“A Star is Born”-Movie Review (throwback)

Okay, I will be revealing a whole lot about myself in this review but you know what, i’m comfortable with my masculinity. lol. I think it takes a strong man to be in tune with his emotional side. So umm….<ahem>…Real talk, “A Star is Born” (1976) starring Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand, is, in my opinion, one of the best love stories of all time.  This is a remake of Judy Garland and James Mason’s original version, “A Star is Born” (1954). I first watched this movie in the mid 80s when i lived in Nigeria (my fam used to have a huuuuuuuuge movie collection/library) . Watching this movie then, even though I was much younger, I appreciated the plot and the over all story line.  I felt that it was a great movie then….19 years later, the movie I grew up with is FINALLY on DVD and i make it a point to cop it! I won’t spoil it for you guys but take my word for it….it’s a GREAT MOVIE!!! Don’t rent it! Go buy it and add it to your collection.

I’ll give you a spoiler: syke!

Click here to learn more…

~Thesis

Wild Hogs- Movie Review

(Reecie g’looks on holdin down the fort last week.)

Okay, so aside from having a busy ass work week last week I made some time to catch a few picture shows. One of them having been “Wild Hogs.” Real talk, i thought this movie was lame. I had a conversation with my manager about the movie and he, being a 45+ year old dude, could relate to the four characters in the movie. I, on the other hand, being almost half my manager’s age, could understand why middle aged men would want to reclaim their youth by riding across the terrain, HOWEVER, i was totally turned off by the acting in the movie.

I thought Travolta was overly melodramatic. I thought Martin was a lil corny and typical…I’m mad they chose Pam as his wife. lol. I’m mad i called her Pam. lol. I think Tim Allen’s character was lame. Lastly, there’s no way in hyell the geek old man could pull a woman like Marisa Tomei (okay, maybe im wildin for that last statement.) I’m just thinking that his role was a lil corny and he was too much of a geek and lacked common- sense. Marisa Tomei used to be way hotter…what happened to her? lol…

Pam’s role annoyed me…overly loud and and ghetto…just like in Martin. I just think that she wasn’t really playin a character that was out of the usual element.  I actually dozed off a lil in the movie. That’s how annoyed I was. I can’t understand how it’s the #1 in America. I’d like to see what demographic supported this movie cause I as an almost 26 year old young black male was not feelin this movie. 3 thumbs down.

~Thesis

300- Movie Review

I peeped “300″ this past Friday. Aside from the cinematography, action, and scores, I wasn’t really feelin’ the movie folks. Perhaps people who are very familiar with Greek/Spartan/Athenian, etc… history will appreciate it but I honestly wasn’t feelin the movie like that. I think it was highly amped and the only thing that worked for it was the cinematography. There wasn’t a very developed plot in the movie. We get an idea of who Spartans are, what a true Spartan warrior has to go through, and we learn that they have beef with Persians. Xerxes or Xerces is the “God-King” of Persia and is looking to conquer Earth and proclaim “his” (i put that in quotes cause the bul was a tad brokeback. lol) dominion. Of course, Spartans, being who they are, won’t allow that to happen so they start kickin ass and showing us how ill their fighting formation is. They kick some ass and eventually get they wig pushed back by Xerces’ minions who dagger up Leonitus at the end.

So more or less, Spartans had beef with the Persians and eventually got got. Not a very complex story line folks. Go see the movie for the action and the score…If you watch it at the IMAX, i’m sure you’ll get your moneys worth. Other than that, I coulda waited till dvd for this movie….Neeeeeext!

~Thesis

Reecie Recommends: Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls

I was lucky enough to get to attend the premiere and after-party for Daddy’s Little Girls last week and let me tell you, I absolutely loved this movie! If it weren’t for getting to go to the premiere I probably would’ve taken my sweet time going to see this movie, because the commercials really didn’t completely sell me on it. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful the movie was. Gabrielle Union’s character, Julia, is someone that a lot of successful Black women will be able to relate to. Granted, she is probably bitchier than the average Black women, but her struggle to find a man that will treat her right is something that so many of us go through. I’m sure that the hard-working Black man who’s just trying to make an honest living and live a good life will be happy to see their struggle represented on film. This is not another glossy “we’re Black, beautiful, rich, and looking for love” film…it’s the real deal. The acting was great, the movie was funny and sexy, and the story was touching. I believe that both women and men will find inspiration in the film’s message to look past surface differences of class and income and look at a person’s value system.

Check out the trailer then go see this movie!

Have you seen the movie? What did you think about it? Are working class Black men too often overlooked when it comes to finding love? Why is it that being a successful Black woman makes it harder to find love rather than easier?

Posted by Reecie

Top Black Love Movies

In honor of Valentine’s Day coming up, I decided to share my list of the top black love movies in recent years. Keep in mind, I’m 24, so you won’t find movies from the 60s and 70s on the list lol.

Love Jones- Starring Larenz Tate & Nia Long

This movie in my opinion is hands down the greatest contemporary black love story. Nia Long plays Nina, a woman scorned who is skeptical about finding love. After a bad breakup she moves to a
new city hoping to get a fresh start and meets the incredibly sexy Darius Lovehall (played by Larenz Tate).  From there, the endure highs, lows, breakups and reunions. This movie is effortlessly portrays black women and men and the kinds of situations people find themselves in the rocky road of love and romance. Love Jones is sexy, smart, stylish, and related. If you haven’t checked it out yet…go rent it now!

Coming to America-Starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall

I know what you’re thinking…how is this a great love story? But think about it…the entire premise of the movie is that Prince Hakim wants to find true love rather than accept an arranged marriage. His adventure provides some of the funniest moments in Black cinematic history. The only thing better than a Romance is a Romantic Comedy.

The Best Man- Starring Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, etc.

This movie has everything a girl can dream…fine men, weddings, love, and drama! There’s a little something for everyone in the main characters. You have the devilishly sexy Terrence Howard, the give you hot flashes sexy Morris Chestnut, and the nice guy/smart sexy in Harold Perrineau Jr. . The plot twists in the movie keep you guessing what’s coming next, but you still get the benefit of a happy ending.

Love & Basketball- Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps

The best thing about this movie is that it plays into the fantasy that the girl next door gets the guy. Let’s face it…most of us weren’t born flawlessly fabulous, so we had to go through phases where we weren’t the cutest girl, or didn’t have the best clothes or style. This movie basically said that substance wins over style. How can you not love that? Sure they had their drama, but in the end the good girl gets the good guy.

Diary of A Mad Black Woman- Starring Shemar Moore and Kimberly Elise

When I heard of this movie I was totally skeptical and I didn’t want to see another movie perpetuating stereotypes of Black women as angry bitches. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how great it was! This movie is an incarnation of two things many women dream about: 1) getting to beat down a sorry, no good man who did you wrong and 2) getting swept off your feet by a wonderful Prince Charming. People criticized this movie for being unrealistic, but I think that they are just killjoys.  

There you have it…my top 5 Black Love Movies. I have to give honorable mentions to: The Brothers, The Wood, and Daddy’s Little Girl (which hasn’t been released yet).

Do you agree with my list? Which movies would you add or take away?

Posted by Reecie

Movie Review- The Lake House (i know..random)

Okay….so don’t ask why just read the darn review…lol…So i recently got on the Netflix bandwagon and im trying it for free for a month….Of all the possible movies, i decided to check out “The Lake House.” When i first watched the trailer on tv a while back, i thought the concept was pretty cool but i couldnt really bring myself to the idea of going to the theatres to watch it. So I watched it on dvd last week, twice. I dunno, it’s a cool movie. Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves live 2 years apart. Bullock in 2006 and Keeves in 2004. They connect with each other through a magic mailbox. Keanu moves into a Lake house and opens the mailbox and sees a letter that was written by Bullock, apparently, in 2006.

They realize they are two years apart and find a way to build a friendship, confidance, and romance…obviously not without some obstacles and twists and turns. Yes, both of them are back since Speed and they make a nice match on screen in this movie. I’ve always been a geek when it comes to sci-fi concepts so i think i had a natural affinity to this movie. On the romantic side, to believe that true love can exist regardless of time barriers is something special in itself…So brothas, trust me, go watch it with that special lady…….not with your man’s and ems (no foley). lol.

~Thesis

Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith Speaks on Pursuit of Happyness (watch)

I’ve gotta get my behind in the theaters to peep this like yesterday….Based on the feedback i’ve been getting and the reviews i’ve been reading, this is definitely a classic movie…I’ll have more input once i watch it but its a good look for Mr. Gettin Jiggy Wit It

Your thoughts?

~Thesis

Courtesy of BlackNews.com

The New Face of Bond- Daniel Craig

So, who else was in the theatres this past weekend glued to their seats by this new Bond. For all of those who were born at the very tail end of the 70s and the early sunrise of the 80s, our Bond could have most definitely been Roger Moore. For those who have a more nostalgic air, you might have an affinity good ole Sir Connery. With all that being said, this must be iterated: Craig was a damn great Bond. In 2006, preludes and sequels for action movies have rather been on point..a la Batman Begins, Superman Returns…..there is something special about going right back to where it all started….Of course with any change comes a sense of awkwardness. Everyone thought that Michael Keaton was the best Batman…then came along Bale….Everyone was so hung on to Christopher Reeves (R.I.P), then comes Brandon Routh who donned the cape very well….Mad people shitted on Daniel Craig because he didnt necessarily look like a traditional Bond….not too many people in the media gave him a chance….

After his performance in “Casino Royale,” I have restored faith in the franchise…Of course Pierce Brosnan held it down since ‘96 or so….So big ups to Casino Royale…Big ups to thr franchise…and let’s make it happen again…

~Thesis