Tag Archives: Film Review

Vote Yes for Love?

By Wendy Simmons

What happens when two opposing political sides meet in a fiery battle? Fireworks commence. And that’s exactly what happens when pro-Obama Aretha meets the unlikely pro-McCain Kyle in the romantic comedy Politics of Love. 

Aretha, played by Bollywood star Mallika Sherawat, is Indian- American, raised by her biological Indian father and African American step mother, played by Loretta Devine. She grew up having to love and embrace both cultures; which can be an conflict when mom and dad can’t even agree on much of anything. After returning home from a failed career in New York, Aretha is convinced to work for the 2008 Obama election. That career change leads her to meet Kyle, played by Brian White. He’s her counterpart in the McCain camp and they’re both very passionate about their candidates, and other things as well. Kyle and Aretha’s attraction to one another is undeniable, but will it work? Can too sides of the aisle put aside their differences in order to let love blossom? That’s what director William Dear is trying to allow us to witness.

A wonderful cast makes up this romp of a comedy. Devine is accompanied by Ruby Dee and Gerry Bednob, making this film rich with acting history. The chemistry between the main two characters was very realistic.
But although the performances were enjoyable the silly antics caused this fairly smart comedy to appear immature . It’s a great concept and a wonderful way to relive a very historical moment in our country but the predictable plot was a little disappointing.

Perhaps, you can rent this one on DVD for date night.

I give it $$

http://politicsoflovethemovie.com/

Wants To Be More Than White Irish Drinkers

By Wendy Simmons

What can push you to further yourself when you are surrounded by unambitious people? That’s what Brian, the sensitive artist, must face in White Irish Drinkers. 

Directed by John Gray and starring Nick Thurston as Brian and Geoff Wigdor as his rambunctious older brother Danny, we see the story of two youngNew Yorkmen that must live their lives the way they see fit. Coming from an abusive home, this strain takes a different toll on each. One is content but knows that there is more for him, but he may be too afraid to go for it. The other takes out his frustration with crime; but later it’s revealed that he had dreams but was also too fearful to try. What do you expect from two people that were never pushed to do more than live day to day?

The brothers face love, betrayal, abuse and degradation. This is not an easy life for them…but is life ever really easy?

Growing up Danny was Brian’s protector. Although there was constant struggle between them as men, they were truly devoted to their brotherhood.  Which also causes a dilemma for Brian…should he choose loyalty over morality? Should he choose happiness over contentment?

This multiple festival award winning film was very well acted. It was emotional and surprising. A wrap up gave an understanding to how a person’s experience, and lack thereof, can determine their situation.

The performances were outstanding and little known Thurston and Wigdor should be commended for giving such ordinary characters so much life.

A definite must see!

I give it $$$ ½

 

Countless Action in …Number Four

By Wendy Simmons

I Am Number Four is a never boring action packed sci-fi thriller new to DVD.

Directed by D.J. Caruso, the audience is introduced to John Smith, a teen alien from the planet Lorien. John is number four of nine survivors from the attempted annihilation of his planet. Those nine were sent to earth and spared in order to continue Lorien’s legacy. But staying alive is no easy feat and is filled with constant motion and life altering scenarios. Now that numbers one through three are dead it is of crucial importance for John to embrace and control his newly discovered special powers. By doing so he’s able to continue to fight and find the other five numbers to unite against the hunters that will go to no end to wipe the existence of Lorien away.

Starring Alex Pettyfer as Number Four, we also see him endure the same issues as any other teen…bullying, acceptances, and love. This allows this sci-fi film to appeal to a realist such as myself. Although it wraps up loose ends quickly, it will hold your attention and will definitely peek your curiosity throughout.

Be prepared for action and surprise when you pick this DVD up on Tuesday! You’ll want to catch this one because you can trust that there will be sequels to come.

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.

Hate the thief or love the man?

By Wendy Simmons

Oscar award winner Ben Affleck does triple duty on his new film The Town released to theaters nationwide today (Friday, September 17th).

As the writer, director and main character Affleck leads the cast through a classic tale of love and betrayal taking place in Charlestown, Massachusetts. I’m warning you now; you will be hit in the face with the Boston accent while munching on your popcorn.

Charlestown is the real life-leading city for bank robber breeding. This line of “work” is passed down from generation to generation. Although the film was not based on real life accounts, it did a great job of drawing you into a tug of war with your feelings for a man and a thief.  You want to hate the thief but you want to root for the man.

Doug, played by Affleck, is an ex hockey pro construction worker by day and masked robber by night. He and his cocky crew of four rob armored trucks and banks. Jeremy Renner gave a convincing performance as Jim, Doug’s best friend and coconspirator. Jim’s the hotheaded unruly ex-con who cares deeply for his love ones but doesn’t give a damn about anyone else.

Along with two others, these skilled professionals were almost untouchable. So much so that they gave no qualms about briefly kidnapping a hostage after a successful bank heist. But that hostage could be the very one to finger them or to help them. The kidnapped woman, Claire, played by Rebecca Hall, became the romantic love interest of Doug after he tailed her to see if she was in cahoots with the feds. We saw the compassion that he held for her during the robbery and he acted upon those emotions once she made contact with him.  Unknowing to her, she was sharing her feelings, scares and evidence with the very man that helped to take her hostage.

With Claire being a tunnie, an outsider of Charlestown, and Doug being a fully-fledged rep for the town they enjoyed what was different about each other. Her growing feelings weren’t enough to steer him completely away from a life of crime but it did help to show him that his underlined abandonment issues hindered him from moving forward. Once Doug decided to take a leap of faith and leave his comfort zone, he wanted her to join him. But like all good caper films, the thief must complete one last huge heist before taking off. And with the feds watching him, his friends and Claire it’s not going to be an easy walk through the garden.

The men are genius thieves but all great things it must come to an end, on one side or the other.

The Town was an exciting film with a fresh cast. Affleck may regain respect for his craft after this one. Although his copulation of worthy actors, a fine script and direction made this occasionally funny romantic crime drama, a great choice for a matinee the story moved a little too quickly for the impact of their actions to appear realistic making me question just how clever these superb thieves really were.

 Grab a date and some snacks and head to an early show. I give it $$$

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Stepping Straight to DVD…Good Thinking!

By Wendy Simmons

I know some folks may be a little disappointed to know that Stomp the Yard: The Homecoming, sequel to a film baring the same name did not make it to the big screen and after seeing it I understand why.

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not a horrible film but it’s not a blockbuster either.

It keeps in tradition with the original and takes place at the fictional black university Truth revolving around the fraternity Theta Nu Theta, who once again are desperately vying to win the annual Sprite Step Competition.

For those of you that are foreign to this popular tradition stepping is a dance form that has been associated with African American fraternities and sororities since their existence beginning in the early 1900s. To the many Greek organizations in the world, it’s a big deal!

However, what may hold the Theta’s back from winning this competition is the hot headed new inductee Chance, played by Collins Pennie.  He’s an extremely gifted dancer who has gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd while battling in underground dance competitions off the school’s campus. Chance hides this fact from his family, friends and fraternity brothers causing them to be surprised once his seedy interactions resurface and confront Chance head on. People are out to hurt him and are willing to go through whomever in order to get to him.

Along with dodging past transgressions Chance is also trying to cope with the premature death of his mother which has caused a strain on he and father’s relationship…he’s being taunted by an ex-temptress trying to weasel her way back into his life…as well as arrogantly battling the rival fraternity for step supremacy of Truth’s campus. He is too arrogant for his own good and we hope that he eventually revels in the fact that the world does not revolve around him, there are others to consider.

For dance movie fans, there are a lot of action packed dance sequences that will have you feeling like jumping up and giving it a whirl. For people like me…college based movie fans…it gives you a similar feel as the classic Spike Lee joint School Daze.

Accompanying the outstanding dance choreographer and nostalgic feel of college good times there’s plenty of eye candy for the ladies. Pooch Hall of the sitcom The Game costars and Columbus Short, the star of the original Stomp the Yard also makes a cameo. In fact, there are many recognizable faces throughout the film. Jazmine Guy, Teyana Taylor and Terrance J from BET’s 106th and Park also costar.

Although it’s more dance than substance it’s a classic tale of perseverance trumping adversity. 

Not worth the price of admission but good enough to enjoy at home.

I give it $$

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Prevention Films With A Message Do The Mind Good

By Wendy Simmons

Garrard McClendon

On June 6th, the Gene Siskel Film Center hosted a showcase for Mas Media 7 productions.

Mas Media 7 is a production company, headed by director Mark Spencer, which focuses on “prevention films that work”. It’s a bold concept that focuses on getting a message out, in an unorthodox fashion. Their projects range from music videos and shorts films to public service announcements. The productions focus on the harms of smoking, AIDS Awareness, and even highlight positivity among black males. 

The crowd was filled with people in the entertainment industry; producer, directors, actors, choreographers, etc, as well as anxious spectators, ready for a new scene. The atmosphere of the theater was full of ambition. You could smell the eagerness for a fresh outlook on how African Americans are perceived in the media.

My favorite was a public service announcement that could one day be a very powerful nationwide commercial. This P.S.A., which stood out to me, focused on the effects of smoking. It shows a handsome young man singing The National Anthem while smoking a cigarette. As he sings, we see him age and his health deteriorate while cigarette warnings pop up on screen every few seconds. It was funny but thought provoking and straight to the point.

Another short film focusing on the dangers of nicotine suggested prosecuting a gang leader who sought revenge on a traitor by making him smoke. It was creative but too unrealistic to be affective.

A short film about AIDS, entitled Swan Song, took us through the emotional journey of Natisha. After being diagnosed with HIV and understandably not taking the news very well, she was encouraged to join a therapeutic ballet class. The class was put together in order to teach HIV patients that if they can conquer a ballet and have the courage to perform it in front a crowd, then handling the disease will be a little less difficult. It was a very sweet and encouraging tale of triumph and hope.

Legendary singer and actress, Melba Moore performed during the showcase and stars in a production that was not screened. Talk show host and Chicago’s own Garrard McClendon hosted the event and also wrote and produced one of the projects. It was entitled Dedicated Man and flashes through African American men stating what makes them good men.  While dressed impeccably, they spoke of their desire to succeed, their attractiveness, their vulnerability as well as other features that encompass many men. The black and white film was only two minutes but it drove the point home.

The other projects were good, not great. However, the cinematography was definitely eye catching. The productions were full of clarity and intricate positions. Although I was not wowed by much of the content I do understand and appreciate their effort to spread awareness in a different way. Mas Media 7 will definitely be a production company worthy of competing with the big boys someday.

Review: Get Him to the Greek

by Toyin Alaka

Universal Pictures new comedy Get Him to the Greek opened on Friday, June 4th in theaters nationwide, but, thanks to a special advanced screening, I got to see it on Wednesday, June 2nd. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but here’s what I already knew: Jonah Hill and crew were involved (and I don’t always like their comedy or humor) and it stars Sean “Diddy” Combs and comedian Russell Brand. Based on this, I wasn’t sure if I would see it which is why I jumped at the chance to check it out.

If you’re like me and loved Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you’ll like Get Him to the Greek.  The film centers around Russell Brand’s character from Sarah Marshall, Aldus Snow. Snow is a famous brilliant British rocker who, due to a horrible breakup, has fallen into a drunken stupor known as sex, drugs & rock and roll. 

“Diddy” plays a crazed record executive named Sergio Roma, who bullies and badgers his employees into coming up with out of the box ideas about signing new artists and boosting sales. 

For the first time Jonah Hill plays a semi-serious hard working normal guy.  His character Aaron Green makes a suggestion to Roma that leads him on a tumultuous journey to bring Snow to the U.S. to play at the Los Angeles Greek Theater. Will he make it? 

Get Him to the Greek has tons of laughs as well as a few serious moments. Overall I rate it enjoyable.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Review: Why Did I Get Married Too?

By Wendy Simmons

Tyler, Tyler, Tyler! I am shaking my head.

Why Did I Get Married 2, the much anticipated sequel to Why Did I Get Married deals with the interactions of friends and their marriages. Four long time couples vacation together periodically to celebrate the good and explore the bad in marriages.

The weekend gets some added tension when an unexpected visitor pops up. But that is not where the tension ends. Patricia, played by Janet Jackson, is the cultivator of these vacations because she writes relationship books. However, her relationship is not as it seems. And her “perfect Patty” image is tarnished as the movie progresses.

Once the couples go home, we learn more about their strained marriages. Some have trust and infidelity issues, some have issues of lost love, some have issues dealing with providing for home. But they all have major issues!

Now that I have the pleasantries out the way…l was very disappointed with this movie! I was a fan of the original simply because it was not as unbelievable and drama-filled as the typical Tyler Perry production. But the sequel, lived up to his characteristically mind-boggling history of drama-filled movies! There was entirely too much going on! Like I said earlier, these couples had issues! Lots of issues!

In my opinion Tyler Perry throws 10 movie topics into one movie. And because of this, the viewer doesn’t get a chance to connect to the characters nor their issues. And it causes him to have to force an ending that is not fulfilling to the viewer. At least not to this viewer.

Given, the movie said some things that make you think. The movie even made you want to look deeper into yourself. It surprised you from time to time and it also shows that all marriages have problems behind closed doors. For that, it’s a success. But throwing out thought provoking adages and mouth dropping shockers does not make a movie whole. I was not satisfied. I was ready to throw my shoe at the screen when it ended. It may have been a sequel, but I don’t feel like it tied very well with the original. There were things thrown into the movie that did not make sense giving the way the original movie ended.

Although I admire and respect Tyler Perry and his success, I am not a huge fan of his work, and this did nothing but make me continue to have a distasteful opinion of his productions.

This is definitely a wait for tv movie. I give it $ ½.

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Photo courtesy of Lions Gate Entertainment