Lined around our thought lies the truth that most can not accept and/or do not want to accept. It seems that those we come across refuse to eradicate the falsehoods that cloud the reality we all live in. With lies come power, a power that is false and problematic and most wield. It pawns itself off as truth and is perpetuated by many. Although lies live short and truth reigns eternal. It is not winning in the current time balance.
I do not want to harp on Lies, I want us to realize the capacity of it nemesis. That eternity within truth is the power that gives it the opportunity to awaken any one person on the planet to begin a movement. That movement was held in the hands of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, and many others like them who fought for something other than themselves.
Eventually someone will open the mouth that they own and those thoughts that we all hold onto can come crawling out. Then we will be in shock and put into action a plan to repress the truth again. In order to keep the cycle of perpetuated lies from living a new generation, we must stand on truth and not false truth, but what is before us in History and within the present.
I've learned that if we search the deepest basin of human existence we will find our origin. Within that origin, we find our brothers and sisters, our friends and forefathers, our cousins and neighbors distant and near. No matter the color, relation is by blood, nothing else. So I say that to say this. You are what you say you are, and you are what you say someone else is.
The blinding cycle will be the down fall of truth, unless this time around more than ten stand up at the same time.
Stumbled onto this guy while looking into Obadiah Parker. I would be wrong if I kept this to myself. Enjoy and forgive the overload on my love for Acoustic Music.
This band is well known in the southwest. They are rocking the stages all through AZ and the West Coast. I wanted to share with you a performance I had the opportunity to witness a year ago. Forgive me for just getting around to allow you guys in on this gem.
Again I bring you a rare feature that will drag you to the bottom of your thoughts and back. A film that pushes the limits in creativity. This film has gone under the radar and for reasons is not on the top of the list. However those reasons in my book can be overlooked when you are looking for pure acting and entertainment.
With budding actress of the time Renee Zellweger who was virtually unknown. Which took turns captivating the screen with this raw energy that is unseen in in many of today's movies.
In the tradition of Bonnie and Clyde and my last recommendation Jimmy & Judy. This weekend is the perfect time to release your anti social rebel out on the couch and enjoy this film. As one guy put it, it's pure homicidal- maniacal movie going.
Although it lags in certain areas you will enjoy the overall content. This film is also a good look into the doors of America's secret lives. Many people are in this state of mind and we walk by them everyday. However because we do not share or care for the moment we see them. They take that with them and become the menace we all fear.
*** This movie is part comedy but there is nothing funny about the content. I recommend this film for pure entertainment purposes for my movie enthusiast out there. Do not take it so serious.
Although hulk did not hit my proposed question to numbers of surpassing the 59 million dollar mark it came quite close to doing so. This version of the hulk beat out expectations by far, however for us enthusiast and insiders we felt that it would have done far better than it has done. Plus now I can visualize Eric Bana laughing at the studio for not recasting him.
So this is what I have to do now. I have to sit and watch this films progression for the next few weeks to see what take place. I suspect after the buzz gets out that we will see a decent if not significant spike in the weekly numbers. Which will most likely will be due to all those out of work High school kids.
We will see. I have my fingers crossed on this one.
*Side note : I went to see the film and I was blown away with the special effects and the acting was far better than the last version. Although they can step up the story in a few areas, if this get green lighted for a sequel. I think that is a strong possibility.
This is a pot of Gold if Marvel can hang on and make it happen. My advice is once the numbers hit profit negotiations should begin.
I was walking around MySpace and I came across some great musical talent that needs a second look. Although I have not had the pleasure of speaking to the artist you are about to take part in. I will be on the road to do so.
I do not know how interested I am in the whole concept of 'Celebrity Circus'. However I have been made aware that Stacey " ageless" Dash, has decided to be a cast member of the Celebrity Circus. So I decided to go find out, and bet I did.
I love what I see so far and I hope that we will see more from this amazingly beautiful woman.
I have a huge feeling that hulk will take out the box office this weekend with no stutter. With all the hype behind it and the rage from within the green giant that slings cars instead of peas. I am sure that this turn around Marvel will have people talking and we will see a spike in his box office take over Saturday and Sunday.
Instead of a declining take in, the tickets will be flying out of the printer and into the hands of those who had the opportunity to see Iron Man. With Robert Downey Jr. taken up space on the screen we are sure to see some closet fans of the Marvel movies to sneak out and take a look.
So I challenge the idea over at EW. I think that Hulk will smash past the 59 million dollar mark. Does anyone care to second that?
***Update Box office Mojo is estimating a $54,000,000 take at the box office for this weekend. So I would give or take a few million. I still stand to say that you should give on this one.
Reading title must have you thinking to yourself Kem has left the building...huh? Well that is not the case I want to bring something to the light that I have not heard much on. A piece of work that is awesome and can not go unnoticed on the mass scale as it has.
So what am he talking about you ask! Stephen Marley's debut album 'Mind Control', a gem of true musical melodic rhythms fused with lyrics that will take you to the next level.
Let us not forget the gifts that Bob Marley left behind within his sons. They have allowed his essence to continue on in new music that will bring you to your knees then back to your feet. Repeating joy and inspirational chant and movements of pure purpose. Stephen Marley is one window into the house of Marley. My suggestion is to open that window take a look inside, shout into with the belief you are their closest friend coming to visit. Once inside quiet your mind and take part into something awesome.
Mind Control may be a gem that needs not to be shined. So to wind up your revolutionary spirit you will need this album, a gallon of water, and a great spirit. Do you have it? If you answered yes, the rest is up to you.
Live at J&R Music World in NYC Stephen Marley - Mind Control
The return of Jamie Foxx in a role that highlights his acting skills is on the horizon in the the 'soloist'. Which is a film based on a the Steve Lopez articles, in which Robert Downey Jr., will be portraying the real like reporter who documented the trial of the musical prodigy with mental illness living on Skid Row.
I think this one will be trophy worthy. Which trophy I think just about all of them. We know how it will be just in time for a nod.
With the work being done by Robert Downey Jr. as of late, and Jamie Foxx jumping in. I see a complete balance that compliments . The bad boys of Hollywood will take this one like the Boston Celtics has in the first two games of the '08 NBA Finals with guts and preparation.
Now before I allow you to click this video below and pay homage to the kung-fu pimp. I want to say this again. Are they kidding me? Dolemite explosion! Why Rudy Ray Moore? He could have come back with a more redeeming film if he wanted to make peace with his comedic career.Then again I do not think that this was the intentional desire. I guess it does not matter what I think. At least it is still good to see him kicking, in more ways than one.
I will see it, but I will not tell anyone I know to their face that I did. That one is for your books, write it down and give a &$%^!
I love the old films, however I thought they would remain in the past, with no revamps. This is going to ruin the legacy like the recent Rambo and Rocky films ,for each of those respected franchises.There was no cause for it, and new ideas should been the focal point of the return to the screen. Not so long, not overdue sequel.
Like I always say. Just because you have a green light it does not mean that you are going in the right direction.
Then again that green light is beginning to look like Don Bishop, the Pimp Guru to Snoop Dogg. What do you think. Watch this trailer and get back with me.
Great promo for the new planet Green network. These two have worked up a great team effort I can appreciate it.
I wonder would we see these two in a film together. Maybe not but it sounds like a great buddy flick to me. With these line for lines it seems that they have a great chemistry that would work well on the big screen.
I am just saying.
However that is not the focal point for today. I want you to tell me whether or not you are more green than me, by telling me what you do on the day to day bases to contribute to the de-pollution of our planet.
I take the time to sort out my trash into proper disposal methods. What do you do?
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.
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.
