Category Archives: Film

All Dance and No Story?…

By Wendy Simmons

The musical play The Trials of Busta Keaton is an exciting display of artistry put to sound. Full of dance performances, the players  incorporated ballet, hip hop, breakdancing and jazz all while shaded in black, white and grays in order to transform the stage into an old black and white movie. With added splashes of color the entire production was elating however not what I expected to see.

Branded as a modern day urban tribute to the silent film guru Buster Keaton, it gave the impression of the silent film genre displayed on stage. There were many dance performances but only one scene that actually gave me the impression of a story being told.

If you are a fan of dance pageantry then Busta Keaton is the play for you! But don’t expect to be lead into a past where your imagination and the performers interpretation evoke emotion. That’s what I expected and was sadly disappointed.

I give it $$

Wrapped Up In Tangled

By Wendy Simmons

Let me start by saying that I am an adult…an adult who loves cartoons. And Disney’s 50th animated edition was no exception. The Repunzel revival, Tangled, is a tale of love, false love, selflessness and betrayal. Sounds like an adult movie, right?

Rapunzel is a childhood story about the immensely long haired princess that has been kept in a tower. After seeing this movie, I realized that I had not known much about the story other than “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair”. The animated film, Tangled, opened my eyes to the E! True Hollywood Story of Rapunzel and it will enlighten most audiences as well.

As an infant, Rapunzel was kidnapped that by an evil woman that knew the truth of Rapunzel’s magical hair. The woman, Mother Gothel, locked Rapunzel away and raised her as her own and convinced her that the world was no place for a beautiful young woman. Rapunzel was brainwashed but was not completely steered away from the wonders of the world. And by her 18th birthday she was determined to celebrate it properly by finally seeing what she was missing on the outside. Her wonderment really sparked when she would see the magical lanterns floating ever year on her birthday. Little did she know that those lanterns were floating for her by her royal parents and entire kingdom to celebrate the birthday of the lost princess. Those lanterns willed Rapunzel to find a way to sneak out in order to finally get an answer to the mystery that delighted her every year.

Rapunzel loved and was loved by Mother Gothel because she had not known any better. But once the truth was revealed to her, she knew that the love she thought she shared with Mother Gothel was under false pretenses.

By chance, a young fellow, Flynn Rider, discovered Rapunzel in her tower and she proved that she could not only handle herself in the real world, but could defend herself as well. She and the handsome criminal made a pact that he would take her to the kingdom. The sparks between them began to fly almost immediately, but during their adventure the audience was allowed to witness their connection.

This well told animated film will capture your heart. It displays the fact that the truth will always come to light and to never stop until you reach your dreams.

It’s also full of well known Hollywood names. Mandy Moore provides the voice of Rapunzel and Zachary Levi (of tv’s Chuck) voices her love interest, Rider. Other famous voices also play a key role in this fantastic of display of fairy tales coming to life.

Tangled is a definite must see and now you have the chance. It will be available on DVD Tuesday, March 29th. You will not want to pass up this film…another one of Disney’s greats!

 I give it $$$

Open Your Eyes to What’s In Darfur

By Wendy Simmons

In Darfur is a remarkably eye-opening production now showcased at the TimeLine Theatre Company on Chicago’s north side. It tells the story of Darfur’s battle with genocide in the early 2000s.  The play encompasses the point of view of a raped Darfuri woman, beaten and left for dead after her entire family had been killed…a New York Times reporter desperate to get the news of the genocide on the front pages of one of America’s most popular news outlets…and the volunteer doctor that is in Darfur to try to help a forgotten people.

Darfur, an African nation in Sudan had been under a genocide attack for years…starting in 2004, it is estimated that by 2010 there were 300,000 deaths attributed to the violence.  America heard very little about it, including myself…I remember hearing about a few Hollywood celebrities traveling there to bring attention to the unfathomable violence taking place, but I remember very little news coverage. We’re talking thousands of people being killed monthly and no coverage…no special report…no telethon…not a thing. Is this a racial issue; is it because of religion; is it because of Sudan’s oil and nations not wanting to sever ties with the government of Sudan…who knows? But these are the hard hitting issues that were focused on in In Darfur.

Timeline Theater is an intimate venue in which this very impactful play was performed. The actors were powerful and they demanded your attention and sympathy. Mildred Marie Lang-Ford who played Hawa, the English speaking Darfuri woman that was raped and now pregnant, gave an awesome performance. Because of Mildred’s character, the New York Times reporter, played by Kelli Simpkins was able to persuade her editors to put Darfur’s genocide on the front page. Hawa became the face of this war however it still took years for the people of Darfur to see the end of this hell on earth.

In Darfur allowed some of us sheltered Americans to witness what injustice and violence are really like. It should push us to educate ourselves about issues that are outside of our comfort zone. I encourage you to seek more information about the genocide in Darfur and question the lack of attention given to certain countries of this world.

Run to see In Darfur. It is worthy of our attention and definitely worth every dollar of the ticket price.  And I would personally like to thank them for putting this heart wrenching subject on stage.

I give it $$$$

Mr. Immortal Will Undoubtedly Live On

By Wendy Simmons

In the documentary, Mr. Immortality: The Life and Times of Twista, rap legend Twista, from the hard streets of Chicago, gives us a glimpse of his life behind his gift for speedy lyricism. Twista allows us to ride along and witness the raw reality of how this relatively shy talent really looks at his life, career and the city he calls home.

Twista, formerly known as Tongue Twista, gained world renowned famed by being one of the only Chicago based rappers to make it “big time”. With his record breaking speed for rapping, he placed himself on the map way back in the early 90s. From the days of rap battling in school and in basements, Twista prepared himself for greatness simply because he didn’t want to lose. He would lyrically destroy any competitor that challenged him.

Even after multiple gold records and countless big hits, people and critics continuously try to count Twista out but he always prevails. After leaving Atlantic Records in 2007 he has once again regained praise with his latest project under his own label GMG Entertainment. The documentary is laced with his new music. Giving us the latest example of why Twista has such longevity in the rap game.

Twista is a very humble guy, unlike most in the music industry, and he views it as a gift and a curse. A curse because media rarely focuses on a man that is not making noise. But now we get to know the Twista that isn’t on the magazine cover. The Twista that is humble enough to let his music speak for him.

While watching the documentary we hear testimonies from everyone from producer Scott Storch to R&B singer Ne-Yo to Chicago’s own Rep. Danny Davis. They praise Twista for his talent and longevity.  We get to see the very home that Twista grew up as well as the gritty and tough Westside streets of Chicago. His brothers describe how he was focused on his success which deterred him from a life on the streets. According to Twista he was more afraid of his strong mother than anything a gang could throw at him.

Unfortunately though, many Chicago youths have fallen victim to gang violence. Twista talks about the unbelievable violence that is taken place in his home town. He remembers performing in Iraq and hearing that at that very moment, there were more killings in Chicago than in Iraq. He was floored by the immense violence and the many high school and elementary school students that were victims of these senseless shootings.

Twista speaks candidly throughout the entire documentary. And he even allows us to witness his marijuana habit. I was captivated at how a man with such a speedy tongue could smoke marijuana at any given time of the day, consistently. But that is only a part of Twista’s whirlwind life on the road. He makes an effort to stop and greet fans along the way.

If you listen to Twista’s latest rap songs, you will notice that he has slowed it down a bit for a better understanding. The flows may have slowed but not his motivation to succeed and to continue to represent Chicago to the fullest.

This is a captivating yet simple documentary that allows you to travel along with a rap legend. Rap fan or not, this documentary will keep your interest and will give you on appreciation for a side of Chicago that is rarely ever seen in a positive light.

For Seven Women, Drama Chases Their Dreams Almost Into Inexistence!

By Wendy Simmons

Soul Kitten’s Cabaret is a musical stage play that takes place in; you guessed it, a cabaret in Detroit where the women are engulfed in drama. Dealing with such issues as drug abuse, alcoholism, divorce, and identity crises they are battling demons within the cabaret as well as in their personal lives. This club already faces scrutiny because it is thought to have been acquired through false pretenses. Now the very over the top owner has to try to keep it from falling into the hands of the bitter son of the previous owner.

Fantasia Barrino of American Idol fame and singer Faith Evans headlined the play; however, they were only seen for a brief moment. Fantasia belted out a beautiful performance while singing as the Good Conscious of the club. With Faith portraying the Bad Conscious it would have been more fulfilling to get to know their characters and to see a conclusion to their war of good versus evil. However, outside of the characters battling with the cabaret’s thick aura of negativity, their presence was virtually forgotten.

I understand that the basis of the play is to not fall victim to the temptations of the world while pursuing your dreams.  However, had the play been more organized and detailed I would have been able to get more of a connection to the women that were dealing with these very real and self destructing issues.

Although there weren’t many musical performances there was plenty of conflict to keep you interested. The time line was confusing but the twist at the end will hopefully put it into perspective for you.

If you love drama, you will love this play and can now enjoy it in the comfort of your home. The DVD debuts on Tuesday (January 11, 2011).

Fast Five Trailer

I Loved You, I Love You Phillip Morris!

By Wendy Simmons

Jim Carrey delivered his best performance yet in I Love You Phillip Morris. He took high risks as Steven Russell, a man with an imaginative vision that struggles to find his identity.  Carrey powered punched his talent through the screen with this Oscar worthy performance.

This utterly unbelievable true story will have you totally mesmerized by the capability of one man and his mind. It’s so good that I don’t want to ruin it with details. Just know that it will shock you and will make you wonder what you would do for love and the pursuit of happiness…and possibly for an Oscar nod.

Carrey and Ewan McGregor together make for one funny, mind-bending roller coaster ride. Regardless of your views, beliefs or qualms don’t miss this. A definite must see!

I give it $$$$.

Power to the People…Or Is It?

By Wendy Simmons

Landmark Century Theater on Chicago’s vibrant north side was filled with people this week eager to see the new film Night Catches Us, starring two phenomenal actors…Kerry Washington of the critically acclaimed film Ray and Anthony Mackie ( The Hurt Locker).
 
If the audience was like me, they were clueless as to what was in store.  I had no prior knowledge of the film and wanted to enter the theater with a blind eye of sorts. I was hoping to be entertained by the next great love story, but I was taken into an entirely different direction.
 
At first glimpse Night Catches Usis a recollection of the struggles that African Americans endured during the 70s that caused great anguish and rage; just out of the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panther revolution and at the cusp of the blaxploitation and crack eras arising.
 
Set in the heart of Philadelphia in 1976 we witness what happened to the fist raising, fight the power screaming, strong men and women that wore their Black Panther buttons with pride but were forced to tear away from that identity; some because of death, others because of controversy. Now lies the time where older men are trying move away from revolutionary tactics, and young men are ready to take on a war that they are not equipped to handle. But that’s not the entire purpose of the film, just the initial introduction to a story that encompasses more than the audience may expect.

Kerry Washington is Patty, a widowed mother that finds it hard to discuss the facts of her husband’s death, therefore leaving her daughter in the dark on how his beliefs ultimately lead to his downfall.

Patty and Mackie’s character Marcus hold a secret between them that help to nourish their hidden desire for one another but also causes them to conflict on the changing times. It’s is no longer the days of screaming fight the power, but Patty’s loyalty to uplifting the community shadows her desire to hold love dear. Continue reading →

Halloween Movies

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Looking for Love? Don’t Try “Speed Dating”

By Wendy Simmons

The new film, “Speed Dating” is an inane comedy centering on an inherently wealthy man and his two childhood friends.  These womanizers/roommates concoct an idea for speed dating in which they ultimately end up sleeping with most of the women. Speed dating is a social event where men and women get to know each other in a very brief fashion alone then move on to the next, however theirs was just an utterly confusing process that tried to be comical but really just fell flat.

The guy’s actions eventually catch up to them when women decide to take revenge for their hurt feelings.  These crazed women try kidnapping as well as cooking up a faux relationship only to break the cad’s heart.

The movie was supposed to be about men learning the error of their ways; giving into love even though that was never an option and learning to embrace people without fear of abandonment. Good intentions but this film was poorly executed.

The writing and direction for this film is confusing and leaves you loaded with questions. Surprisingly there are some big names associated with this movie…Wesley Johnathan stars, Chico Benymon co-stars, and Holly Robinson Peete, and Clint Howard, brother of director Ron Howard make an appearance. But even that couldn’t save this mind numbing, low budgeted, snore of a film.

Flip pass this one whenever it does make it to tv.

I give it ½ $.