For those of you who have an affinity for all thing Roman and the empire that covered most of the known world. Then The Last Legion with all of its fantasy and action will allow you into a piece of time that carried with it a legend and a story that became that of kings desires.
This film has some great moments that would take you deep into the story. Captivating and well thought out bringing the incubative stages behind the legend of King Arthur to the screen.
I have seen many films in my day, that made the attempt to bring the legend to the screen, but not like this. It takes you into an opportunity to trace the legend back to its roots. Digging us deeper into the fancy of such a great legend.
If you are a fan of Sir Ben Kingsley, Aishwarya Rai, Colin Firth, and Doug Lefler behind the wheel work. Then you are in for even a bigger treat. So take the time out and pick up this blockbuster exclusive. Sit back and enjoy the rest of your weekend. I think you will not be disappointed and if you are then you do not know what a good home movie looks like.
Many times I have been asked the question whether or not I care for Hollywood and if I am just one to rant about the ins and out that talent deal with. The answer to that is more than a simple yes or no. However no is not an option so lets take that out of the equation all together. However there are many elements in the entertainment industry that turn me off at times. Event's and productions that cause me to take a step back and reevaluate my reasons for loving film as much as do.
Often times, I come back with the same answer. Which is; that I love the art and all that it has to offer. From the bowels of motion picture, a deep understanding and acceptance of possibility exist that is not offered in any other medium of Art. With motion picture you are able to bring a full story to the screen that depicts a people, a time, a war, a love, a dream and a desire. Brining it to life in the sense of its existing compilation of woven together scenes and elements to make a final illusion that puts you in the the mind of the creative forces behind the project.
How can you not love that? A few things come to mind that does not sit well with me. There is a huge gap in quality when it comes to creative say. Although this gap is closing. I have been subjected to some films that are not on par with Hollywood and therefore are subjected to small movie houses such as "CodeBlack" which begins its journey of heading straight to video. Now keep in mind; Codeblack has made its name in this niche, and this is how it plans on moving into larger venues perhaps one day even the big screen. The pain come from seeing good stories turned in to cliche pieces. Otherwise great stories are given misleading titles to appease one audience or another.
Take a look at the film 'A Good man is hard to find', the premise is good, the acting was on par and at times leaving you wanting more. Although this is a film adaptation of the stage play, the screen play does not seem to cut the mustard and the star power does not seem to resuscitate it.
Not only is it a bad adaptation it is also an imperfect title for what actually takes place in the movie. This film should have been titled a good woman is hard to find or, based off of the story, devotion would have fit perfectly. However some idiot of a marketing man downgraded an otherwise good film to appease to an African American Female audience.
However other elements played out as well. Due to the budget you did not get a great team of director and so on, to maneuvers these otherwise perfectly good actors into position. Which in turn diminishes any affect the film would have had if it had a larger budget to work with and a sound creative team.
This film in mention is a prime example of many cases that has taken place over the length of 4 decades. Although African American movies have be around longer, the past 4 decades and focusing on this millennial past eight years. We have seen an influx of movies that deserve a remake. However this is not fair to the actors who put it together. All too often the actor is not given the second chance to redeem bad career moves. No fault of there own, unless obvious their acting is not good.
How would we handle the next few decades in film? Are we capable of taking the time out to build better movie houses and teams that will work with the majors to get better funding therefore producing a better final piece? Does Barack Obama wining the party nomination have a possible influence on the future of Hollywood and how it portrays people of color?
I would like to know what you guys think about this. I will be watching this subject for a while so stay with me on this.
*** update Lets take a look into a film:
Are we in the age of the Hollywood shuffle or are we growing beyond that and it is just moving to slow to be apparent? You decide 2008 should be more than just a presidential nomination.
Clips from Hollywood shuffle a movie spoofing the African American battle to be take serious as actors in Hollywood. It is comedic look at the types of roles African Americans are offered and the perils they face in the industry. However understand it is a catalyst to the thought, for the roles have evolved since this film has been made. I am showing this because that evolution has been slow.
Clip 1 :
Clip 2 - The gang fight scene :
Although it is not as apparent as it was in the days of Black-Exploitation films. The stereotype has evolved into a new realm of getting its message across to the masses.
There you have it. Gina Carano in command and conquer red alert 3. I must say they better have a lot more to offer in the final or I will be greatly disappointed. So far it has a lack luster appearance that will not keep the attention of video game enthusiast and novices alike. However everyone who knows Gina will want to sneak a peek at her. So I am sure it will fly off the shelves. Judging from the looks of it. It leaves me with questions. Is she the saving grace for the game? Will she have a good Russian Accent? Should she have done this as a way into her acting career? We don't know yet, now do we? However I dig what she does in the ring, and I am trying out for American Gladiator just to get a glimpse of her(yes I am in two years).
I hope this does not hurt Gina in any way. However it is still in development and I could be ahead of myself at this time. So I will keep my eye out for information regarding its development.
As it is on IGN, our good friend from Resident Evil Extinction will be joining the cast of Transforms. Michael Marsden is stated to be cast as the character "Graham," a member of the British special forces.
I hope this to me something that we can all sit down and stomach as the first one was a wild ride. This time around I am sure that Michael Bay who has a green light to make this film how he wants to, and Steven Spielberg on the list of the production team. We will definitely be in for a treat that will push the envelope. Once again we will be in for a great movie that will take out the first one.
I have faith. Do you?
*** The information has not yet posted on IMDB. However I take the word of IGN and MTV on this one. So I will just keep an eye on the Marsden Profile to see what will pan out.
Once in a blue moon a movie comes around that can knock you off your feet. When it happens you almost forget that it is a movie and you are drawn in by it allure. That film found its way into my DVD player two nights ago and I must tell you that it took me two screenings to pull in its complex nature.
Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller does something for this film that is hard to find. They draw you into a realism that is reminiscent of when harry met sally, but with edge. This film has a hidden manipulative nature and a raw adaptation of what it is to be drawn into someone by intrigue and lust. All the while dancing acting on all impulses although the need of accomplishing a greater goal lays in the balance.
Seductive, passionate, giving and taking. This film will leave you wanting more. So I recommend that you take the time out to rent Interview. It will be worth your home entertainment efforts.
I had the huge pleasure of coming across a great artist in the making. One that will captivate you with words and draw you into a world of emotions that you forgot you had. Allowing you the luxury of feeling again, and the catalyst to love and passions will engulf you as you seep into her world.
With songs such as 'Satisfied' and 'Finally Found you' you will not only hear but see, the elements that are missing in music today. The raw creativity that she shares should not go unnoticed or under estimated. With raw talent on the piano breaking all rules to recreate them in a string of subtle and sultry truths that seeps into your heart grabbing your mind on its way to your eternal soul. Her talent goes far beyond that of your everyday artist. Timeless and ready to share her eternal rhythms against a backdrop of soul that will go unmatched by many.
I took the time to sit down and learn a few more things about this artist. She has allowed Enterpolics into the exclusive world Jennifer Garza. What I am bringing to you today is what she is, and nothing less.
As I went through these answers to her questions. All I can feel is an authentic vibe to what makes her who she is. With a smile that would break the hardest of hearts, and a hand in the kitchen that will strengthen the back of the most loyal of men you will feel at home. From what she has to say, you will see and agree with the fact that there is a need for real artist.
Now you have the opportunity to enjoy her for all that she is.
The Interview:
I am pleased to see that you have brought me aboard. I hope to bring light to the fans and to those who will know you soon. Before I begin, I would like to say, that I had the chance to listen to more of your music and watch your Insider interview and I love what you stand for and I hope to shed more light upon your movements.
So Jennifer what is your favorite song off your current album? Finally Found You
What about this song over the others makes it stand out to you? Well, when I listen to this song, it makes me want to cry. When I wrote this song, it was at a time when I was very much in love and I thought for sure that I found the one that I would be with forever. It's strange how it all fell apart. But ultimately, I feel that God has a different plan for me and I'm ready to embrace it!
Is there a song you would like to release but it is too revealing for you to do so now? No. I'm at a time in my life where I feel that I can just be totally myself and in control of the decisions I make as far as sharing my inner most thoughts and feelings. These days, I don't hold back at all if I have something important to say.
On a lighter note, I would like to know; What led you to soul music? Soul music to me, is anything from the heart. When you hear music from the soul, you can feel someones heart through the song. I don't intend to write music that I cannot feel. Therefore, feelings of my heart are essentially what led me to soul music.
What are some of your influences in the reality we call life? God plays a major role in my life. Anyone who sends me good energy and positive vibes are extremely influential for me.
Are you going to continue using your poetry as a catalyst to your music? Of course! I believe that poetry and music go hand in hand. For me, without a sense of poetry, there would be no song, and vice versa.
Will you always play the piano by ear or will you mix it up with sheet music? I've never really enjoyed reading music. It always tends to create boundaries. I'd much rather play by ear. This way, I can FEEL the music rather than the music feeling me. I hope that makes sense.
Have you ever been approached to change your style? All the time! I try to focus on what I want musically, rather than what everyone else wants. I would just drive myself crazy if I constantly worried about the expectations of others.
Is there any one person that your fashion yourself after? I'm proud to say that I am my own person and I enjoy the freedom of just being able to be me. I'm inspired by many artists, but at the end of the day, I'm an individual with my own mind and my own personality.
As far as to who you look up to, name your top spots? Musically, Lily Allen, M.I.A., Tori Amos, basically anyone who is not afraid to speak the truth. I really look up to people who do not give a shit what anyone thinks. It's so inspiring for me!
Now before I go I would like to let the fans know a little more about Jennifer. Have you ever worked a 9 to 5? Well, before I started doing music, I worked as a chiropractic assistant. I guess that would constitute as a 9-5, right? The job only lasted about 2 months. I couldn't take it. Probably because the doctor I worked for was really horrible and insincere to his patients. He used to get all excited when someone called for a workers comp or car accident cause it meant that he was gonna get paid. What a slime ball! Working a 9-5 was just not for me. That was my first and last experience, thank God. Not to say that a 9-5 is a bad thing. It makes some people really happy. Just not me.
What was your favorite food growing up? Apple Jacks Cereal. Most of the time, we couldn't even afford it and we got the generic version of everything. But when I did have Apple Jacks, they were SO good. It was my favorite cereal. It's so funny because now me and my brothers laugh at the fact that we used to have to get "chips galore" instead of the real brand "chips ahoy"! HAHA! Pobrecito!
Can you cook? Sure!
Do you think it is a way to a mans heart? In most cases. It really depends on the man's upbringing. I never used to have an interest in cooking. When I moved to NYC, I kind of just fell into it. The long NY winters being stuck at home, kind of made it necessary for me to take up cooking. My man at the time loved my cooking. Either that, or he was just trying to be nice and said it was great just to make me feel better.
What turns you on in life? Being free! I value my freedom in life. I've learned that having the freedom to be exactly who you are, is extremely liberating and really satisfies my soul.
If you could love all over again, would you pick your first love? Hell NO! That boy was SO wrong for me. He never gave a shit about my feelings and he made me cry all the time.
Also since you are moving out to the west coast. Tell me when can we expect to see you in the Arizona-phoenix area, Cali, and Vegas venues? It would be great to have you. Phoenix needs it, and Tempe is next door and your style will be a pure fit. 2008, west coast, it's on bitches! ;-) It's a celebration bitches! LOL No but seriously, I plan on having shows mostly on the west coast this year. I'll be going back to NYC and Houston as much as possible too. But west coast, see you a whole lot in the near future! Looking forward to it! I'll be posting dates up on my myspace, so check back! :-)
Now that you have the opportunity to share with her. Take a further look into her world and see what she has in store for true souls.
Rock pioneer Bo Diddley passed away at the age of 79. A founding father of what we now call Rock & Roll. The term was first coined to describe him as an artist and the revolution in music that was taking place at the time. We have been rocking and rolling ever since.
A master of guitar effects, he left a legacy of inspired artist and fans, that would master the use of his styling putting their own spin on it. Whether Bo agreed or not, he is aware that he is the father of a sound and not a name that has been placed on it. Call it kicks and push, if you like, then he fathered Kicks and push(Rock&Roll).
Unfortunate for many in the next generations to come, they will not know Diddley, if we do not put his name where it belongs. Although he is not here, he has recorded enough music to last many lifetimes. With a catalog that is symbolic to the amount of work he had to pump out due to the mishandling of the business aspects of his career.
So get out there and support his legacy.
Here are some more videos to get you acquainted with the legendary musician.
If you do not know who this lady is at this point then you have been living under a rock somewhere in the dessert of no mans land. This is a true lady, and a person of sport, but don't tell her that, she already knows. However do not be fooled by me calling her a lady or anything else that may meet your eyes about Gina. Such as sexy and down right knock out, etc, etc.. She is a rough and tumble rising star in the the world of MMA(mixed martial arts) as an EliteXC fighter and an American Gladiator, you will be sure to see her for a long time to come.
This is not why I have here. Not at all. She will soon be a character in the upcoming Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 video game set to be released on XBOX and PC. Electronic Arts Announced it on Friday that the star and Undefeated EliteXC MMA Fighter, "will be starting as Natasha, a deadly Soviet Comando, in the game." With her rising star she will be a playable character as well. So all of you hopefuls out there, will have the opportunity to learn her moves.
Here is what Gina had to say about her recent accomplishments:
"The last year has been such a whirlwind for me, from everything that's happening with EliteXC this weekend to American Gladiators and now with EA and Red Alert 3," said Carano. "Natasha is such a cool, powerful character, her actions definitely speak louder than her words which is something I definitely identify with. I can't wait to see how everything turns out and I hope all of the gamers out there have a great time wreaking havoc as me."
Now isn't she cooler than ice in the winter? But don't let the face fool you. It would be a huge mistake to do so.
JOHN ROCKINS UNIVERSITY has been brought into existence do to a silent demand for representation. A representation in the media of Ethnic American Films, music, books, and plays. Although this blog is not singular in a focus solely on Ethnic American art, it allows the reader to see that it fits into a full spectrum of works, across the entire industry.
With the exposure JRU's hopes to be a piece of a large pie. An integral part that can be shared at all tables involved and with all who take an interest in the art of our modern day as well as past, and leaping towards a greater future.
No longer should Americans or the America we love, have a split down the center. If in art that continues it will forever bring out the underlying mistrust, and misunderstanding that we face in reality.
I hope to bring all races together with this blog and to bring about a change within our work in the media as well as the art forms of entertainment that we love.
