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I was watching "On The Lot" on Fox the other day (or rather, someone else was watching and I glanced at it) and F. Gary Gray was on it. My first thought was "I know he has something better to do", but I know a lot of people like to be seen on television, they can't help it. He's also like Alfred Hitchcock, giving himself a cameo in all of his films. I'm not mad.
Anyway, F. Gary directed my favorite film "Friday". And that's saying a lot, as it was his directorial debut after making a gang of very high profile and well made music videos. He went on to make (in order) "Set It Off", "The Negotiator", "A Man Apart" (everybody makes mistakes), "The Italian Job" and "Be Cool". It was just announced that he will be directing "The Brazilian Job" a sequel to "The Italian Job".
I like the fact that he doesn't spread himself too thin, and uses high profile actors that can actually act. He always makes films where blacks are a focal point or character, and his look is clean, crisp, and high quality. I look forward to every movie he makes...I'm sure he'll be around for awhile, though in my opinion, he doesn't receive enough recognition. Kudos, Gary!
15 comments:
be cool -- now that was the mistake in my book. if only for vince vaughn's horrendous "Black" accent. but i like fgg too. he made some awesome music videos.
"be cool" was okay. i thought vince vaughn was funny, but i like the guy so I'm biased. its odd to even hear that you watched "On the Lot", IW. I saw the first couple episodes, but the format just didnt bring me back.
I cant say Im a big "Friday" fan, but he def did good work with "the Italian Job"
^i love vince! but be cool...it did nothing for me and his role was a big part of that. now put on wedding crashers and i'm all over vv. he's hilarious. but now i'm off topic :)
^o he was funny in wedding crashers. I think i love him because he is so sarcastic (as am I).
it's ok, jj...I love all dialogue...as for your and Wanda's opinion, I too thought "Be Cool" was weak, and had actually forgotten he directed it (selective memory), but I guess I didn't want to admit my man made 2 missteps. So I chose the bigger ewwww, A Man Apart.
@Wanda: By the way, the operative word is "glanced" at On The Lot. And the only reason I glanced is because I heard Gary's name. That show is all the worst parts of Hollywood and it's executives crammed into a one hour show.
I first remember F. Gary Gray from directing Ice Cube's "Today Was a Good Day" and Dre's "G Thang".
"Friday", "Set It Off" and "The Negotiator" are all films I'd rate pretty high.
The Italian Job was alright, but nothing memorable.
i couldnt take it seriously when Brett Ratner was critiqing movies. What is he gonna tell them?
F. Gary Gray is a talented guy. I like most of what he's done to date.
Be Cool was funny....The Rock's character just had me laughing. When he tried on those tight powder blue pants on & showed Chili his video I was cracking up.
I don't get the brett ratner hate. He seemed to hustle his way into the biz and has sold 1 Bill in movie tickets. He also hires blacks for more than just back ground roles.
great post and comments. i don't watch on the lot bc well, movies are so horrible right about now, why would i watch a show that instructs people to do more of the same? snotty? yes. i own that. and anon, people don't knock brett ratner's hustle, good for him. and he hires Blacks -- okay, i'm not even sure if that's true or notable. but his movies aren't exactly pantheons of great cinema. it's not entirely his fault. but it's sort of like brain candy...i really can't name more than the rush hour franchise. i think he did a light comedy i liked that was kind of overlooked: the family man. just my two cents.
Never heard of the show "On The Lot", I'm guessing it's a reality show. I love F.Gary Gray, he's one of my favs.
@Yobachi The Italian Job wasn't the best, true, but it was a remake of an old film that wasn't that great in the first place. It had a good look, tho. @Paula...I loved that part the Rock played! Then again, I love everything he does...mmmm mmmm. @hottnikz: yes, it is another tired reality show.
Sorry anonymous; I agree with J.J. and Wanda. Rush Hours 2-3, Money Talks, Red Dragon, X-Men....not to mention producing Code Name: The Cleaner....I don't believe for a second that Ratner is down for any "cause" except for himself and the green.
As a matter of fact, if he didn't think he could make money from the black actors he uses in his films, I get the feeling he would never use any at all, dating Serena nonwithstanding.
basically, brett ratner is prototypical hollywood. and if that's not your bag, then you're prolly not a ratner fan. he's hardly what i would think of as a great auteur. are there any left?
Yes, I think there are some left; they just don't make the same noise as Brett Ratner....which is exactly my point, Brett's films and life are usually assaultive on on all senses
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