Taraji P. Henson gets 'Rough' role

In From the Rough, the Oscar-nominated Taraji P. Henson will be taking on the role inspired by Dr. Catana Starks, the first female head coach of an NCAA Division One Men's team. Independent motion picture company, Gyre Entertainment is set to produce the sports drama, which will begin filming in New Orleans with an early October 4th start date.

Henson will play a fictionalized version of Starks named Cassandra Turner, who manages to have a successful stint as coach of the women's swim team at a historically black college into getting a shot at building a men's golf team. With a sparse amount of black players, Turner seeks for hidden talent in  Europe, Australia and Asia thus constructing a uniquely multi-racial team. (Note: Starks was the golf coach at Tennessee State University.)
 
"This extraordinary film explores one's ability to transform life's rough circumstances into distinct advantages," said director-producer Pierre Bagley. "It confronts issues of race, gender, class and cultural barriers in ways that are provocative, and sometimes hilarious.

Michael A. Critelli wrote the screenplay and will be an executive producer along with Kevin E. Hooks.

Good move Ms. Henson! Looking forward to it!

Another Lesson Learned...

Another lesson has been taught in the newest Tyler Perry film, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. And with this one I can truly appreciate the message that was being delivered.

Throughout this film I had chills all over, partly do to the fact that it was grounded with such a spiritual foundation. Perry has an unique way of combining the new with the old (seasoned) and this film continues with that legacy.

Gladys Knight and Pastor Marvin Winans do an EXCELLENT job with their acting and especially their singing. Their roles seemed almost effortless from beginning to end. Ms. Tariji (April) gives us another great role, she is able to give us the "angry black woman" and then turn it off and give us the soft, sensitive side. It is also comforting to see the great character chemistry between her and co-star Adam Rodriguez (Sandino) you can't help but feel it. And we can't forget the sneak in performance of R&B queen Mary J. Blige.

In this movie, there are definite parts that are meant to be funny, were really funny and parts that were meant to be serious, were really serious; all in all it truly reflects the Black experience. I would definitely say I got my money's worth. You can't help but want to reach out an grab every child you know and hold them for an eternity after watching this movie. You can't help but tell the one's that you love how much you appreciate them. Cherish every moment!!

I must admit there is something about Tyler Perry's stage plays turned to film/movies, maybe it's just me but I think they are somewhat made for the non-thinkers. When I say this I am meaning there are many things that occur in this film that have obvious solutions and/or ramifications. BUT, please note they may not necessarily be a bad thing its just that some people may see one thing and others may see another. Even with all of that said, I will say this is one of his better films that is previously a stage play. It stuck to the original story with very few minor deviations.

Overall, the acting, writing and directing was on point. Tyler definitely got several messages through this movie. Whether it was about an aunt's selfishness and stunted capability to love and express that love.... Or about child molestation and how we can sometimes turn a blind eye toward it.... Message about loving without requiring ulterior motives... And about faith in God. It definitely will get your soul-stirring...

Grade: B+

The OSCAR noms are in!! "Benjamin Button leads the pack!!"

Today is a grand day in the movie/film industry. The Oscar nominations are in and many folks are jumping for joy. Here are just a few of some of the highlighted Oscar nominations.

1. Best Picture: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader , Slumdog Millionaire .

2. Actor: Richard Jenkins , The Visitor; Frank Langella , Frost/Nixon; Sean Penn, Milk; Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Mickey Rourke , The Wrestler .

3. Actress: Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married; Angelina Jolie, Changeling; Melissa Leo , Frozen River ; Meryl Streep, Doubt; Kate Winslet , The Reader.

4. Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin , Milk; Robert Downey Jr ., Tropic Thunder ; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt; Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight; Michael Shannon , Revolutionary Road.

5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, Doubt; Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona; Viola Davis , Doubt; Taraji P. Henson , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Marisa Tomei , The Wrestler.

6. Director: David Fincher , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon; Gus Van Sant , Milk; Stephen Daldry, The Reader; Danny Boyle , Slumdog Millionaire.

7. Animated Feature Film : Bolt; Kung Fu Panda ; WALL-E.

8. Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

9. Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Iron Man.

10. Cinematography : Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire.

As many expected Heath Ledger recieved a nomination for his role as the "Joker" in The Dark Knight (on the one year anniversary of his death). Another pleasant nomination was that of Tariji P. Henson getting a supporting actress nomination in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. However, even with all the greatness many may be surprised as to the "so-so" results for The Dark Knight. This film in particular was one of the years best films, but only picked up eight noms. The Dark Knight was the largest blockbuster in several years only picking up noms in technical categories outside the Heath Ledger nomination.

But all in all, this years Academy Awards is not too surprising even with its snubs overall it should be a good viewing!