Free Angela!

 

Free Angela is a gripping historic account of the events that catapulted a young University of California philosophy professor into a controversial political icon in the turbulent late 1960’s. Angela Davis joins the Communist Party, protests with the Black Panthers, and becomes a principle spokesperson for the burgeoning prison reform movement. As a result, she finds herself Fighting to keep her job, and in the national media spotlight characterized by her many detractors as a dangerous subversive menace, and by her supporters as a strong leader challenging authority and boldly advocating for “Power to All People.”
So on August 7th, 1970, when Angela is implicated in the politically motivated kidnapping and murder of a judge in a brazen daylight shootout at the Marin County, CA courthouse, the nation wonders and Newsweek magazine asks: “What would prompt the daughter of the black bourgeoisie to take a desperate turn to terrorism?”

Angela flees California, convinced she will not be given a fair trial and is placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. After a national manhunt she is captured two months later in New York City. Charged with murder, kidnapping and conspiracy, Angela is put on trial in one of the most sensational court cases of its time. After a two-year legal battle, an all white jury acquits her on all charges in 1972.

It’s an edge-of-your seat thriller told for the first time by Angela and others who lived through the events firsthand. The interviews recount the politics that led her to challenge authority and spur a worldwide movement for her freedom that cemented Angela Davis, and her signature Afro hairstyle, as an iconic symbol of this still relevant political and social movement — the right to challenge the system.

Free Angela is a must see documentary! A candid and powerful account of the tumultuous times and a woman who challenges a society that is afraid of all that she represents. Filled with elements of intrigue, suspense and conspiracies, the film delivers by empowering and inspiring diverse international audiences with its message of hope and redemption.

You know her name. Now, you will finally know her story.
Follow the conversation on Twitter! #FreeAngela

 

Movie Review: Sparkle

"Sparkle" follows the trials and tribulations of a sister R&B trio trying to make it big in Detroit.

Tammy referred to as Sister (Carmen Ejogo) is the sexy and sassy lead singer looking for love. Dee (Tika Sumpter) is the brainy one with dreams of attending Meharry Medical College to become a doctor. (Shout out to Meharry).  Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is the shy songwriter with dreams of being a star. Emma (Whitney Houston) plays the over protective mother who vows not to let her daughters make the same mistakes she did.

Sparkle's love of music  and dream of becoming a star are almost overshadowed by an over protecting mother, a sister's turbulent relationship and her own insecurities.  Jordin's performance brings an innocence to Sparkle as she struggles with reconciling what she wants with what her mother expects. Whitney's performance of " His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is definately a touching highlight. The surprise of the movie is the performance by Mike Epps. He stretches beyond the typical funny man role. The star of the movie is Carmen Ejogo (Sister) as she goes from sexy vixen to defiant daughter to family protector.

Other members of the cast include Derek Luke, CeeLo Green, Omari Hardwick and Tamela Mann.

The movie reminds us all to fight for our dreams in spite of our circumstances.  Go see Sparks in her acting debut, see Houston's last acting performance and Ejogo's star performance.

Movie Review: Think Like A Man

So I don't know how to start this or say this any other way. This movie is hilarious! First off, to be fair I have to point out that I have not read the book that this movie is based on. However, many of its finer points and highlights were featured in the film. I can't claim that Steve is some sort of wonderful relationship expert, but he does give some interesting insight into the mindset of men. Obviously Mr Harvey knows he cannot speak for every man out there, but he had something to say about the subject that he thought could help some people and make them laugh at the same time. The movie is a super funny way to spread his message. Some may resent the stereotypes portrayed in the movie but hey it was comedy designed to make fun of reality. Judging by the movie, funny man, Steve Harvey has written a great book and Kevin Hart really brought it home with his performance as narrator and on screen actor. Anyone who has seen any of Hart’s stand up would recognize that his obviously ad lib –ed if not totally improvised lines, blocking, mannerisms just screamed Kevin Hart. What I’m saying is it is likely that  no one told him to do any of that stuff! It works though. Actually all the actors were wonderful. Taraji P. Henson is fantastic! I loved her facial expressions in so many if the scenes. Let’s face it there is eye candy for everyone in here regardless of your preferences. You have Michael Ealy’s beautiful eyes, Terrence J and Romany Malco‘s good looks countered by beautiful ladies like Gabrielle Union, Tariji P Henson, and Meagan Good!!

The movie focuses on four couples - Dominic (Ealy) and Lauren (Henson) , Jeremy (Ferrara) and Kristen (Union), Mya (Good) and Zeke (Malco), Candace (Hall) and Michael (Terrence J). The premise is each guy is portraying a different stereotypical guy in the dating world and each girl is doing the same. The movie pairs them up in oddly coincidental …dare I even say ironic pairings in some cases. The women are all reading Steve Harvey’s book which both educates them on how to understand, treat, and ultimately keep the man and yourself happy. The men, while fed up with their relationship woes, find out about it and decide to read the book themselves in order to learn how to make their women happy even if it means lying or faking it.

Obviously for the sake of the comedy this plan backfires but does it totally? Yeah there are coincidences but since it’s a romantic comedy am I giving anything away when I tell you they end up together? Nah I didn’t think so either. One thing I liked about the movie was that while it painted a slightly rose colored picture of the struggles they were going through and how they were solved. Taking that part with a grain of salt the movie encourages couples to not only work out their problems constructively without games but also how the couples ultimately built each other up and helped improve their lives. I would definitely recommend this movie. It will make you laugh your booty off and you may even learn something about yourself or your partner. 

Movie Review: American Reunion

The gang is all back for the 13 year high school reunion.   Everyone is 13 years older and most are in a much different place in life than when we last saw them.  The good thing is that the same high school/college age shenanigans follow them into adulthood.   The movie actually opens with a scene displaying that quite well. Jim and Michelle are married and have a child. They travel to stay with Jim’s Dad for the weekend while the reunion is going on. Eugene Levy is of course back as the dad. Oz, Kevin, Finch, and Jim have all agreed to come to town a couple days early to catch up and hang out. They of course soon run into Stiffler and the party gets going.As one would expect from these movies, we know the plot. There aren’t too many plot twists and you can see those from a mile away. But hey we don’t go see these movies for plot twists. You go to watch the comedy. And comedy is something this movie is packed with.A highlight of the movie is Jim’s dad getting drunk and wandering up to a room where Stiffler’s mom is also getting drunk.  Uh oh what will Finch do?! This may not the movie to take your grandmother to, but who knows she might enjoy it. 

Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

The 2012 movie is based on the TV sitcom of the late eighties and early nineties involving young cops going undercover in high school to break up a drug ring. Unlike the seriousness of the sitcom, the movie is a bit more on the lighter side with a combination of action and comedy.  If you never saw the TV series, you will still be able to enjoy the movie. 

Jenko (Channing Tatum , the popular high school jock,  and Schmidt (Jonah Hill), the unpopular nerd, meet again seven years after high school graduation in the police academy.  This time around the pair become friends and helps each other through the academy.  Despite their enthusiasm, the pair is sent to the undercover division of 21 Jump Street to break up a drug ring at a local high school after a botched arrest.  This time around Jenko and Schmidt have a different experience in high school, in a reversal of roles of sort.  They realize high school is not what they remembered.  Aside from dealing with the insecurities that come along with high school, re-living their glory days or not so glory days, the two still have a job to do by identifying and bringing down the dealers and suppliers of the drugs.

Ice Cube portrays the no nonsense captain who runs the Jump Street division.   The language may be off putting if you are sensitive to swearing.  A nod to the past, the Jump Street division is in the same abandoned church from the TV series. If you do not mind a bit of slapstick comedy, you should this movie as long as you do not take it too seriously and do not mind obvious stereotypes.

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Dave Franco, Ice Cube

Cameo appearances by cast members from the original TV show include, Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson Peete and Peter DeLuise.

Opens March 16, 2012

Run time approximately 1 hour 44 minutes.

21 Jump Street Trailer Official 2012

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Movie Review: The Vow

Do you believe there is someone out there for everyone?  Based on a true story, THE VOW makes one believe in soul mates.  Leo (Channing Tatum) and Paige’s (Rachel McAdams) world is turned upside down by one of life’s moments of impact.  Paige wakes up in the hospital after the couple’s car accident with no memory of Leo or their life together.  Her last memory is five years prior when she was engaged to another man and living a completely different life.  The doctor suggests she jump back into her daily routine, but she is uneasy about going home with her husband Leo, a man she no longer knows.  Another obstacle is her parents are pulling for her to return home with them, but she does not remember they have not spoken in five years.  It is heart wrenching watching Leo fight for the love of Paige when she only remembers loving her ex-fiancé.  Leo works tirelessly to make his wife fall in love with him again. Although a bit slow in the beginning, it is worth a matinee. Go check it out this weekend!

 

Opens February 10, 2012

Run time approximately 1 hour 44 minutes.

 

Rating: ☻☻☻☺☺

Movie Review: Man On A Ledge

How far would you go to prove your innocence?  That is what this movie is centered around and makes you think about that very question. Ex-cop, Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) was convicted of stealing a rare diamond and lays it all on the line to clean his tarnished name.  Nick breaks out of jail and steps out on a ledge of a Manhattan hotel in an effort to prove his innocence.  Nick puts his trust in the hands of the police psychologist (Elizabeth Banks) assigned to talk him off the ledge before his time runs out.  Although the ending was predictable, there are several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Overall, this movie is worth going to the theater instead of waiting until it comes out on DVD.

In addition to the main characters played by Sam Worthington and Elizabeth Banks who both give top notch performances. There are more familiar faces in this film that we love.  Ed Harris and The Closer's Kyra Sedwick (aka Kevin Bacon's wife) are the two most recognizable. Also in this film you will see Anthony Mackie (8 Mile), Jamie Bell (Jumper) as well as Entourage's Genesis Rodriguez and Edward Burns.

This film opens up in movie theaters nation wide on tomorrow January 27, 2012. With a run time of approximately 1 hour 42 minutes, it is an acceptable length to enjoy. Once a film gets in to the 2 hour plus range it becomes a little too much, in my opinion.

Rating: ☻☻☻☺☺

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50/50

So it’s not the first comedy about or featuring some character with Cancer. It is however really hilarious and at the same time thought provoking. Joseph Gordon Levitt stars as Adam Lerner, a 27 year old radio man who finds out he has cancer. Seth Rogen stars as Kyle, Adam’s best friend and co-worker.

The film is loosely based on a true story of its author Will Reiser and his struggle with cancer. As the movie begins Lerner finds out he has cancer and then must break the news to the 3 important people in his life. Their reactions are quite different, and In keeping in tune with the movie being a comedy they were also pretty comical.

The supporting cast is fantastic. First of all, Rogen is always hilarious so going in this is a given that he will bring a lot to the movie. Bryce Dallas Howard played the girl friend role fantastically. I would say more about her but I wont spoil the plot for you all. Anjelica Huston as the overly dramatic, slightly overbearing but still sweet mom is great for the mix. And she played the character so well that one could easily assume she is truly that person in real life.

The older men who Adam meets are awesome! First off they symbolized life and how precious it is. Without spoiling the plot, I will say there is one moment where that is made very obvious. However, even before that happens it was them who convinced Adam to “live a little” earlier in the film.

The film does have its tender moments but they are quick and it goes right back into the comedy. Even though it makes sense for a living man to write a story about himself beating cancer in an upbeat way I think it still feels a little odd to laugh about it. Truth be told you can’t help it. The movie will have you laughing from beginning to end. Besides how often can one say “If you wanna see a movie about cancer AND if you wanna see a movie and laugh your head off go see….” And have it be the same movie?!! I’m going to take advantage of this moment and say just that!

Movie Review: Dolphin Tale - In Theaters 9/23/2011

This is my first movie review post for Real. Life. Woman. Talk. and hope that I am able to do it some justice. First of all, this movie must be seen in 3D. I am not a fan of 3D movies and when given the option most often I choose the 2D.  This screening was only offered in 3D so the option to choose did not exist. I admit I was a little concerned about this in the beginning but now I am thankful for the Dolphin Tale 3D experience. The 3D animation is on point with just the right amount built in to the movie so that it is not distracting. The bonus is that it is very easy on the viewers eyes. This movie is a winner for the entire family.

On the surface it looks like the typical save a animal, bond with it, and everyone lives happily ever after if you look at the previews.  This film has multiple storylines that overlap and everyone that sees it can relate to something in it. Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman are only supporting actors in this one because the kids steal the show in my opinion. Of course the animals of the movie, Winter the dolphin and main focus of the movie, as well as the white pelican Rufus are equally entertaining. The fact that this movie is based on real life events is a bonus. At the end of the movie there is real footage of the people that are portrayed in the movie. They provide the website that you can go and see Winter live via web cam just like the movie. I am sure the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will become more busy as a result of this movie. My daughter that saw the movie with me is already asking to go to see Winter at the Clearwater Beach, Florida aquarium. The ability to connect with the viewer on so many levels is why I am recommending this movie to everyone. This movie is not just for kids, it is for anyone that loves to see a good movie, period.

I Don’t Know How She Does It

Sarah Jessica Parker stars as a working mom of two. The basic premise of the movie has been done before but from what I’ve seen not exactly like this. It’s tricky to even classify the movie. The obvious choice of romantic comedy would work because of the struggle with her and her husband’s relationship due to her work and travel schedule and the fact that you assume they’ll stay together. I won’t spoil the “surprise” and tell you what happens here. It’s not your typical romantic comedy in the boy loves girl chases girl and after struggle and conflict ultimately gets girl kind of way.

The movie has some hilarious scenes of the mishaps that occur as Parker’s character struggles to balance her kids and her career. However, and this was a little odd to me, they have these cut scenes of like these reality TV individual interviews of two of the characters in the movies. These are the stay at home moms who essentially judge her lifestyle while going about the business of their leisurely day. To counter that is her best friend doing the same but in support of her.

Admittedly the interview scenes were funny in some parts but in retrospect it was almost as though they didn’t have enough storyline so they added these in as filler. I have to question if the two stay-at-home moms were meant to be major characters by letting the interviews really show who they were or if they were only made that way because of the extra filler.

Perhaps I’m being too harsh on the movie. It really is a lighthearted movie and probably a good movie to go see if you just want to see a cute movie and enjoy some laughs.

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