams, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, and James Forman. By acknowledging these other leaders, the film shows viewers the numerous angles and thought-processes that happened during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Whether it is in films, daily conversations, and/or in the classroom often times certain leaders overshadow others who played just as much a role in these monumental moments. Overall, the selection of key figures that are portrayed in the film, and the casting of actors/actresses playing them, is very exceptional.

While the screenplay is solid and eloquent though not gut-wrenching, DuVernay's direction is impressive, with sharp cinematography and editing. The gifted cast shine, showing us vivid, detailed accounts of this significant historical event through each scene of the film. Viewers should take note that this is not a Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic film, but more a film replaying the events leading up to and during the march in Selma. Freshman writer Paul Webb does a pleasing job of making this film “family friendly,” considering the sensitive nature of the subject. Leaving this film, your heart and soul cannot escape emotional impact. Think of watching Selma like engaging in a powerful, cinematic history lesson.

*As seen in The Berkeley Graduate

Who ya gonna call?!..."Get Jack Reacher!!"

Well what a way to start off the holiday movie season. Nothing like a good Tom Cruise action flick. Going into this flick I really did not have any expectations, just hoping for a solid flick. And it was just that a good, solid flick! It always amazes me how good a film can be when the military is involved, it just seems to make the plot and storyline even more engaging.

So we have Jack Reacher, "A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained  military sniper who shot five random victims." Now that's a whole lot in one statement...

This action thriller is nothing that we have not seen from any other films, it is just that "it brings that ol' thing back'. Nothing like seeing something familiar, but just amped up to the next level. Now let me say this is not "Mission Impossible", nor James Bond but it will keep you entertained and glued to the screen. However, it is an excellent mix between an ideal action and thriller film in its own unique way.

So let's get to the thick of it, Tom Cruise who plays main character Jack Reacher is based on a series of novels from author Lee Child. Reacher is an ex-Military Police detective who pretty much lives as a gypsy and or vagabond and has been summoned to come into town to help investigate five sniper shootings.

Living as a drifter, and after spending a lifetime on military bases all over the world he now lives a life with no responsibilities, no job, no house, no family, no possessions. Now the only problem here is that the character that Tom Cruise is portraying (Jack Reacher) is actually 6'5'' and 250 lbs...hmmm well you can do the math. Despite that slight flaw he did do the character justice.

Then we have supporting actors Rosamund Pike (Helen) who plays the female lead and attorney in charge of the investigation. I will say this if you are expecting some type of fling think again, let's just say the romance is kept to an all-time low. To be honest her presence in the film is nothing more than to fill the role of 'bait' and to some 'eye candy'. Her character allows Reacher (Cruise) to bounce off ideas and provide the missing links to the puzzle. And with features from rising actor David Oyelowo and veterans Robert Duvall, Robert Jenkins, and known director Werner Herzog (who makes an appearance) there is a lot of flavor added to the stew. As you watch this film, you will be mesmerized with each scene wondering who is talking to who, or who is coming around the corner. Nothing is expected at all. There is just so much to say about this film, but NO SPOILERS!!

Now as far as the plot goes, the story grabs you from the beginning...trust me!! I will say though, there were moments when it seemed a bit slow and dragged along, but in the end it did seem to come together. At times a a bit cheesy, but overall a decent plot, and believable acting. Each action scene whether a car chase, a fight scene, or a shoot out is vivid enough to not hit the border of being to cliche'. With a cohesive plot and a good mix of characters this could lead to a promising franchise.

What I really liked about this film was that you were always guessing about what would be the next move. Just when you think you knew who the bad guy was, you quickly changed your mind. Even with the CGI the film does not rely on the special effects, in a way it kind of has an old school feel to it. And let me just say Tom Cruise seems to never age, but I guess that's a good thing. (Let the money roll in for ya.) I just may have to read the books....hmmm if time allows lol.

Jack Reacher is the type of solid movie that will make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and make you think twice about the characters next move. Cruise definitely does not disappoint with this one. So go ahead and check it out!

Happy Holidays!!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars

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!!