2010 National Black Arts Festival Films

If you are in the Atlanta area on this week make sure to check out these films, that will be showcased at the 2010 National Black Arts Festival!!

 

 

 

Body and Soul with Wycliffe Gordon ($25-$45)

July 14, 2010, 8:00PM
Rialto Center for the Arts
80 Forsyth Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-413-9800 for more information

Trombonist, Wycliffe Gordon revives the lost art of live silent film accompaniment as he and a 16-piece big band performs his original score to Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 film, Body and Soul. Gordon provides a rich musical tapestry for the film which not only highlights his talent as a composer and performer but also contextualizes Micheaux’s genius and innovation as a filmmaker.  Gordon captures the spirit of the characters, the director and the film itself in the work songs, traditional jazz and hymns that are infused in the music.  Body and Soul was actor Paul Robeson’s debut film role as he portrayed Reverend Jenkins, a fugitive who charades as a preacher in rural Georgia, with a penchant for women, gambling, drinking and blackmail.

Brazil Fest Film: Besouro ($12.00)

July 15, 2010, 12:00 PM

Woodruff Art Center
1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309

One of the biggest productions in the history of Brazilian cinema, Besouro (Beetle) is an action movie set in 1920s Bahia, the story of a legendary capoeira fighter who uses the power of Candomble to fight the harsh conditions which, even post-abolition, the black population endured in Brazil. With action director Huan-Chiu Ku (Kill Bill, Matrix) the film promises spectacular stunt sequences and a soundtrack featuring Gilberto Gil, Naná Vasconcelos, Rica Amabis, Tejo and Naçao Zumbi’s Pupillo.  Directed by João Daniel Tikhomiroff.  

Soundtrack for a Revolution ($12.00)

July 16, 2010, 6 PM
Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University

The story of the civil rights movement told through its powerful music--the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells. Featuring new performances by artists John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots; riveting archival footage; and interviews with Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young. Directed by Bill Guttentag & Dan Sturman.   (2009/US/Documentary Feature/82min)  Best Director, 2009 Chicago International Film Festival; Audience Award, 2009 Morelia Film Festival and 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival

HBO’s Ghetto Ballet (FREE)

July 17, 2010, 6:00 PM Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University 

* Great Family Film 

On the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa lies the township of Khayelitsha, one of the poorest black populations in the country. In the midst of the rampant poverty that surrounds them, a handful of teenagers are pinning their hopes for a better future on an unlikely extracurricular program called Dance for All. Once a year, Dance for All holds auditions for dancers who display talent and promise.Based on their performances, a few will be offered the chance to join the professional arm of the organization, the Youth Company. GHETTO BALLET follows the progress of several students as they set their sights on an annual audition that could lead them out of the ghetto, and into a high-profile career as a professional dancer. Presented by HBO. 

41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers ($12.00)

July 17, 2010, 7:30 PM & 11 PM
Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University

41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers is the first part in a documentary series that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise.  Despite the Party’s formation of free medical clinics and a successful breakfast program for children, the L.A. chapter was also known as the most violent Black political group in the United States. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS explores the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization, as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy of the L.A. chapter.  Directed by: Gregg Everett. 

A panel discussion with Kathleen Cleaver, Chuck D, Dr. Scott Brown, John Daniel Cooper and Wesley Kabaila follows the 7:30 PM Screening.

Some films are free to the public. 

To purchase tickets http://nbaf.org/schedule/?type=event&program=5&search=

Weekly Trailer Updates 7/14/2010

Check out these new trailers...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 1

In theaters November 19th, 2010

The American

In theaters September 1st, 2010

Little Fockers

In theaters December 22nd, 2010

Cairo Time

In theaters August 6th, 2010

Get Low

In theaters July 30th, 2010

Paranormal Activity 2

In theaters October 22nd, 2010

Operation Endgame

In theaters July 27th, 2010

"Day of Black Doc's"

For all my LA folks or if you want to make the visit!!

The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers in conjunction with the "Education is a Civil Right" Committee and the California Association of African-American Superintendents & Administrators invite you to a "Day of Black Docs" on July 24th, 2010 at the American Film Institute (Los Angeles, CA) from 11am-4pm.

 Freedom Riders - A Stanley Nelson Film
The powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives—and many endured savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South. Deliberately violating Jim Crow laws, the Freedom Riders’ belief in non-violent activism was sorely tested as mob violence and bitter racism greeted them along the way.

Freedom Riders features testimony from a fascinating cast of central characters: the Riders themselves, state and federal government officials, and journalists who witnessed the rides firsthand.

Student Produced PSAs - Student Produced
The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and Pearson Foundation entered into a collaboration to produce Public Service Announcement (PSA’s) featuring students from various schools and districts throughout the country in support of the concept that “Education is a Civil Right.”

Music By Prudence- Oscar winning documentary Directed & Produced by Roger Williams Prudence lives in Zimbabwe, and for a long time almost no one knew about that hauntingly beautiful voice. No one knew the strong, resilient woman that owned it. They were unable to overlook her body: born with a debilitating condition called arthrogryposis.

Music by Prudence traces the path of this little girl, and her remarkable transcendence from a world of hatred and superstition into one of music, love, and possibility.

 Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America - Directed by J. Kevin Swain
Narrated by Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard and features an original score by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots. The documentary includes memorable performances and moments from the show, as well as behind-the-scene stories from the people who lived the “Soul Train” movement, including the cast, crew, and dancers. In addition, popular musicians (Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Snoop Dogg, Aretha Franklin), Sly Stone’s first exclusive documentary interview in years, comics (Cedric “The Entertainer,” Nick Cannon), music industry executives (L.A. Reid, Clive Davis, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff) and actors of yesterday and today will comment on growing up with the show and will share their stories of how “Soul Train” affected their own lives.

SATURDAY JULY 24, 2010
11:00AM - 4:00PM
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
2021 N. WESTERN AVENUE, 
LOS ANGELES, CA 90027 (north of Franklin Ave.)

MODERATOR:
Donna Brown Guillaume

For Ticket and Information call 213-534-6635 or visit http://www.DayofBlackDocs.org 

No Ed Norton as The Incredible Hulk in 'The Avengers' flick

Well it looks like Edward Norton won't be reprising his role as the Incredible Hulk  in 2012's The Avengers, a Marvel rep confirmed to Access Hollywood on Sunday (7/11).

Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige explained the decision in a statement to HitFix.

"We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in 'The Avengers,'" Feige told the site. "Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. 'The Avengers' demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."

The actors referred to in the statement include current Marvel stars Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America: The First Avenger), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2's Black Widow), who are expected to reprise their superhero roles in team-up film The Avengers.

Not too sure I understand this change, but maybe the studios know something we don't know. It will be very interesting to see who will fill his "big shoes" (no pun intended). I actually think he would mesh well with the already high-profile cast, but I'm just a viewer...

DVD Releases 7/13/2010

Check out your weekly dose of  dvd releases...

  The Bounty Hunter (PG-13)

  Our Family Wedding (PG-13)

  Greenberg (R)

  Chole (R)

Enjoy...Happy Viewing!!

Could James Bond be gone for good?

Many criminal masterminds have tried to stop James Bond day after day, year after year, but never could stand a chance. But maybe a secret weapon has surfaced in the likes of MGM Studios. The financially troubled studio has done what all the bad guys could not even come close to accomplishing...pulling the plug on 007's upcoming adventure.

The film, known for now as "Bond 23," was scheduled to hit theaters by 2012 and be directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty). Well...Not anymore. The U.K.'s Mirror newspaper, announced the movie "has been axed -- and it could be years before the secret agent with a license to kill is back on the big screen." According to the Mirror, the studio, which has released every official James Bond adventure thus far, is searching for a buyer. But that quest has been understandably hampered by the studio's £2.4 billion debt.

Now hold on before the anger truly ignites and consider this...the last two films, which both starred Daniel Craig, earned hundreds of millions of dollars ($1.180 billion to be exact, worldwide). It may take a few more years, but as Screen Rant puts it, the franchise is "simply too popular (and too big of a moneymaker) to disappear completely."

Basically in other words, you can probably wipe the tears away, as we doubt this will be the last the we see of Mr. Suave' Bond...James Bond that is.

Predators...Not Too Bad

Now if you ever heard of a movie that sneaks up on you, this would be the perfect example!! I did not see this movie coming at all. This is one of those all of sudden flicks that came out. So needless to say I have no expectations except please let it be a decent film. I have been let down a lot already this summer.

Now there was a slight thought of if this was going to be a remake of the 1987 film, but I didn't jump to that assumption. To be specific, the film is a sequel to Predator (1987) and semi-sequel to Predator 2 (1990) while ignoring the two AVP films (Thank God!!). I will say this the storyline is pretty much the same, a group of elite warriors are hunted by members of a merciless alien race known as "Predators", but in a sense its like the game has been reborn.

Let me first start out with the best part of the movie, the acting. It's not often that a sci-fi movie will give you a great plot as well as good acting, but this movie was different. Adrien Brody did a great job of playing the lead Royce, an ex-military turned mercenary. He is able to do one things not to ruin the film and that is too over-act, which he could have easily done! As a matter of fact, the whole cast shed some light on what it takes to be a good-qualified actors. There was a wide range of personalities from an ex-military, to a black ops sniper, to a seemingly innocent doctor (Topher Grace), to a drug cartel enforcer (Danny Trejo), to a RUF death squad officer, to a Yakuza assassin, to a Russian Spetsnaz commando (Oleg Taktarov), and even a notorious and deadly death-row inmate. Can you say wow!! Surely got my attention!  It was very interesting to see how each character was unique in their own way and able to hold their own weight in their role. Cause this movie was full of twists in additions to all kinds of the questions popping into your head, but at the same time they are getting answered while watching.

With all that out the way, next comes the story and plot, for the most part it does a pretty good job of continuing the the story of "The Most Dangerous Game". I was very pleased to see the story itself is well written and not rushed, as the viewer you are able to to unfold each events in a flowing manner, as well as ample time given to develop characters. There is really a fear and eerie feeling in the story, and we don't get to see the hunters very often, which adds more thrill and suspense to the story; just like the original flick. To me an unseen threat is more scarier than seeing the perpetrator every minute.

Now what can be better than having an outstanding cast and story, but also add "eccentric & wild" producer Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn) he gives the film the much appreciated aesthetics and stylistic idiosyncrasies. If there ever were to be a more convincing statement of intent in relaunching this franchise, it would be because he was the best suitor for this film.

Now we can't forget the CGI which is actually very minimal and not overdone, although not same as the original which is completely understandable considering a lot of progress has been made in graphics department since 80's. And we all should be thankful that another movie did not attempt to jazz up its movie with the infamous "CGI" concept. Not every movie needs it, considering 20 years ago we barely knew it existed it all.

All in all, this is what you call a sci-fi action movie with intelligent characters...is it possible that maybe Hollywood got it right with this one for a change!! Maybe adding the finesse of  Adrien Brody, along with a great supporting cast helped give the film a boost. The one thing Brody does is give you the unexpected cause every time you thought something stupid to happen his character does the opposite. He does what you'd expect someone in his situation to do.

 

Now you know I can't leave you without a few minor gripes (lol). My main issue was the beginning and end (you will have to see it to understand), nothing to major just wish there was a little more clarity. It leaves the mind to wonder...what next...and maybe that is the director's intention. I just wish there was just a little bit more. In addition to craving a little more, there are the questions of realistic events happening and how they happened, but once again you will have to see the movie to better understand what I mean.

Now the film is not better than the original 1987 film but it does a pretty good job of attempting to stand by itself as a great sequel. Predators is a flick that exemplifies how a good movie can be made on a small budget, and good solid cast. Quiet as kept a good movie does not require big budget for it to please audiences, it simply needs a clear a vision and a pleasurable viewing experience can be had.

Predators doesn't change the game too much but for the most part it delivers a solid experience to its fan-base. One thing for sure that it does is to set it apart from the shackles of the horrible crossovers and re-establishes the "Predator" as one of Hollywood's most fertile sources of sci-fi villains. 

Grade: 2 1/2 stars out of 4