Bring the Kiddies...Men in Black III is BACK!!

It was fifteen years (1997) ago when the first Men in Black movie hit the big screen, presenting a winning pairing of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the “odd couple” partners who protect the Earth against the scum of the universe. It would be jammed packed with action, special effects and some heavy doses of comedy all rolled into one. Director Barry Sonnenfield returns five years later for a sequel, and then takes a chance with a third film. Finally a decade later, Men in Black III is materialized and takes advantage of a pointless 3D format to deliver the latest installment of the famous series.

The sci-fi comedy Men in Black III strikes again with the return of Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) in a new adventure centered on the escape of the villainous alien “Boris the Animal” (Jemaine Clement). “Boris the Animal” flees from a lunar maximum prison and seeks to take revenge on Kay for his imprisonment, the dismembering his arm, and furthermore extinguishing his fellow aliens and their planet. All the while, J and K continue to protect the Earth from destruction and chaos.

In the film, we get to see J and K’s relationship get pushed to the forefront as we witness a deeper exploration into each of their characters, backgrounds and their friendship. The above factors alone help the film immensely, and save it from being a mediocre effort that relies solely on the charisma of the actors and further washing everything down in CG. Although the CG was slightly overwhelming, there are still some surprises that come from the effects, which thankfully are not exposed in the trailers, and that's a good thing. More than likely much of the visual graphic work went into recreating the USA 60s scenes, as well as sprucing up the alien designs (in this third installment the aliens look far more imperiling and repulsive especially with Boris the Animal).

All the characters seemed to mesh very well and have a great chemistry together, expectedly with J and the older version of K (Jones who is mainly in a supporting role in this film). And with the introduction of the younger K (Josh Brolin) they just seem to fall right into place as partners in the past, the Smith-Brolin pairing was definitely a winner for this film. Lest, I not forget Josh Brolin is a dead-ringer visually and in personality for Tommy Lee's K during his youth. Also Clement (Boris the Animal) embodies the main villain quite convincingly by possessing this dark and trembling personality along with his characters deadly force, which I’m rather shocked at for a PG rated film. And joining the cast in extrusive, though limited roles, include Emma Thompson as Agent O (taking over as the new MIB Chief with the passing of Zed), Alice Eve playing the younger O, and both Michael Stuhlbarg (Griffin) and Mike Colter (Colonel) adding intensity to the “MIB mythos”.

Even after 4 years of being absent from the big screen (Seven Pounds & Hancock were his last films in 2008), Will Smith shows that he has not lost his touch and still has what it takes to be in a potential blockbuster hit. As an MIB veteran, he’s able to still naturally portray the likable Agent Jay with a lot more polish as compared to when he was first recruited.

The films primary achievement is its characterization, the narrative, and the mood and tone of the film. Men in Black III is an easy-going, light-hearted, fun film that stays within the “outer limits” and does not try overload you with an exaggerated comedic script. Although this sci-fi comedy is great for the family please note that there may be some indirect material that is inappropriate for children under 15, it might just go over their heads, nonetheless it is still worth seeing for the whole family. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Sci-Fi/ Action Double Header Trailer Alert

I know it's been a while, but I have a couple of new trailer alerts that you might want to check out...

First up is for all my G.I. Joe fans... G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Hits theaters June 29th, 2012

And next is the third installment to the MIB series, Men in Black 3

 
Hits theaters May 25th, 2012

Looks like next summer is going to be full of action!!

Will Smith & Debbie Allen Working On S. Allen Counter Biopic

Debbie Allen and  Will Smith are also working together to do their part in a different way.  The two are working together on a biopic about modern day explorer and neuroscience professor Dr. S. Allen Counter.

Dr. Counter's story is one that is definitely worthy of being told. Dr. Counter is known for his work with rain forest descendants of the 17th and 18th century slaves from Africa. He's traveled throughout the world on scientific missions and has even created a documentary, I Shall Moulder Before I Shall Be Taken. Aside from this, he found descendants of Africa in the Andes in 1993 and this led to another doc, Lost Africans in the Andes. In addition, he has written "North Pole Legacy: Black, White and Eskimo" and "I Sought My Brother: An Afro-American Reunion." Just a few of the many things he has done.

Dr. Counter has also done work in Haiti and is currently the director of the Harvard Foundation at Harvard University and a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.

Debbie and Will are among the producers working on this project. There is no word as of yet regarding the actors set to star in the film.

'Men in Black 3' goes 3D

'Men in Black 3' is officially a go.

Columbia has signed deals with Will Smith to return as alien-chasing government operative Agent Jay, as well as director Barry Sonnenfeld, producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. The movie will be in 3D and will open May 25, 2012, not the usual July 4 weekend date that Smith’s past summer blockbusters have occupied.

Tommy Lee Jones is in negotiations to reprise his role as Smith’s partner, Agent Kay, while Josh Brolin is in talks to star as a young version of the character (most of the action takes place in 1969).

The first “MIB,” released in 1997, was a surprise over-performer, grossing $589 million worldwide, while the second movie, released in 2002, took in $441.8 million.

Do you think the third one has enough juice to keep up with its first two?

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?

Bad Boys 3 is Planned...But No Smith or Lawrence yet...

I had always enjoyed the Bad Boys series so when I heard the news of a possible third installment, I kinda got a little excited. And notice I say a little because director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have not yet confirmed. And when it boils down all four of them are the key elements to making another successful Bad Boys film!

All parties have expressed a willingness to return if a story can be hammered out, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The first "Boys," released in 1995, helped launch Bay as a director and Smith as an action star. Even though it was not considered a blockbuster, it grossed $66 million domestically and $141 million worldwide. The sequel, released in 2003 when Bay and Smith's stars had risen, grossed $138 million domestically and $273 million worldwide.

*By: EURweb.com (via blackamericaweb.com)

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

Seven Pounds (2008)

Such an inspiring film to go see during the holidays. Being that this is the season for giving what an excellent film to display this type of gesture.


"Seven Names...Seven Strangers...One secret"

Academy Award nominee Will Smith reunites with the directors and producers of The Pursuit of Happyness for the emotional drama . In addition to a great cast (Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Micheal Ealy) this film is definitely one for the books.

First I will start out by saying that I was a little hesistant to see this film. But I had to see it so that it would kill the curiousity. The movie trailer is one that that does not leave much to the imagination it somewhat had a lackluster approach. You just have to see it to satisfy the yearning.

One thing that I must say about this film is that the symbolism was quite interesting that fact that the number 7 was used represents "new beginnings". Thus the giving of "7 pounds of flesh" to seven deserving individuals to make up for the seven lives he destroyed is quite a powerful move. And I think that might be somewhat of its downfall, it was a little overworked and overdone. However, keep in mind the film was still good.

Throughout the majority of the movie it had a mysterious and somewhat confusing plot many times I was guessing during the film trying to figure out what's going to happen next. Seven Pounds was somewhat of a miracle considering all the loose ends that were tied up as it nears its ending, but it does, and it does so gracefully. All comes together though in its magnificent ending, which will make you want to tell everyone and anyone you meet to go see this movie now!

Now although this was a good solid movie, I'm not sure if this will be Oscar bound for Mr. Smith. It just needs a little more inspiration and maybe it might have a chance. The message however is very clear with this movie, sometimes people deserve a second chance to make things right, and why not start out by helping someone else. Maybe after watching it for a second time it will have a more powerful effect. All in all, I will say I was not disappointed with this film at all and I'm glad I was able to see it.


Grade: B+

Sequel Fever for Will Smith

SEQUEL FEVER!!

Will Smith is planning to give his fans all they can handle by signing on to do "Hancock II" and a prequel for "I am Legend"

Will Smith has sequel fever. The box-office magnet is in talks to finalize follow-ups to both "Hancock" and "I Am Legend." A Hollywood insider said, "He is ready to do both. Producers are just trying to get Charlize Theron to sign on for the 'Hancock' sequel." As for "I Am Legend," it will be more of a prequel as Smith's character died at the end of the zombies-take-Manhattan movie. "It will be about how the disease spreads and the fall of the last great American city. It will also develop the relationship between Will's character and his wife." A rep for Smith said, "There have been talks about both of these projects."

Hmmmmm.... this will be interesting this must be the season for prequels and sequels. Well he did an alright job in Bad Boys II so we shall see how these work out. Both movies Hancock and I Am Legend were pretty decent films so this should be interesting to say the least!