It’s hard being Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas) just now. The lonely 13 year old is not only mourning the loss of his late mother, but is having a difficult time adjusting to life in Germany. He had to leave his pals and hometown of Richmond behind when his father (Craig Robinson) landed a job in Heidelberg as a […]
Kam Williams
Inspirational biopic revisits Barack and Michelle’s very first dateÂ
Who would ever think of making a movie just about Barack (Parker Sawyers) and Michelle Obama’s (Tika Sumpter) first date? Richard Tanne would, that’s who, and he makes an impressive directorial debut with this inspirational biopic chronicling a very eventful day in the lives of the future president and First Lady. The story unfolds in Chicago during the […]
Author and political pundit Marc Lamont Hill laments war on America’s vulnerable
Marc Lamont Hill is one of America’s leading intellectual voices. He is currently the host of BET News and VH1 Live, as well as a political contributor on CNN. Marc has received prestigious awards, and holds a Ph.D. with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania and currently serves on the faculty of Morehouse College as […]
Obama’s legacy: Are we better off? Dr. Malveaux weighs in
A tip of the chapeau to Dr. Malveaux! Dr. Julianne Malveaux has long been recognized for her progressive and insightful observations. She is a labor economist, noted author, and colorful commentator. Her contributions to the public dialogue on issues such as race, culture, gender and their economic impacts are shaping public opinion in 21st Century […]
Aspiring singer reflects on transformation into YouTube sensation with help of secret admirer/music producer
Born and raised in Chicago, 39-year-old Samantha Montgomery moved to New Orleans in 2006. By day, she works as a caregiver for the elderly and, by night, she fearlessly performs as Princess Shaw online and at local open mics. Inspired by her personal joy and pain from past and present, Princess’ lyrics resonate with honesty […]
‘#Black Lives Matter to Black Liberation’: a poignant and incendiary read
“The eruption of mass protests in the wake of the police murders of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York City, have challenged the impunity with which officers of the law carry out violence against Black people, and punctured the illusion of a post-racial America.
Jewish baker and Muslim apprentice make unlikely buddies in charming dramedy
Nat (Jonathan Pryce) is the owner of Dayan and Son, a Kosher bakery located in London. The store’s name is a bit of a misnomer since he’s been the only Dayan working there ever since his father passed away.
Calvin and company reunite for sobering sequel with a social conscience
Easily the best installment in the beloved franchise, a movie which manages to entertain while delivering a sobering message that’s long overdue.
Heartfelt documentary revisits 1948 flood which wiped out Oregon City
The Wake of Vanport is a very moving documentary featuring archival photographs of the Memorial Day disaster, as well as the wistful remembrances of a number of survivors.
Adaptation of New Zealand novella revolves around skeleton in family closet
‘White Lies,’ a skeletons-in-the-closet affair directed by Dana Rothberg. Rothberg also adapted it to the screen from the novella ‘Medicine Woman’ by Witi Ihimaera, the author of ‘Whale Rider.’
Womanizing playboy finally meets his match in battle-of-the-sexes comedyÂ
Confirmed bachelor Charlie Mack (Terrence J) is always up-front with women about his dating philosophy, which is simply, “I don’t do relationships.”
Adrenaline-fueled sequel follows “bigger is better” golden ruleÂ
The conventional wisdom for shooting a sequel to a successful action flick is that “bigger is better.” In the case of this bigger-budgeted follow up to Olympus Has Fallen, that translates to bigger guns, more elaborate chase scenes, a higher body-count and more bombastic pyrotechnics, including my favorite staple of the genre: exploding cars careening off cliffs in flames.
Black actors snubbed for second year in a row
While the members of the Academy have nominated a fine slate of actors and actresses, it has failed to include any minorities for the second year in a row.
‘Fifty Shades of Black’: a shocking, stale and salacious parody of the romance genre
Ever since Scary Movie (2000), Marlon Wayans has carved out quite a career for himself writing and starring in a string of silly spoofs that includes Scary Movie 2 (2001), Dance Flick (2009), A Haunted House (2013), and A Haunted House 2 (2014).
‘Before I Forget’ a loving reminder of a serious ailment
However, the thrust of the book is to kick start a frank conversation about Alzheimer’s from recognizing the warning signs, to identifying its stages, to reciting lesson’s learned thus far
Michael Moore mounts faux invasion in tongue-in-cheek mockumentary
Oscar-winner Michael Moore (for Bowling for Columbine) has been challenging the power structure ever since releasing Roger & Me way back in 1989.
‘Concussion’: A fearless researcher fights the NFL
In 2002, Will Smith landed his first Academy Award nomination for Ali, a riveting biopic about Muhammad Ali directed by Michael Mann. Although a cultural icon in his own right, Smith managed to disappear into the role in the process of delivering a brilliant performance as “The Greatest” boxer of all time.
Oscar-winning director talks about his new ‘Blackface’ documentary
When I first saw a White Dutch person dressed up as Black Pete, I was both sickened and shocked. It’s hard to stand next to someone who views your skin color and hair as a costume.
Nick’s Got Talent!
Nick Cannon is a multi-faceted entertainer who wears many hats: comedian, executive producer, television host, film star, director, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author of children’s books.
Spike Lee offers timely morality play in ‘Chi-Raq’
Just when we were ready to give up on Spike Lee, wouldn’t you know he’d reassert his relevance with a decent inner-city drama decrying the gang violence in Chicago? Ironically, this timely tale is based on Lysistrata, an ancient play staged by Aristophanes way back in 411 BC. Set in Athens during the Peloponnesian War, that farcical adventure revolved […]
