Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) was a promising prodigy whose formal training in classical piano began when he was admitted to Russia’s prestigious Leningrad Conservatory at the age of nine. Because he had the misfortune of being raised in Florida in the Jim Crow Era, it was very unlikely that his extraordinary talent would be appreciated […]
Arts & Entertainment: a space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to African and African Americans.
‘Amazing Grace’: a compelling look behind an Aretha Franklin classic
With the best of intentions, director Sydney Pollack and his crew filmed the Queen of Soul as she performed over two days, January 2 and 3, at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in 1972.
‘Widows,’ a heist film that packs an emotional punch
Although Widows’ grittiness has more in common with 1997’s Set It Off than this year’s lighthearted Ocean’s 8, the multi-layered subplots and characters set it apart from either film.
‘The Hate U Give’ lacks grit but has its moments
The wealth of talent on view is almost staggering. Stenberg carries the weight of the film, giving Starr just enough juice to grow from a humble, vulnerable teen to a courageous protester.
Black cop infiltrates Klan in thoughtful, fact-based dramedy
What makes the picture work is the way in which it mocks the small-minded Klan members’ racist attitudes and behaviors. It also juxtaposed that shameful chapter of American history with current events.
‘The American King’ seeks to reconnect Blacks with the Motherland
In an effort to improve ties between the African Diaspora and the Black community in America, Nigerian filmmaker Jeta Amata teamed up with Prince Adah Obekpa, Vanessa Teemsma and Joan McCarthy to make a comedic, yet timely, film titled “The American King: As Told by an African Priestess.”
‘Uncle Drew’ – geriatric legends relive glory days in hoops comedy
Rucker Park is home to the popular basketball tournament staged since 1950 on an outdoor court on 155th Street. Many promising prospects have honed their skills on the world-famous proving grounds en route to enviable NBA careers: Kevin Durant, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, to name a few.
‘Sorry to Bother You,’ a clever and provocative social satire
It’s impressed upon Cash during his training to “Stick to the Script,” if he wants to succeed. Plus, he gets a valuable tip from an African American colleague (Danny Glover) in the neighboring cubicle, namely, “Use your White voice.”
Best not to bother — wannabe satirical comedy misses the mark
The cast is loaded with heavyweight names, giving rise to speculation that Forrest Whitaker, one of the producers, called in a few friendly favors.
‘Ocean’s 8,’ a refreshing departure from prequels
The original Ocean’s 11 (1960) starred Frank Sinatra and a tight-knit cadre of fellow Las Vegas headliners affectionately dubbed the Rat Pack by the press. The bawdy band of brothers were famous for partying and making impromptu appearances at each other’s shows on the Strip. They even shot the movie right there in Vegas so […]