I Knew This BS Was Coming....

First the cover of "Today's Black Woman", now this. It is said that Elise Neal may play Karrine "Supahead" Steffans in a biopic.

Why, why, WHY is this woman given so much attention? Believe me, as I comment on this, there is absolutely no haterade involved, as some people like to accuse me of here and there--I have a good life...I just say what I feel.

As someone who has worked in entertainment, I know that it is one of the easiest feats in the world to eff a celebrity if you choose to. You basically just have to stand upright and have half a pulse. 99% of the time, they are either just amusing themselves or just seeing if they can get it. Example: One well-known rapper's opening line to me was "you know I wanna bone you right?" Romantic....it's like shooting fish in a barrel to get with these guys.

So why is opening your legs and putting your mouth on someone cause celebre'? I could even allow if she was an interesting hoe, which she is not, just delusional. I am dumbfounded every time she calls herself "a great mother" (in her book she admits to leaving her son with various strangers for long stretches of time, without checking on him) or a "best-selling author" with her embarrassing elementary school style of writing. Check with Toni Morrison on that one.

What does make her different from the thousands of other women who have similar stories (whether they went there or not) is that Supahead's mouth (and other holes) are 20 sizes bigger in a shameless quest for fame at any cost. I agree with Jamie Foxx and the moniker he bestowed her on his radio show: "Pre-paid hooker". Please let this movie go to the nearest dusty 99 cent DVD bin.

For a funny post about Supaho, click here.

Lady Looks The Blues....

A looong way from "Mahogany". rws

Hmmmmm.....

Interesting....from AOL:

Rock star Lenny Kravitz will finally follow the steps of his mother, actress Roxie Roker (The Jeffersons), ex-wife Lisa Bonet (The Cosby Show), and daughter Zoe (The Brave One) and make his acting debut in the independent film 'Push', which is being directed by Lee Daniels.

Also featured in the film are Mo'nique, Paula Patton and newcomer Gabourey "Gabbie" Sidibe.

According to Variety, the film is about Clareece "Precious" Jones, an overweight, illiterate African-American teen in Harlem. Just as she's about to give birth to her second child, Jones is accepted into an alternative school where a teacher (Patton) helps her find an alternative path in her life. Mo'nique plays the girl's mother and Kravitz plays a nurse who shows kindness to Jones.

From IW: Is Lee the reason why Lenny had that short term ill-advised James Brown hair?

Please, Please, Please--Just Be Quiet

So there is this "black" film critic that is seemingly starved for attention, Armond White, who is always going against the grain. I don't really speak on him, cause I think he does it on purpose so he can see and hear his name in public. He said some pretty f'd up things about the Don Cheadle/Kasi Lemmons movie "Talk To Me", which I commented on this summer in my post "Urkel Is That You?" and here.

Well, it seems that Mr. White is still riding the crazy train to senility based on an article I read on The Politic.Com:

Black Cinema & White Criticism

Armond White rides to the defense of mediocre black director Tyler Perry. Why is Perry consistently slaughtered by the critics? Yep, you guessed it. If you have an ear for the absurd with an intellectual bend, this may be one of the funniest articles you ever read. Some excerpts [including a spirited defense of R. Kelly’s “vernacular”]:

"Most critics don’t “get” Tyler Perry basically because most critics are whites who are not only clueless about Perry’s African-American culture, but unsympathetic to his particular expression.

"It’s alarming that American film critics alienate themselves from the aspects of Perry’s films that should be universal.

"Perry’s critical beat-down isn’t an issue of knowledge—or taste—so much as cultural preference.

"Nothing in Knocked Up is as meaningful as Perry’s spectacle of men who must restrain their anger physically or his politically incorrect fashion show of women proudly, luxuriously wearing furs as signs of pleasure and achievement.

"This happens to be the basis of R. Kelly’s extraordinary music-video opera, Trapped in the Closet—a work of true genius that the media has also underrated and ridiculed. The media mocks R. Kelly’s vernacular (calling it “crazy” is the easiest way to avoid its daring and brilliance) just as Perry’s comedy and Eddie Murphy’s in Norbit are disdained as unsophisticated or vulgar.

"Besides, Denzel will take us back to modern slavery next month.

From IW: What?

Today In B'Days

Nia Long is 37-wow.

I was never excited by her as an actress, but she has been in plenty of high profile black films, and is a staple of Black Hollywood. Happy birthday.

Michael Beach is 44.

She Must Be Having Whitley Flashbacks....

From Rhymes With Snitch. This may explain why Jasmine's been looking 70 instead of 40:

OK, so Jasmine Guy co-executive directed the Turks and Caicos film festival last week and invited Amanda Bynes to collect the "Rising Star" award. I know, why the hell would she invite Amanda Bynes? Because of Hairspray? Who went to see that? Anyway, after demanding four first class airline tickets and two double hotel suites, Amanda arrived on the Island and didn't attend one single event. She even bailed on a celebrity boat cruise with Michael Clarke Duncan and Gabrielle Union. They say she spent the whole time jet skiing. Anyway, after Jasmine confronted her, Amanda's people sent word that if Jasmine spoke to Amanda again, she'd leave and not accept her award. Amanda's friends told Page Six that Jasmine acted like a "drunken bitch" and that her husband even apologized to Amanda for it. "She's crazy," Mandy's friends said, "She [Jasmine] was screaming at her, 'I didn't invite you here to have fun! I invited you to work!'

From IW: Didn't they already have this festival 2 months ago? I wrote about it here. Why would you make Amanda Bynes of all people be the guest of honor? Are you trying to be purposely low-budget? Why is Jasmine Guy directing anything? Why is there a persistent rumor that Eddie Murphy's ex and her newly stripper-sized chest is messing around with Lisa Raye's husband (the Prime Minister of Turks & Caicos)....and why wasn't Lisa Raye there-what else does she have to do?

Soooo many questions.....

Update: Received this pic from coloredgirlswhohaveconsidered. Put the glass down, girl, just put it down.

Don't Mean To Be A Debbie Downer But....

I was talking to one of my friends yesterday who told me that they had a bootleg copy of "American Gangster". It was strange, I actually felt my heart drop.

I have never been one to scream anti-piracy or "don't break the law".....I feel most studios make a gang of over-inflated dough, and I am certainly no angel myself. My thing is live and let live, unless there are serious disrespect issues.

Someone even sent me an email (albeit a kinda crazy one) pleading that I blog something about the piracy of American Gangster...I was still unmoved. I know that people can't always afford the movies, can't get a sitter, and if they're like me, really don't like going to the theater (too cold, people flappin' the lips, etc.)

I saw a screener of the movie that someone who worked on the film had, so I got lucky....I really don't know why I want this film to do well, but I do.....I think it's because Denzel is the closest thing we have to a Sidney Poitier in this generation--and he keeps us looking dignified and intelligent at all times.

I don't wanna preach, but if this time you can support this instead of the corner bootleg man...especially since I think it's awfully damned suspicious that a pristine copy was made available....."something in the milk ain't clean" as the kids say.

For more suspicious activity as of late, check out the shenanigans that happened with Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married" here (make sure to scroll down). Unclean milk indeed.

TERRENCE WATCH!-part five

It's about time I got some Terrence news...I was starting to get the sweats! From Dlisted:

Terrence Howard left Crimson the other night in Los Angeles with a lovely blonde and by lovely blonde I mean skanky natural brunette. Something tells me that isn't a Halloween costume Terrence is wearing. A velour tracksuit to a nightclub? Poor girl is totally looking for the baby wipes. "I swear I had them earlier Terrence! I swear! My coochie is clean!!!"

From IW: I knew it was only a matter of time before he went there....he looked waaay too comfortable hanging out with Paris Hilton. She can have him; at this point I can't see any self-respecting sista wanting to deal with his madness (and those outfits, murse *manpurse* intact).

Hanging out in L.A.? I might have to do some up-close surveillance, haha.

wtf is that chick wearing in the back?

Today In B'Days

Miss Best Weave in Hollywood (she really won that!), Gabrielle Union is 35. I thought she was still in her 20's....her skin looks fantastic.

Tracee Ellis Ross is also 35. She looks pretty good too.

Melba Moore is 62, and I wonder why she isn't acting these days?

Update: Purple Zoe said Melba looks great for her age; agreed for sure. I received this note from her manager:

i am melba moores manager ron richardson [in] answer to your question melba would be acting if the right roles came about. if you know of any holler pass my number on to anyone interested. shes still here. her last movie was the fighting temptations with beyonce knowles but its time for larger roles. she's a legend and deserves it. she hasn't lost a beat her, my space page is www.myspace.com/melbamoore attached is her latest shot.

Oh Dennis....

The bad wigs, the thrift store dress, the non-matching purse, the old lady nail polish....

When is Dennis Rodman gonna learn that if you really like to dress as a tranny, the first requirement is fierceness? Get thee to Tyra Banks and her lacefront closet.

pic from dlisted

Jamie Foxx In Another "Interracial" Relationship...

Hopefully this one will be better than "Miami Vice", a movie that I absolutely hated. Being from San Francisco, this is of special interest to me, but it does sound promising--it might be another "Zodiac", which I did like. From AOL:

Jamie Foxx is getting good at playing law enforcement. Although most people didn't seen his latest film, 'The Kingdom', judging by the box office numbers, where he plays a member of the CIA, they may go see him in his next role as a detective in "The Zebra Murders: A Season of Killing, Racial Madness, and Civil Rights."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Foxx will play Prentice Earl Sanders, one of two trailblazing black detectives who set out to solve a series of racially motivated serial killings that rocked San Francisco in the fall and winter of 1973-74. Ultimately, Sanders -- who, along with writer Bennett Cohen, recounted the story in the book on which the film is based -- ends up becoming the chief of police after the detectives successfully win their own battle against racism and harassment within the force.

Today In B'Days

Ruby Dee is 83. She plays Frank Lucas' mother in American Gangster, and is still quite the fiery little lady...I even forgive her for looking like she was gonna stab me in my eyeball once for having a conversation with her husband Ossie, haha.

Time For A Little Blog Lovin'.....

Must, must, MUST give love to the blog O Hell Nawl!. Every time I get on that b__ch I laugh out loud, and I loves to laugh. There is a team of folkses over there that are smart, witty, and completely the fool, even the comments are funny. Lighten and brighten your day and check them out.

My blog is obviously slanted for my community (I felt it was needed), but believe me, my world is wide open. I would like to give it up for some blogs that make me laugh too, authored by the brothers from another mother:

D-Listed: This dude Michael K. would be in an institution if he wasn't blogging, and I think I love him. He got me on the blogs like Bob-bay on crack.

What Sucks: He is really and truly on point about the suck factor, and has a pointed wit that deserves it's own T.V. show.

News As Gossip: I believe this dude is a comedy writer, but he is probably much, much funnier than anybody he writes for.

Enjoy!

i know the picture is a bit odd, but what can i say? i liked it

Oh Jada....

*sigh*

Jada and her "band" Wicked Wisdom. Some posts just write themselves.

spotted on babes, bling, and booze

Speaking Of Frank Lucas....

Is the new movie "American Gangster" taking even more than the normal Hollywood liberties? Reader Cassandra sent over an article of interest involving Frank Lucas and Bumpy Johnson's widow. For those who don't know, Bumpy was Frank Lucas' mentor and was the subject of the Bill Duke directed "Hoodlum", played by Laurence Fishburne. She contends that Frank is a big fat phony, for lack of a better phrase:

Frank Lucas, the dope-dealer portrayed by Denzel Washington in the upcoming movie, American Gangster, is a low-down good-for-nothing liar. This according to someone whom would know -- Mayme Johnson.

Johnson is the 93-year-old widow of the infamous Harlem gangster Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson -- the man whom Lucas says was his mentor and who taught him everything he knows. Lucas goes on to say that he was Bumpy's second-in-command, and that Bumpy died in his arms in 1968.

"Frank wasn't nothing but a flunky, and one that Bumpy never did really trust," says Johnson, author of the upcoming book, Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. "Bumpy would let Frank drive him around, but you'd better believe that he was never in any important meetings or anything. Bumpy figured Frank as a liar, and he would say you can trust a thief quicker than a liar, because a thief steals because he needs money, while a liar lies for the hell of it."

Johnson says she was furious when she first found out that Lucas told a magazine writer that Bumpy died in his arms. Lucas, she says, was nowhere around the night that Bumpy died from a heart attack while dining at the famous Wells Restaurant on Seventh Avenue in Harlem. She says Lucas probably thought he could get away with the lie because he figured everyone who was around Bumpy at the time is now dead.

"Junie Byrd's gone, Nat Pettigrew's gone, Sonny Chance is gone, and Finley Hoskin's gone. Frank would never have said any garbage like that if one of them were alive because he'd know they'd come after him," Johnson says. "I bet he thought I was gone, too, but I'm not. I'm 93, and I don't have Alzheimer's or dementia, and I'm not senile. Frank Lucas is a damn liar and I want the world to know it."

Johnson says she thinks it's a shame that Lucas was able to fool Hollywood into believing that he's a bigger shot than he really is, and points out that if he lied about his relationship with Bumpy there's no telling what else he may have lied about in the movie. As far as she's concerned, Johnson states, everything in the movie is now suspect.

"That's why I'm writing this book after all this time," Johnson explains. "There have been legends, myths, and rumors flying around about Bumpy for decades, and I've never spoken to confirm or deny anything -- even when the movie Hoodlum was released in 1997 and contained all kinds of factual errors about the man I loved. You see I never thought the errors were malicious, they just didn't know better. But this . . . well, Frank does know better.

"So now I've finally decided to speak out. To set the record straight. To tell the truth and damn the devil. To let the world know about the real Bumpy Johnson."

From IW: In Frank's defense, even by her own admission Mayme was not the angel she was portrayed as in "Hoodlum" by Vanessa Williams. And whose to say she doesn't have an agenda of her own since, as she says, she and Frank are the only ones who are still around to know? Interesting just the same. If you would like to see the rest of her story, click here.

Countdown To American Gangster....

Saw a screener of "American Gangster" today. I don't really want to review and spoil it for folks, (I'll post my thoughts later) but I will give a few odd and end tidbits....

-Scary hair everywhere, from RZA's receding lopsided fro, to Russell Crowe's partner's Hall and Oates shag, to the worst parted wig and fake mustache in movie history on Joe Morton.

-Common plays T.I.'s father (?!)

-Somebody gets their ass whipped with a piano (don't ask).

-"Across 110th Street" is still the jam.

-Roger Guenveur Smith's eyes are actually open and alert looking.

-Chiwetel Ejiofor is starting to look miiiighty fine.

That is all.

this is a picture of the real frank lucas...a bit of a stretch from denzel, yes?

Pro-Noosers Not Welcome Here....

I noticed an interesting surge of traffic today after arriving home from the American Black Film Festival. After investigating, I saw a lot of it came from a site called kottke.org, which in and of itself is a noteworthy blog. It was a simple round-up of hyperlinks, that looked exactly like this:

Wes Anderson is racist.

Dr. James Watson is racist.

Tyler Perry critics are racist.

The fashion industry is racist. Halle Berry is racist.

The Department of Homeland Security is racist.

Indie rock is racist.

Global warming is racist.

Martin Amis is racist.

Iggy Pop is racist.

Pixar is racist.

Michael Bay is racist.

 Oct 25, 2007 • tags: racism

As simple as that, not even a post title. For some reason, my blog received the last tag for my post "Racism and Robots", which was a repost of a review of "Transformers" that The Angry Black Woman reposted from somebody else. I was like third in line, and the editor of the other blog I contribute to "Bonez", reposted it in his own words after me.

Even tho I didn't write the review, nor have I seen the film (and don't plan to) I thought it was a thoughtful perspective of one movie-goer's experience. While this kottke post did bring a string of folks to check out my blog, it also brought some that I have no interest in having here.

Let me make this perfectly clear: I have a community here of thoughtful, intelligent, and curious folks, that even if they don't agree with an opinion, they are respectful in their disagreement and usually give a reason why. What I love is that I don't have sniveling, cowardly "anonymous" posters that have something fucked up to say but are too fucked up themselves to reveal their identity. If you believe in what you say, why hide in your faceless indentity while saying it? You know why? Cause inside, you know it's a fucked up thing to think and say too.

While I welcome other's opinions, even if I don't agree with them, if you are pro-noose, anti-diversity, and believe that certain factions of society have no right to be here, this is absolutely NOT the place for you to hang out. And certainly not the place for you to leave your most unwanted "anonymous" hateful comments. There are lots of places for you to go, and you are not welcome here.

I find it interesting that the pictures of my anti-noose post of Emmitt Till are suddenly "missing" and the only pictures on my blog that are. To my regular readers, you are appreciated more than you know.

Milk Carton Alert!

What the eff happened to Taimak (he's 43!) and Julius Carry, aka "Sho'Nuff" (check out his normal picture!) from "The Last Dragon"? I wanted to know, and so did Jon from the positive blog "Chimeric Daydreams".

While Julius Carry has worked steadily in TV (could've fooled me) on shows like "Moesha" and "Half and Half", Taimak has had some spotty B-roles, oddly enough using his real life name coupled with a made up last name for his characters. Weird.

If you're interested, here is his official website, and I think he's singing/talking on it, also weird: http://www.taimak.tv/. Take a look at some exercise DVD tomfoolery he made unleashed on an unsuspecting public:

Damn! Embedding disabled...guess he needs you to buy, but here is the link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RmEIbeVYTBs

The Last Dragon Trailer

Why do people love this movie so? It was completely ridiculous, completely unrealistic, and completely low-budget, with really bad music. My guess is a) everybody loves karate and kung-fu b) people have love for Berry Gordy (who produced) c) my reason-Taimak was fine! (horrible Michael Jackson-like stage kisses and all) and d) nostalgia for Vanity.

TERRENCE WATCH!-part four

O where o where is my beloved Terrence? The minute I decide to start my on-going surveillance, he disappears into the woodwork and decides to get smart and be quiet. Not even a bad wardrobe choice to speak on.

Must be a new publicist....

American Black Film Festival Starts Up This Thursday...

The 11th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) gets rolling this week in Los Angeles after being in South Beach, Miami for for the past five years. The festival will run from Thursday, October 25th through Sunday, October 28 and will screen 36 official selections and 11 special screenings including 27 world premieres, four docs and five shorts.

The opening film of the festival is Sony/Screen Gems, "This Christmas," produced by Rainforest Films' Will Packer and starring Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Loretta Divine, Chris Brown, Mekhi Phifer and Regina King. The closing films are "Cover," directed by Bill Duke and starring Vivica A. Fox, Louis Gossett, Jr., Paula Jai Parker, Patti LaBelle and Aunjanue Ellis, and "Three Can Play That Game" directed by Moddy Mod and starring Vivica A. Fox, Tony Rock, and Jazsmine Lewis.

A highlight of the festival is the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the HBO Short Film Competition which awards a $20,000 prize. “Looking back on 10 years of the HBO Short Film Award, we have had the privilege of supporting 45 filmmakers at the beginning of their careers. Many have gone on to garner other awards, directed their first feature or studio film. We add five more to the competition this year and one distinguished winner. This has been one of the most rewarding endeavors in which HBO has been involved,” said Olivia Smashum (?!), executive vice-president of Affiliate Marketing for HBO.

Among the other ABFF highlights includes "Redrum" starring Jill Marie Jones, and "The Box" starring Gabrielle Union.

In addition to the film screenings, which will run daily from 12 noon to 10pm at the Mann Theatres in The Beverly Center, there will be special screenings of four titles on the ABFF DVD Series-- a partnership with Warner Home Video, as well as screenings sponsored by Codeblack Entertainment and First Look Studios.

A new program, “Off The Red Carpet", will spotlight industry insiders such as producer Tracey Edmonds, writer/directors Kasi Lemmons and Reggie Rock Blythewood, writer Norman Vance, Jr., and actor and Geffen recording artist Common.

For more info: http://www.abff.com/.

A Black Slasher Movie?

From the director of YOU GOT SERVED & HOUSE PARTY 4, comes this urban horror/thriller on the order of CABIN FEVER, THE HILLS HAVE EYES, and WRONG TURN. SOMEBODY HELP ME delivers a chill a minute as the story revolves around characters Brendan Young (Marques Houston) and Darryl Jennings (Omarion) as they head off with friends and their respective girlfriends for a weekend stay at a remote cabin in the woods. After the couples settle in and start to enjoy the weekend, things take an eerie turn. On trips into the local town, they start to have strange encounters with some of the townspeople who seem a bit askew. One by one of group ends up missing or dead, while the dwindling group is forced to ban together more and more to figure out who or what is behind the killings. Ultimately, they discover even more than they bargain for in a chilling reveal. c&d

From IW: Even tho it is very, very, very rare that I like a film in this genre, I must admit that I am curious....a slasher/horror flick from the dude that directed You Got Served and House Party 4? With Marques Houston and Omarion? Sorry, but this is a must-see for me.

Shout out to reader Janice for letting me know about the screening, but I have some screenings to attend for the American Black Film Festival that day. I'll relay what I see to you guys....

A Little Eye Candy For The Ladies...

Idris Elba and Denzel Washington at a premier for "American Gangster".

is it me or is denzel getting a bit...."healthy"?

Gabby and Morris Chestnut Reteam in Xmas Film

There are a couple of Black Christmas movies coming out.....this one has a whole mixed bag of folkses in it. Spotted on AOL:

Coming out in December is another Christmas themed film, 'The Perfect Holiday'. Not to be confused with 'This Christmas', which stars Chris Brown and Regina King, this film has Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Queen Latifah, Charlie Murphy, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Rachel True, Katt Williams, Jill Marie Jones, Malik Hammond, Khail Bryant, & Jeremy Gumbs.

An African American take on the classic and beloved Christmas family film, 'The Perfect Holiday' tells the story of Nancy (Union), a divorced mother of three who is so busy raising her children that she's forgotten to take care of herself as well. With Christmas fast approaching, she decides to take her kids to the mall to meet Santa Claus, not knowing that her youngest daughter Emily (Khail Bryant) has sensed her mother's sadness and is determined to use her time with Santa to make her mom happy again. Just a few days prior, Emily heard her mom say that all she wanted for Christmas was a compliment from a man, so that's exactly what she tells Santa. Ironically, Santa, as it turns out, is office supply salesman and struggling songwriter Benjamin (Chestnut), who ends up giving Nancy just what she wants for Christmas, and much, much more.

'The Perfect Holiday' was written, produced, and directed by Lance Rivera (The Cookout) and will be released in theaters on December 12th.

From IW: Union and Chestnut were an interesting team-up in "Two Can Play That Game", and it's nice to see that Jill Marie Jones, who was mentioned last week, is doing something high profile. But all gorgeous Union wants is a compliment from a man? C'mon now....and since 'The Cookout" is on my top five list of worst black movies ever, and this has the same director, my hopes are not, how do you say, exactly high.

Black Stars On The Starwalk

There is a blog that I love called "Discover Black Heritage". It features points of interest and historical significance specific to our community all across the country. Of course now that I'm in Los Angeles, her recent posts on it were of special interest to me, particularly the one on the Blacks featured on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. They are as follows, in alphabetical order:

A - C
Muhammad Ali, Debbie Allen, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Marian Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Pearl Bailey, Anita Baker, Count Basie, Harry Belafonte, George Benson, Chuck Berry, Halle Berry, James Brown, LeVar Burton, Mariah Carey, Diahann Carroll, Benny Carter, Ray Charles, James Cleveland, Natalie Cole, Nat “King” Cole, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Sam Cooke, Don Cornelius, Bill Cosby, Scatman Crothers, Andrae Crouch.

D - G
Destiny’s Child, Dorothy Dandridge, Billy Daniels, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Fats Domino, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Eckstine, Duke Ellington, the Fifth Dimension, Stepin’ Fetchit, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Step Brothers, the Four Tops, Jamie Foxx, Aretha Franklin, Morgan Freeman, Errol Garner, Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Danny Glover, Berry Gordy, Louis Gossett, Jr.,Robert Guillaume.

H - K
Arsenio Hall, Herbie Hancock, Al Hibbler, the Harlem Globetrotters, Jester Hairston, Lionel Hampton, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Hall, Billie Holiday, Linda Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Lena Horne, Janet Jackson, Mahalia Jackson, Michael Jackson, the Jacksons, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Etta James, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Eartha Kitt, Gladys Knight.

L - R
Patti LaBelle, Cleavon Little, Little Richard, Frankie Lymon, Bob Marley, Larry McCormick, Johnny Mathis, Hattie McDaniel, Oscar Micheaux, the Mills Brothers, Thelonious Monk, Eddie Murphy, Nichelle Nichols, the Nicholas Brothers, Brock Peters, the Pointer Sisters, Sidney Poitier, Charley Pride, Richard Pryor, Queen Latifah, Lou Rawls, Della Reese, Lionel Richie, Chris Rock, Paul Robeson, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross.

S - Z
Isabel Sanford, John Singleton, Wesley Snipes, the Spinners, Donna Summer, the Supremes, the Temptations, Tina Turner, Cicely Tyson, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, Forest Whitaker, Billy Dee Williams, Joe Williams, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Wilson and Stevie Wonder.

Upcoming ceremonies in 2008 will include Angela Bassett, among others.

Address: 6299 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Map & Driving Directions Official Website: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

From I.W.: Some of these I can see very easily, but others, ummm, not so much...

There was another post that was also of interest to me, and certainly new information:

Dubbed by locals as the Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood, the Hollywood La Brea Gateway is a 30-foot tall Eiffel Tower shaped gazebo located near the start of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The structure, supported by four silver statuettes, is a tribute to the multi-ethnic actresses of Hollywood. The figures represent Mae West, Anna May Wong, Dolores Del Rio and Dorothy Dandridge, the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress for her portrayal of Carmen Jones in 1954.

Address: Intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and LaBrea, Los Angeles, CA

IW: I went to look at it, and even tho it really doesn't look like Dorothy Dandridge to me, at least they tried.

Cheapskate 6

The crew on Spike Lee's new movie, "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You," are pissed off. "A lot of people took pay cuts to do Spike a favor," said one crew member, who estimated 20-30 people were out up to $3,000 each. An accountant for production company Drop Squad said: "It's not a matter of if [they get paid], but when." rws

From IW: What is up with that? I once worked for a black director notorious for not paying his folkses, but Spike has come a long way since "She's Gotta Have It." There is absolutely no excuse...$3000 each? He probably has enough to pay them all in his wallet on the daily.

The King and Queen Of Black DVD's

Clifton Powell and Vivica Fox star in some new bootleggery with DMX. Spotted on C&D:

Father of Lies is a classic story of good vs. evil. Bishop Calvin Jacobs (Clifton Powell) is a well-meaning pastor whose drive and passion raised the profile of his church through serving his the needs of the congregation. Fortune takes a sudden turn one day during a board meeting, in which it is discovered that the church's funds have been mysteriously depleted. With the church's existence in danger, he is forced to resort to desperate means to save his church community. He accepts a high-stakes loan from an international tycoon, who is involved in more than just normal business practices. Setting off a chain of events that involve international political scandal and even the death of one of the church's leaders, the Bishop calls on the higher power to rise above these struggles.


I think out of the 5000 movies Clifton has made, this is the first time I've seen him as a lead. Good luck.

If You Can't Direct One Drug Dealer Film, Find Another

This was a man on a mission. From AOL:

If one gangster film was let go from his hands, another was dropped off. Before Ridley Scott directed "American Gangster" which stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, Antoine Fuqua was attached to do the film, but left the project over creative differences with the producer, Brian Grazer. He has since moved on having directed 'Shooter' with Mark Walhberg earlier this year.

Now, he will get the chance to direct a gangster film, but this one is more famous that Frank Lucas. According to Variety, Fuqua will direct "Escobar," a biopic about the notorious Colombian cocaine trafficker Pablo Escobar that aspires to be the first of two rival pics on the subject to make it into production.

From I.W.: Uhh, is there really nothing else to talk about on film in Hollywood these days?

No Haterade Served Here...

I was going to use this post to review Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?", but decided to change it up a bit....

Though very spiritual, I am not much of a church-goer (growing up Catholic pretty much took care of that) and my life, as far as relationships go, is pretty stress and drama-free (now, haha), so I could only relate to Tyler Perry's movies and plays on a certain level. But I always appreciated how he has put himself out there, and has excelled completely, 100%, on his own terms, even while being criticized at every turn. It comes close to a miracle. It is also a great allegory of life; don't let anyone get you down or get in the way of your dreams, that's real talk.

One thing about art is that it means different things to different people. That's why I don't mind when people say "How could you like Shadowboxer?" cause I got out of it some things that they probably didn't see...that's the beauty of Tyler Perry's films. Someone said that he has a built in audience, and yes, he does, with good reason. He speaks volumes in our community about everyday trials and tribulations related to us on a multitude of levels, both comical and serious. And if you can't relate to one thing he's addressing just hold tight, cause inevitably there'll be something else that will hit close to home.

cgwhc forwarded this note he wrote to his fans...nothing I can say about this film could represent it better than this, in my opinion. It is also very representative of a black filmmaker's experience with his black and non-black colleagues and counterparts:

Hello, hello, hello!

Before I get into this I just want you to know that this one may be a little long. (smile)

These last two weeks I have been on a promotional tour for MARRIED. 9 states, 25 private screenings, several TV and radio appearances; all in about 12 days! And let me tell you--it has taken a toll.

- I have been told that since I'm not in a dress this movie wouldn't work.

- I have been called a racist (among other things) because there are no other races represented in this film (that's not something that I ever think about...I just want to tell a good story).

- I have been lied to, tricked, deceived.There was one reporter, who I was told was coming from New York to do a favorable piece. She sat in my office and smiled and asked me all kinds of questions. When the article came out it was all out of context and all about how my movies are the worst thing that have ever happened to Black people and that I am doing nothing but modern day step-and-fetch it, and that I'm just trying to get rich. I was shocked and quite upset by the trickery. Not only by her but also the things that were said about this movie in print were so awful. Several Hollywood trades didn't even mention that MARRIED was a contender for number one. They thought that the number one would be George Clooney's movie or Mark Walburg's movie.

Now I had never ever read any of this stuff in the past, but for some reason I felt lead to read it this time. The venom and disdain for what I do was apparent. And speaking of venom, what they did to Janet was unacceptable. Janet, who was under no obligation at all to promote this movie, sat with me while I was doing a round of TV interviews. Half way through the three hours of sitting in the same spot she was attacked by a reporter on a Sacramento morning show who only wanted to talk about the Super Bowl incident.

Now, I made it perfectly clear before we went live on the air that I wasn't talking about the Super Bowl or Janet's family. We had less than 5 minuets so I wanted to keep it positive and focus on the movie. But he didn't want to keep it positive. I had to maintain my composure because we were live on the air. I didn't let her speak. I kept jumping in because it was just so unfair to her. I have not seen Justin Timberlake attacked like that. I wasn't going to let them do that to her. Believe me when I tell you--Janet worked so hard on this film. She deserved more respect from this man than that! We both did.

In the midst of all of this I was fighting trying to get more screens because every other movie that opens with a track record like mine have not had to deal with fighting for screens. Most of the movies of my counterparts open on at least 3,000 screens. MARRIED was given 2,000. Needless to say I was exhausted and mentally drained. So, by this time it was last Thursday and I just had no more to give. So, when I started to write that email (about the movie and for you to please check your tickets and so on) all that I could think was, "Tyler don't let these people get you down. As a matter of fact, speak a word of encouragement to the people that have been there for you and let that be that!"

Every time I'm overwhelmed by negative I just have to remember how good God has been to me. And as I was thinking about all of this all I could hear was LIVE YOUR DREAM BOY! LIVE YOUR DREAM!!

I wrote to you about dreams because I was just in a place of realizing that I had done all that I could do and the movie was in God's hands, so I just wanted to encourage somebody. After I sent that email to you I was reading your responses on the message board and, well, you don't know what you did for me. Here I was thinking that I was encouraging you and then you turned around and encouraged me! That's why I thank God for you and your messages.

But little did I know how much more was to come...Jesus!!!

So, now cut to Friday. . .Dear GOD!!!

I decided to go to the movie and just relax. I was trying to buy tickets online so I tried the 7 o'clock show. It was sold out. I then tried the 8. It was sold out. Then the 9. It, too, was sold out! So I thought, "I need to call the theater. Maybe they'll save me a seat since I know some of the folks that are in this movie." (smile)

After the movie started I was brought into the back of the theater, and no sooner than I sat down I realized why I was having such a battle. I then realized why there was such an attack. As I looked at the faces of the people in this theater laughing and crying I got it. I got it! I had a feeling that this movie was special, but I didn't know how special. I could literally see husbands and wives coming together. I could see people letting go of past hurts. And I could feel forgiveness in the air. I enjoyed watching your faces while you watched the movie. Between the tears in my eyes and the watching of your faces I didn't get see much of the movie.

And then I got home and went to the message board and you all confirmed in words all that I was feeling in that theater. So, with all of that said I want to say to you, thank you. Thank you for crowding into those theaters. Thank for dealing with the headaches. Thank you for fighting your way across town. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for the number one movie in America. You did that and believe me--all of the ones that I mentioned at the top of this email are shaking their heads wondering why their weapons didn't prosper.

Truly Grateful,

Tyler

The Other Heroin Dealer....

When I get new readers, they may sometimes think I'm on the late train with a current movie that I haven't really mentioned...the truth is, I might have talked about it a couple of months ago, i.e. "American Gangster".

By now everyone knows about the film, but what about the man the movie is based on, Frank Lucas (along with Bumpy Johnson and Nicky Barnes)? cgwhc from Colored Girls Who Have Considered forwarded me a link to an absorbing biographical article on him that appeared in New York Magazine entitled "The Return Of Superfly" (which the movie is supposedly based on). And unlike Nicky Barnes, he actually seems like he might have learned something from his experiences. If you'd like to read the article click here.

trivia: cuba gooding is playing nicky barnes in american gangster. also, the original title of the movie was going to be "the return of superfly" thank goodness for that change.

"Mr. Untouchable" Part 2

Earlier in the week, I posted about a film called "Mr. Untouchable". I was alerted to the screening by Mrs. Grapevine. I feel a rapport with MGV--one, cause we started blogging around the same time (June) and two, we think a lot alike on some things, this being one.

I am gonna post some of our email conversation on this film, cause it pretty much sums it up. I changed a couple things in this exchange to protect the innocent (haha), but it is 98% intact:

IW:

What did you think of that movie?

MGV:

1)I liked the film, but of course I have problems with it. I love documentaries, and I have watched everything from Eyes On the Prize to Pimps Up Ho's Down. I am really tired of them glorifying this lifestyle instead of focusing on the fall. With so many celebrity men going down for such foolishness, I think the message should be clear, this man fell from grace and he fell hard.

2)This is what our generation inherited, and they wonder why gansta rap is what it is. This man is from the same generation as Al Sharpton, so this problem has existed for 40 or so years, and now they want to blame this generation for mistakes passed on to them. These are the role models in the hood, and now more films to glorify them.

3)What's up with all the white men thinking they are black and it's okay to say "nigga" on film. They don't have a black pass with me, so I was highly offended.

4)It also promotes rivalry, and now I know why it's released so close to American Ganster the movie. It also glorifies violence, Mr. Barnes doesn't even seem to be remorseful about killing other black men.Having been close to this lifestyle and having friends to make dumb choices in it, I just really want the message to be clear, nothing lasts forever and it's a long fall. Overall I give it a C+ or B-. There isn't anything special about it or unique. No cool angle or take on the movie.The one cool thing I learned while researching him, is that part of NewJack City, the movie, was based on him. So looking for those links was pretty cool

IW:

Girl, you are soooo on point. And that nigga/white boy thing got me too...in the audience all the whites laughed at the "honorary nigga" thing (which that dude was clearly enamored with) while all of the blacks were stonefaced. It was a small amount of folks at the screening, only about maybe 10 or 12.

To be quite honest, I left before it was over. I found it repetitive, glorifying and highlighting the life instead of the fall, and like you said, absolutely nothing new. The coolest thing was the old footage they showed....it reminded me of some scenes I used to see when I was a little girl visiting New York and Jersey (where my parents are from).

I think this Mark Levin dude had a lot more to do with this than Damon Dash....when I worked in rap I repeatedly saw how these young European A&R guys would be completely entranced by any parts of streetlife and anyone "hardcore". It was embarrassing to watch....the director is probably from that ilk--and a cool 70's soundtrack does not make a movie.

I'll probably post your review, if it's ok with you, cause I don't really have anything reflective or positive to say.....

MGV:

And another thing, all this corruption went down because of a woman, and he turned on his wife, the mother of his children. One word: trifling!

So that's that. Anyhoo, one reader commented that Damon Dash gets a lot of publicity when he teams with Lee Daniels. I say with good reason.....Damon should consistently be a backer for Lee, and leave the solo projects alone for a bit. The reader also wanted to know how Dash gets the cash for these films, since we all know most of it was funneled to Jay-Z. My thought is he is just the face on a silent investment group. If you'd like to read Mrs. Grapevine's review of the film, click here.

Would Toni Childs Do This Movie?

When she left 'Girlfriends' a couple of seasons ago, Jill Marie Jones decided to reinvent herself and ignite a film career. She's completed a few films already, the latest being 'Major Movie Star' with Jessica Simpson and Vivica A. Fox.

In her first role as a lead actress, 'Redrum' will be shown at this year's American Black Film Festival (ABFF) (Oct.25-28), which will take place in Los Angeles.

Featured in the film with Jones are Jenifer Lewis, Kenny Young, Chris Spencer, Danny Woodburn, Terri Vaughn, Rodney Perry, Joe Torry, and Reginald Ballard. aol

From I.W.: I'm still tryin' to figure out if her move to leave "Girlfriends" was linear, up, or down....not looking that great so far, but I wish her well.

At any rate, I'll be at the festival, and I'll relay the shenanigans to ya'll.

Something Kinda Not So New......

Sanaa Lathan will get romantically involved with Matthew Broderick (?!) in the upcoming film "Wonderful World".

According to Variety, the film centers on a depressed, divorced, and unemployed father who finds solace in his Senegalese roommate's sister.

matthew broderick is an odd choice....not only does he seem very "american", he's always seemed to have a touch of the zest, i'm just sayin'....

Mr. Untouchable

Going to a screener of "Mr. Untouchable" tonight. It is produced by Damon Dash, who has also produced two very, very interesting and different films (in my opinion) "Shadowboxer" which I have discussed on this blog, and "The Woodsman" with Kevin Bacon. "State Property" nonwithstanding.

The story relayed is this:

The true-life story of Harlem's notorious Nicky Barnes, a junkie turned multimillionaire drug-lord.

MR. UNTOUCHABLE takes its audience deep inside the heroin industry of the1970s. The most powerful black drug kingpin in New York City history, Barnes came from humble beginnings to make himself and his comrades rich beyond their wildest dreams, ultimately reaching national infamy in 1977 when the New York Times put him on the front cover of their magazine with the headline "Mr. Untouchable."

Soon after, it all came crumbling down, and Barnes found himself serving a life sentence without parole. Feeling betrayed by his wife and friends while sitting behind bars, Barnes wanted payback, and cooperated with law enforcement by naming names in exchange his freedom under witness protection. With the first hand testimony from "the black Godfather" himself, this documentary tells an epic story of business, excess, greed and revenge.

I.W.: Normally I would be like "Oh brother, here we go again" but the trailer made me curious...I'll let you know what I thought later this week. To view the site, see here: http://www.mruntouchablemovie.com/

I tried about a dozen times to embed the trailer, but couldn't. If you'd like to see it, click this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_rRcW_BYohU

FINALLY!

Damn, there hasn't been any real news in Black Box Office in forever, let alone a number one. Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" led the pack the pack this weekend with 21.5 million. However you feel about Perry, there is definitely no stopping him now.

I tried to see an afternoon show of it, but it was sold out, (something that happens sometimes in Los Angeles) and I was too lazy to go elsewhere. Today is movie day for me, and I will be seeing it today, along with a screening tonight of "Mr. Untouchable" (thanks Mrs. Grapevine) . Details on that in the above post.

Interesting....

Spotted on Bossip:

Bryant Purvis and Carwin Jones of the Jena 6 were stuntin it up on the red carpet this weekend at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Look at them rollin up to the hip hop awards and kickin it at after parties like the Jena 6 is a rap group or something.

From I.W.: Indeed.

Martin and Malcolm (No, Not The Ones You Think)

Speaking of the Martin crew, and someone I spotlighted earlier in the week, Malcolm Lee, I spotted this on AOL. It might be funny:

Universal Pictures latest film, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, is a comedy which unites James Earl Jones and Martin Lawrence to play a father and son who share the screen with an all-star ensemble of actors from three generations. Malcolm D. Lee, who has previously brought The Best Man, Undercover Brother and Roll Bounce to the screen, directs from a screenplay he wrote.

Lawrence and Jones in the film are Margaret Avery as RJ's mother, Mama Jenkins; Joy Bryant as RJ's fiancée, Bianca; Louis C.K. as his producer, Marty; Michael Clarke Duncan as his big brother, Otis; Mike Epps as his sly cousin, Reggie; Mo'Nique as his smart-mouth sister, Betty; Nicole Ari Parker as his childhood crush, Lucinda; and Cedric the Entertainer as RJ's childhood rival, Clyde.

In Honor of Tisha Campbell's Birthday

This is some random song/video she made for some random album.

If you look at this with the sound off, this looks like something Michael Jackson would have made back in the day.

Black Hollywood Bringing You The Word....

Wow. While snooping around, I came upon a list of the cast of the Bible Experience (which Simo from Angie B. News informed me Wesley Snipes couldn't join cause of his "issues").

Tisha is on this, as well as these others:

Blair Underwood

Denzel Washington

Angela Bassett

Common

Tatyana Ali

Samuel Jackson (of course)

Mo'Nique

Faith Evans

Meagan Good

Cuba Gooding

The "Bible Experience" is described as this:

The Bible Experience is an inspiring audio Bible that features an unprecedented cast of nearly 200 of today's distinguished Hollywood actors, actresses, and musicians. It also features movie-quality sound effects and background music. This fully dramatized version of the TNIV New Testament was developed by entertainment veterans, and is a ground-breaking undertaking. The phenomenal quality draws you into Scripture and makes the Bible come alive in a new way you have never experienced before.

Today In B'Days

Tisha Cambell-Martin is 39. She hasn't really made any movies lately, but I guess she doesn't have to. It's also impossible to find a good picture of her on the web--go figure.

Ashanti is 27....and admittedly I haven't seen any of the movies she's been in.

TERRENCE WATCH!-part trois

What is up with these Dick Tracy hats?