25 Movies 'Every Black Woman Should Watch'

Being the huge movie fan that I am and an avid reader of Essence Magazine, I found it very interesting to see their recommendations of the "Top 25 Movies Every Black Woman Should Watch". So figured I would take a look and provide my own remix version!! Check it out below (in no particular order):

1. Love Jones: 

A classic love story and a true showcase of black love. Larenz Tate and Nia Long have the perfect chemistry. A movie that I can watch over and over again, and never get tired.

2. Malcolm X:

Here is a movie that has the perfect equation...Eye Candy (that is Denzel Washington)+ History of an Icon that was heavily discussed in school= Amazing film and performance!! Many have said this is not just a movie, but a movement!!

3. What's Love Got To Do With It? 

Probably one of the best performance from Angela Bassett. She nailed this roll to a tee. And what was not to like a about seeing a black triumph and make it BIG!!

4. The Best Man:

And as an added bonus we get a sequel!! YES...YES...YES!!

5. Mahongany:

This movie is the perfect example of a true transformation. This film channels everything fashion, modeling, and a dramatic love affair with fine as wine Billy Dee Williams.

6. Sparkle (1976)

Family, Fame, and Love...each has its place in this girl group's lives.

7. The Color Purple:

Another classic book to film adaptation that examines the many facets of the black woman and her struggle to survive, maintain strength, and being true to one's self inside and out.

8. Eve's Bayou

"Memory is a selection of images, some elusive, others printed indelibly on the brain. The summer I killed my father, I was 10 years old." Now that is some deep stuff coming from a young child. I can remember watching this film and being hooked immediately. Director Kasi Lemmons shocks each and every one of your senses, and potentially even cast a spell on you. :-)

9. Waiting to Exhale:

I really like this movie! It showed the real deal of what happens in the lives of black women, everything from sex, dating, scandal, hurt, pain, love, and so much more. We could relate to at least one of the ladies or at least some part of them. The bond that each of these sistas had was truly genuine! And to top it off, it was accompanied by an awesome soundtrack!!

10. Daughters of the Dust: 

This quote said it best: "I've never seen another movie like it. It's a uniquely African and African-American story, but also a universal one at the same time. It's the lyrical story of a Gullah family on St. Helena Island on the eve of their move to the mainland (US/South Carolina). The visuals are stunning, the acting is great, and the story is original. To boot, the filmmaker, Julie Dash was the first Black woman to have her feature film (this one) distributed theatrically nationwide. The Library of Congress selected the film for the National Film Registry." --Akkida McDowell, Deputy Research Editor, ESSENCE Magazine 

11. Boomerang

"If you don't know the dialogue from this film, you need to learn it ASAP. Boomerang really created the blueprint for the Black creative executive. Love, money, drama, and sex. What more could you ask for? --Emil Wilbekin, Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE

12. Friday

Comedy, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, No Job!!

13. Foxy Brown

Pam Grier paved the way for ALL women to be able to play an action heroine, in a lead role. And she did it in true style!! Foxy was not one to mees with!!

14. Cleopatra Jones

Here is a woman who takes down a whole gang of men, by herself, and looks real fly at the same time. The sista got it going on!! You can't tell me Cleopatra was not a diva!

15. A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands...enough said!! True Legends.

16. School Daze:

Everything from "Good or Bad Hair...see if I care" to HBCU Homecomings, to Campus Revolutionaries!! You betta wake up!!

17. Their Eyes Were Watching God:

"It's a fantastic movie adaption to the famed book by Zora Neale Hurston starring Halle Berry and Michael Ealy. Not only does the main character, Janie Crawford (Berry) represent many women struggling to find themselves in life, she also fights to not let love rule her." --Derrick Taylor, Associate Editor, ESSENCE.com

18. Coming to America

"She's your queen to beeeee...." and "Sexual Chocolate (drops the mic)" 

19. Brown Sugar:

Hip Hop and Black Love, works for me!!

20. The Wiz:

"This lavish musical production of an all-Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz, showcased some of the greatest talents of all time."

21. I Will Follow: 

This movie was phenomenal, you can't help but look at your own self and family and see big or small pieces of your own life. I could totally relate with the main character Maye, when you invest so much emotionally into a something or someone, you can drain every bit of existence. But somehow that light at the end of tunnel becomes a little clearer and you can begin the fight again!

22. Set It Off:

Hats off to F. Gary Gray for this film right here. A movie about black women who stick together all the way to the end, despite the obstacles that are presented in front of them. Friendship at its finest. One of my fave movies of the 90s.

23. Love and Basketball

Friendship, Basketball, Memories...in the end love prevails!

24. Harlem Nights

"You shot my pinkie toe!!" If you have not seen this movie, stop right now and  go to Netflix and be prepared to laugh all day and all night!!

25. Poetic Justice

Before Kendrick Lamr made this into a hit track, the movie had already did the job.

Now this is just my take, but feel free to chime in on what might be on your list!!

MUST SEE Trailer... "Safe House"

I just had to post this one...Denzel gives me another reason why his acting skills are not to be doubted!! And this trailer is that period at the end of the sentence...

 

Also check out the hot song from Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean..."No Church in the Wild"...Blazing Hot!!!

Safe House hits theaters February 10th, 2012...I'm in there!!!

Day 14 of Black Movie Month "The Mighty Quinn"

Today's Black Movie Month spotlight Day 14 is that of the 1989 thriller film The Mighty Quinn. Here was a film that would easily become one of my favorite Denzel Washington films.

When police officer Xavier Quinn's childhood friend, Maubee, becomes associated with murder and a briefcase full of ten thousand dollar bills, The Mighty Quinn must clear his name. Or try to catch him, which could be even trickier.

A highlight for this film was Roger Ebert's 4-star critique...
"The film stars Denzel Washington in one of those roles that creates a movie star overnight. You might have imagined that would have happened to Washington after he starred in "Cry Freedom" as the South African hero Steven Biko. He got an Oscar nomination for that performance, but it didn't even begin to hint at his reserves of charm, sexiness and offbeat humor. In an effortless way that reminds me of Robert Mitchum, Michael Caine or Sean Connery in the best of the Bond pictures, he is able to be tough and gentle at the same time, able to play a hero and yet not take himself too seriously."


Check out this film folks I guarantee you will never think the same way about the Jamaican accent!! (wink) This is one of those movies you catch late night on HBO, but trust me you will not fall asleep!

Black Movie Month Day 10: "He Got Game"

Now today's Black Movie Month spotlight is an interesting pick. I remember watching this movie like it was yesterday. What is it you ask...Spike Lee's 1998 sports-drama film He Got Game. Starring Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, John Turturo, Jim Brown, and a young, budding NBA star Ray Allen. It definitely has a powerful message behind it with a great supporting cast. It's an interesting pick because I am a huge fan of just about every single movie that Denzel Washington is in, but this one is definitely not one of my favorites. However, a special request was put in so I wanted to make sure I give the fans what they want!!

Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), an extremely talented high school basketball player from Brooklyn, New York is being pursued by the top college programs in the nation. His father, Jake (Denzel Washington), is a convicted felon serving time at Attica Correctional Facility for accidentally killing his wife (Jesus's mother) by pushing her while arguing with Jesus at the age of 12. The father is temporarily released by the governor, an influential alum of "Big State", one of the colleges Jesus is considering, so that he might direct his son to sign with the governor's college in return for an early release.

Here is a film that truly has a voice with regards to making the right choice. In particular I think this movie speaks to every father-son relationship and every black male in the sport of basketball. All can appreciate the message that Lee is trying to convey especially now with increased amount of athletes making that huge transition from high school to NBA. He Got Game had the huge promise of showcasing the intersections of patriarchy, economic injustice, and racism, that was one of the things that I wish Lee had developed just a little more!!

If nothing else is gained from this film its that  in real life, there is a bigger benefit to forgiving, and sometimes just being able to let go and release.

Breaking News: Denzel's New Flick

Denzel Washington's next film, Unstoppable, has been released to the masses...Check it here:


Unstoppable Trailer
Uploaded by teasertrailer. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

Directed by Tony Scott and co-starring Chris Pine and Rosario Dawson, Unstoppable is about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals.

The film pits an engineer (played by Washington) and his conductor (played by Pine) in a race against time. They're chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

The script loosely inspired by a true event that took place in Ohio in 2001.

This will also mark the fifth collaboration between Washington and Scott after working on Crimson Tide, Man on Fire, Deja Vu, and The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.


20th Century Fox will release the film on November 10.

The On Screen Duo of a Lifetime!!

Did anyone ever think that there would be a film starring both Denzel Washington and Will Smith side-by-side? Well it looks like it is already in motion! It's just about every African American actor/actress to work with the legendary Denzel Washington whether young or old. The project that could possibly star these two mega actors is that of a remake of the 1974 film Uptown Saturday Night. And according to some rumors it has been in development since 2002, around the same time Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment first purchased the rights.

The original film starred Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby, and revolved around two friends who must figure out a way to retrieve a wallet that was stolen from them at a nightclub, considering there is a winning lottery ticket inside.

Now when Smith first picked up the rights there was talk of including Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, and this may still be the case. Either way if it all works out this will definitely be one to remember!

What do you think of the possible on-screen duo between Washington and Smith?

Rewind Wednesday: Crimson Tide

Today's Rewind Wednesday is that of the 1995 submarine film directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman, Crimson Tide.



The film takes place in 1995 (from several references made by the story) during a period of instability in Russia. Units of the Russian military loyal to an ultranationalist has taken control of a nuclear missile installation and is threatening nuclear war if either the American or the Russian government attempts to confront him.

Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington gave awesome performances, and their growing tension towards each other is enough to keep the excitement at a consistent high through the last half of the film. This is one of those films that does a perfect job of keeping your attention from beginning to end. This movie came out during a time when movies truly had all the right elements to make a great film. One thing that the movie does is to set the message at the very start of the film providing the perfect tone. And in a sort of twisted way the whole film is somewhat scary in the fact that it makes us wonder what if this situation did happen like this, and how could the military establish proper operating procedures for it. However, at the end of the film some hope is established.

The film is based on the premise that, at the time, U.S. submarine commanders were authorized to launch missiles on their own initiative if they could not communicate with the President of the United States after the order to arm the missiles was received. At about this time, the procedure was changed so that missiles could only be launched if a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief was received, even if communications had been broken off in the meantime, via the use of permissive action links. This matched Russian policy on submarine-based missile launches, which had always required direct orders to launch. Although the film does not claim to be based on a true story, events that transpire throughout the plot are strikingly similar to one of the most tense periods of the Cuban Missile Crisis, only the roles of the Americans and Soviets are reversed.

According to Guts and Glory..., the U.S. Navy objected to many of the elements in the script — particularly the aspect of mutiny on board a U.S. ship — and as such, the film was produced without the assistance of the U.S. Navy.

Little known fact: There was additional uncredited writing by Quentin Tarantino.

Here is some more footage between Washington and Hackman probably one of the most pivotal scenes of the movie:

Rewind Wednesday: Devil in a Blue Dress

"A man once told me that you step out of your door in the morning, and you are already in trouble. The only question is are you on top of that trouble or not?"

The year is 1948, the place is Los Angeles, and Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins (Denzel Washington) is a black man who has just lost his job and is in dire need of money. So, despite having no experience as a private eye, Easy accepts an assignment from a seedy man (Tom Sizemore) to find the missing Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals), the mistress of a powerful mayoral candidate. As Rawlins conducts his search, he unexpectedly becomes drawn into a complex racially-charged web of intrigue involving political machinations, double-crossings, blackmail, and mysterious deaths. With the aid of his trigger-happy friend Mouse (Don Cheadle), Easy must rely on his instincts and neophyte detective skills, not only to solve the case, but also to save his life. African-American director Carl Franklin (ONE FALSE MOVE) brings Walter Mosley's crime series to life with this dense thriller, aided greatly by Tak Fujimoto's sun-soaked photography and an electric soundtrack reflecting the music of the times. As Easy Rawlins, an everyman who finds himself an unwilling pawn in a dangerous game of mystery and murder, Washington delivers an intense performance. It is Don Cheadle, however, who steals the show, giving his hot-tempered Mouse a comic humanity that is at once menacing, hysterical, and unforgettable.

Devil in a Blue Dress - Trailer Movies & TV SPIKE.com

This was one of those films that grabs your attention in many ways whether its the acting, the cinematography, or the plot itself. I was a huge fan of the book, so I expected the same from the movie. Some have even said, "in the aftermath of the Oscars, it now seems clear that Devil in a Blue Dress was one of the best films of 1995. "

Many critics applauded Don Cheadle's performance. Jerry Renshaw said, "Cheadle steals every scene where he appears as Mouse..." And to think this is where Cheadle's journey would begin with key roles such as this one. He surprised us with his performance and that is a true delight.

Devil in a Blue Dress was an incredible film that definitely became one of the most under-rated films in 1995. Director, Carl Franklin's adaptation does true justice to this exciting novel he might want to consider another one of Mosely's stories. (Just a thought...) "Overall this is a solidly enjoyable detective story with all the twists and turns that you could expect from that genre. However it also benefits from a great sense of place and time that is all though the film – not merely painted on with sets or soundtrack. A class act from Washington and others just adds to the feeling of quality. "


Some background info:

*Carl Franklin wrote and directed the neo-noir because he liked Walter Mosley's novel. (Walter Mosley served as an associate producer in the film.) He thought the work was more than a detective story. Franklin says author Mosley was able to transform an everyday guy into a detective. In the editing process Franklin had to cut a steamy love scene between Beals and Washington because he believed the scene wasn't needed to convey the story.

Rewind Wednesday: Glory

Well what a week it has been! I am still on my "cloud 44"....ooooo I can't believe it!! But the show does not stop here, the road continues!

This week's Rewind Wednesday is Glory. A 1989 drama war film based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (the first formal unit made up of all African American men). Considering all the major events that have happened, it would only fit to have this film show its true colors. This beautifully shot and triumphantly acted (by a cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, and Andre Braugher), director Edward Zwick's film serves as a tribute to the courage and selfless bravery of the black soldiers of the Civil War (Rotten Tomatoes).

Based on the historical novels ONE GALLANT RUSH by Peter Burchand and LAY THIS LAUREL by Lincoln Kirstein and the letters of Robert Gould Shaw, the film follows the youthful Colonel Shaw (Matthew Broderick) as he takes responsibility for readying these soldiers for battle. The film depicts the 54th Masachusetts Volunteer Infantry training through the Christmas holidays of 1862 (after the September 1862 Battle of Antietam), but the real 54th Massachusetts did not organize until March 1863, and they were engaged in their first battle on James Island, SC on 16 July 1863, and then Battery Wagner (the final battle in the film) on 18 July 1863. The 54th went on to fight at Olustee, Florida (February 20, 1864); Honey Hill, South Carolina (November 30, 1864); and Boykin's Mill, South Carolina (April 18, 1865).

In the film it suggests that most of the black soldiers were former slaves from Southern secessionist states who wished to fight for the abolitionist North, but in fact the majority were born free in the North, although some did escape from slavery. Of the major characters in the movie's version of the regiment, only Robert Gould Shaw was a real person. The rest are composite characters. The name of Shaw's executive officer (Cabot Forbes) is a combination of the first name from one of the real Shaw's friends and the last name of another.

Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Andre Braugher all played their roles so well that it just sticks to your soul. By far, they showed true emotion that only actors wish they could display now. many have said that this is "still one of the best war epics ever made!" I am just glad I was able to see this film at a young age and to then see it again as an adult. Your perspective is truly opened!

The film was nominated for five categories and won three Oscars:
Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Denzel Washington. (This would be his first Oscar win)
Oscar for Best Cinematography - Freddie Francis.
Oscar for Best Sound Mixing - Donald O. Mitchell, Gregg C. Rudloff, Elliot Tyson, Russell Williams II.

Just recently I purchased the DVD for my movie collection and I was just as moved this time around as I was the first time watching it. With such a powerful message embedded in this film one can't help but feel the same victory that is exhibited in the movie. In 2009 we have truly recieved a major downpayment on our lives as free men and women.

"Their innocence. Their heritage. Their lives. Nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom. "

One of the best acting scenes in cinema history...I still get a chill and tear up from it.

Top 30 Sexiest Black Actors and Actresses

According to AOL Black Voices they have compiled a list of the 30 Sexiest Black Actors, now sometime back they also had also complied a list of the Sexiest Black Actresses (see below).

All I know is Denzel betta be on this list...lol...You be the judge...

30. Nick Cannon, 28
29. Don Cheadle, 44
28. Jesse L. Martin, 35
27. Richard T. Jones, 36
26. Phillip Michael Thomas, 59
25. Common, 36
24. Mekhi Phifer, 33
23. Hill Harper, 42
22. Ron O'Neal 67 (at time of death)
21. Taimak, 44
20. Taye Diggs, 36
19. Henry Simmons, 38
18. Leon, 46
17. Terrence Howard, 39
16. Richard Roundtree, 66
15. Blair Underwood, 44
14. Harry Belafonte, 81
13. Tupac Shakur, 25 (at time of death)
12. Boris Kodjoe, 35
11. Jim Kelly, 62
10. Columbus Short, 26
9. Dwayne Johnson, 36
8. Michael Jai White, 41
7. Morris Chestnut, 39
6. Billy Dee Williams, 71
5. Dijmon Hounsou, 44
4. Shemar Moore, 38
3. Denzel Washington, 53
2. Idris Elba, 36
1. Will Smith, 40


Featured Story: http://www.blackvoices.com/entertainment/top-30-sexiest-actors

Hmmmm.... I would have to adjust the Top 3 but nonetheless the list looks pretty good to me. Nice mix of ol school and new school!!


Top 30 Sexiest Black Actresses

30. Thandie Newton
29. Tracy Camilla Jones
28. Vivica A. Fox
27. Robin Givens
26. Paula Patton
25. Nichelle Nichols
24. Eartha Kitt
23. Vanity
22. Lauren London
21. Stacey Dash
20. Tamara Dobson
19. Kerry Washington
18. Lisa Raye
17. Lynn Whitfield
16. Diahann Carroll
15. Zoe Saldana
14. Nia Long
13. Janet Jackson
12. Beyonce'
11. Vanessa L. Williams
10. Sanaa Lathan
9. Gabrielle Union
8. Jada Pinkett-Smith
7. Lela Rochon
6. Angela Bassett
5. Josephine Baker
4. Meagan Good
3. Halle Berry
2. Dorothy Dandridge
1. Pam Grier

Now this list could have been different in many ways some of these young ladies could have been taken off but who am I!

Featured Story: http://www.blackvoices.com/entertainment/top-30-sexiest-actresses

Rewind Wednesday: The Mighty Quinn

"THE CHIEF OF POLICE AND THE CHIEF SUSPECT. They know each other too well to let a little thing like murder get in their way."
Man oh man when I tell you this week is going by super fast it is zooming, but I can't forget to bring you today's Rewind Wednesday Flick: The Mighty Quinn.

This is one of those films that you have to go dig deep in the closet, and if you are like me you got it on VHS and need to update to DVD format! The Mighty Quinn gave us the opportunity to see Denzel Washington a budding actor at the time take some international roots. This 1989 film set in the caribbean would star some amazing actors and actresses including Denzel Washington, Robert Townsend, Mimi Rogers, M. Emmet Walsh, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and James Fox. Based off the novel written by A.H.Z. Carr titled "Finding Maubee".

When police officer Xavier Quinn's childhood friend, Maubee, becomes associated with murder and a briefcase full of ten thousand dollar bills, The Mighty Quinn must clear his name. Or try to catch him, which could be even trickier. (Written by http://www.imdb.com/SearchPlotWriters?Renee%20Ann%20Byrd%20%7Bbyrdie@wyrdbyrd.org%7D )

Famed film critic Roger Ebert would give the film an overwhelmingly positive review, stating itwas one of the best films of 1989. Ebert would give the film film four stars. The high point, he said, was Washington's performance:
The film stars Denzel Washington in one of those roles that creates a movie star overnight. You might have imagined that would have happened to Washington after he starred in "Cry Freedom" as the South African hero Steven Biko. He got an Oscar nomination for that performance, but it didn't even begin to hint at his reserves of charm, sexiness and offbeat humor. In an effortless way that reminds me of Robert Mitchum, Michael Caine or Sean Connery in the best of the Bond pictures, he is able to be tough and gentle at the same time, able to play a hero and yet not take himself too seriously.

Overall this was an excellent film which highlighted the acting ability of several actors. It is one of those films you can look back on 10 years later and say that's a "great movie" lets pop it in!!



A little known fact: The U.S. did indeed issue a $10,000 bill in the early 20th century. However, it is incorrectly described by one of the characters in the movie as having a picture of "The President." The real $10,000 bill featured Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury during the American Civil War.