... the other Black experience
...and to add (y'all know how I do) I jumped into some of The Amazing Spiderman which was anything but. Slight update with barely better special effects. Not terrible but I was not amazed.
= SPARKLE --- I was wondering why they haven't been running the 1976 original film starring Irene Cara, Philip Micheal Thomas, Lynette McKee, Dorian Haywood, Dwan Smith, Tony Smith (Malik Farrakhan) and Mary Alice. My brother's theory was they didn't want comparisons and I believe that could be true.
This didn't suck it just had none of the depth and feel of the original. I understand casting an American Idol winner in the lead but Jordin Sparks (ha I just got that, semi-clever) had none Irene's appeal or bashful charisma as Sparkle. Probably just needs more acting lessons. Became too clear with her scenes with Derek Luke and the rest. Everyone else did well enough if underused. Mike Epps nearly stole the film as he often has in the past as the sinister and seductive Satin Struthers. Mike definitely needs more roles dramatic and comedic.
They sanitized much of the grit out from the first film. What's strange to me is that the 1976 Sparkle was written by Joel Schumaker (writer of Batman & Robin/Forever, Car Wash, DC Cab, St. Elmo's Fire, director of The Lost Boys, The Client) and another white guy; so does this mean my theory that most white director's mess up Black stories is wrong? Well I never said it's law but it's obvious that Black filmmakers can miss the heart of their own work. This definitely is no Five Heartbeats or The Jacksons: An American Family.
All I can say is be sure to rent or buy the original.
And get the incredible soundtrack composed by Curtis Mayfield and performed by Aretha Franklin.
Permalink Reply by Natasha R. on Last movie I watched was "In Time". I think it came out like 2 years ago. But in the future time literally becomes a form of currency for people and is the only way they can stay alive. This movie really just makes you think and reminds you that you have to enjoy every second of your life. It's definitely a must see!
Permalink Reply by Natasha R. on I feel like I'm the only person who has yet to see the Hunger Games lol
Permalink Reply by Gullah*Gotham*Glitter on Sleep Hollow, Sucker Punch, and The Warriors. All three I love love love!!!
Natasha R. you ain't missing much from Hunger Games. See it if you wwish however way you wish, just don't spend big $ and expect some sci-fi classic, it's not (in my opinion).
CABIN IN THE WOODS --- Original twist on the camping/horror genre. I semi-understand the hype around this one but it wasn't that surprising but it was well done. Yes the last third of the film is pretty wild.
CHRONICLE --- The ol' handheld video camera angle a la Blair Witch/Paranormal Activity is this one's forte but also done with a cool perspective on what teenage guys would do if they really got psychic powers i.e.: telekenesis. Some points of view jump completely away to professional cameras from amateur ones but it doesn't throw it off much. The development to non-superhroes is done decently
THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS --- Dope! A straight ahead martial arts film with the added attraction of the RZA as a star & director. Good story and excellent fighting scenes, good work doing something slightly different. Had a good sense of humor and the clans were each unique. Yes the RZA pulled off the writer, actor & director's job well and didn't try to go too far to show off. Didn't know exactly what to expect but glad I wasn't disappointed. Lucy Liu was hard as the head of the brothel and Russell Crowe too as a British privateer for the crown. Worth seeing & I'll probably check it again.
BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD --- Now this was actually disappointing. The young girl Quenzhane who was the star was great but I wasn't feeling the story or how they portrayed the father as some drunk who has little balance or center as a character. The actor was obviously again doing the best he could with a weak white-written script as often happens. Aiight with what they did with limited resources but I wasn't diggin it. The wild boars were cool.
MIDDLE OF NOWHERE --- One of the best films I've seen in awhile. Story of sister trying to balance dealing with her husband in prison and the new man in her life. The script is subtle but powerful and the colors are rich and magnetic. Acting is intense without overdoing it and the ending is classic. No wonder it won the Sundance best director for Ava DuVernay.
= DIARY OF A DECADE: THE FUNKJAZZ KAFE' --- Awesome. This documentary details the quarterly festival the FunkJazz Kafe created by Jason Orr in Atlanta that ran from 1994 to 2004. Written, directed and produced by Orr, it gives an elaborate telling of how the history and changes that occured in Black music shaped the distinctive sound and fertile development of a myriad of acts coming out the city by natives and others who flocked to Atlanta during this time. Features inteviews and incredible live performances from Erykrah Badu, Goodie MOB w/Ceelo Green, Outkast, Van Hunt, Jill Scott, Bilal, Raphael Saadiq, Joi, Jamie Foxxx, Public Enemy (Chuck D narrates), Dr. Cornel West, Kevin Powell, Caron Wheeler, Loose Ends, Organized Noize, Omar, and too many other greats to name.
The uncut version is being toured across the nation now so check the website to see if it is coming near you and/or you can contact them to arrange a screening: www.funkjazzkafe.com
= RESTLESS CITY --- Debut film by photographer / artist Andrew Donsunmu. If anything, this shows 2 things: Donsunmu along with master cinematographers Bradford Young (Middle Of Nowhere) and Arthur Jafa (Eyes Wide Shut, Daughters Of The Dust) know how to create some breathtaking images. Two, that sumptuous visuals alone can't save a feature without a strong story.
Tale of a Senegalese immigrant Djibril who falls for a prostitute Trini and the problems they face. You can guess where the story goes from there and the influences. This does nothing to dim the radiance of the leads performances so you can imagine if they had more original material work with, this would be classic. The fact that the film shows the immigrant African community in New York city in such a stunning, rich visual manner is enough to watch this. Feels like it's the spoiler to Mr. Donsunmu's stirring art photos; you may see a still image and your mind abstractly tells the tale behind it. Well the those images are now in motion with a less satisfying plot. Next time this unit of virtuosos collabs, all they need is to make sure the final script & plot piece is on level with their abundant visual skills. Still worth viewing and great synergistic work with AFFRM (African American Film Releasing Movement www.affrm.com).
Hey y'allll!
check out my new band; we're a combo of screamo / rubstep / creampunk / electro-riverddance-polka with greogorian hymns on a kalimba:
Ha sike! Really this may not be another patheticly annoying band promotion but rather a pathetic plea for those who want shoot out their opinions about that film we all can't stop talking about.
Clue: it rhymes with tangooooo...
http://www.afropunk.com/forum/topics/djangoooo?commentId=2059274%3A...
Permalink Reply by Natasha R. on I saw Django too! and I LOVED it
Permalink Reply by Rosenda on Saw The Master. It was stone cold trip and I loved but the ending not answering anything was frustrating and maddening. My friend Amy who saw it with me said maybe they wanted to leave it open to make another followup movie. Joaquin Phoenix was hot and crazy and scary and wonderful in his role and so was Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
On tv (I have one of those satellite subscriptions) I saw The Miscreants of Taliwood, Juliet Of The Spirits, Nights of Cabiria (both of those two for the second time), The Photograph, The Redemption of General Butt Naked, Taqwacore, The Swenkas, and again Aidas Brothers and Sisters about black opera singers. Very cool.
© 2013 Created by Matthew.
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