Autopsy: Trayvon Martin Died Of Single Gunshot Fired From…
Census: Minorities Now Surpass Whites In US Births
The trailer to the upcoming drama, 'Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire,' has surfaced on the Web.
It premiered on both Oprah Winfrey's and Tyler Perry's Web sites this morning and was shown on the talk show diva's show today.
'Precious,' which won three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, is set to be shown this month at the Cannes Film Festival.
The cast includes Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe.
Many who have seen the film have said that Mo'Nique is definitely a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination.
Top 10 Movies of 2008
Top 10 Movies of 2008:
Of the many films I have seen this year (over 350); these are the films I thought were the best of 2008. Many performances were the highlight of numerous films, including some that were in films that played in limited areas. Some will be recognized come Oscar time and some may not, but if you get a chance, check out these films and see why I considered them the best of this year.
Paramount | Warner Bros. | Alluvial Film Company | Weinstein Company LLC
10. 'Let The Right One In':
With all the hoopla surrounding the other vampire film, 'Twilight' --- with its legion of fans, this is the film that quietly captured the attention of many and had a story with substance. Thanks to director Tomas Alfredson's take on John Ajvide Lindqvist's Swedish bestseller-turned-screenplay. On DVD soon.
9. 'Gomorra':
If there was ever a film to compete with the Granddaddy of gangster films 'The Godfather,' it would be this foreign film from Italy. Matteo Gorrone's thought provoking look at the criminal underbelly through the lives of five individuals is frightening to imagine, but too engrossing to walk away from. In theaters now.
8. 'Rachel Getting Married':
In shedding the good girl image we've seen in her previous films, Anne Hathaway gives a tour-de-force performance as the sister that comes home and almost ruins a wedding with erratic behavior. In theaters now.
7. 'Ballast':
In using non-professionals for its cast, Lance Hammer directed a film that captures a slice-of-life with a topic (homelessness) that filmmakers rarely focus on, and brings realism to the American forefront. In theaters now.
6. 'Vicky Christina Barcelona':
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem ignited some fire in Woody Allen's latest romantic comedy, which also stars his current muse Scarlett Johansson and newcomer Rebecca Hall. After so many attempts in English speaking films, Cruz finally has a film that makes a Hollywood star. On DVD now.
5. 'Tell No One':
This French film has the makings of a Hollywood noir, with its romance, suspense, and intensity. Otto Preminger and Alfred Hitchcock would be so proud that some of their films were combined in this tale of man who believes that his dead wife may still be alive while he is under investigation for her murder. On DVD soon.
4. 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button':
While the story about a man aging backwards may be seen as gimmicky and manipulative, David Fincher created a beautiful fantasy filled with wonderful visual effects and amazing performances by Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson. In theaters Christmas Day.
3. 'Milk':
Sean Penn's performance as Gay activist Harvey Milk is not only stunning, but director Gus Van Sant brought a level of emotion and intelligence to a subject matter that still touches the hearts of many in today's political climate. On DVD soon.
2. 'Slumdog Millionaire':
From the man who directed a diverse array of films ranging from 'Trainspotting' to '28 Days Later' to 'Millions',' comes this gem about a quest for freedom, respect and love. Danny Boyle's film is filled with such colorful imagery and passion that one can't leave the film without being highly entertained. In theaters now.
Set in Harlem in 1987, the movie features the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Sidibe), a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo'Nique), a poisonous woman who abuses her emotionally and physically.
School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: She can neither read nor write.
Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakable sense that other possibilities exist for her.
Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. She doesn't know the meaning of "alternative," but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.
Lionsgate, in association with Winfrey's and Perry's production firms, will release the film Nov. 6.
Popular Black Comedians
Mo'Nique
Started Out: Appearing at the downtown Baltimore Comedy Factory Outlet. Big Break: Starred on the hit UPN sitcom 'The Parkers.' Hometown: Baltimore Also Was Seen: In 'Three Can Play That Game,' 'Hair Show' and 'Shadowboxer.' Factoid: Born in 1967, Mo'Nique (real name: Monique Imes) is the author of 'Skinny Women are Evil: Notes of a Big Girl in a Small-Minded World' and the cookbook 'Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted.'
George Wallace
Started Out: Doing a completely improvised routine in a New York City comedy club circa 1977. Big Break: Worked as a writer for 'The Redd Foxx Show.' Hometown: Atlanta Also Was Seen: In the movies 'The Ladykillers' and 'Batman Forever.' Factoid: Born in 1952, Wallace owns and operates one of Las Vegas' most popular stand-up comedy shows -- his very own at the legendary Flamingo.
Damon Wayans
Started Out: As a stand-up comic on the syndicated TV show 'Solid Gold.' Big Break: Starred in the hit 1990s sketch comedy show 'In Living Color,' along with family members Keenan Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. Hometown: New York City Also Was Seen: In 'Beverly Hills Cop,' 'Mo Money' and 'Marci X.' Factoid: Born in 1960, Wayans served as the executive producer of '413 Hope St.,' a short-lived drama on the FOX network starring Richard Roundtree and Jesse L. Martin, which premiered in 1997.
Chris Rock
Started Out: Doing stand-up comedy in 1985 in New York City's Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club. Big Break: Was a cast member of the popular sketch comedy series 'Saturday Night Live.' Hometown: New York City Also Was Seen: In the movie 'New Jack City,' where he played a crackhead informant. Factoid: Born in 1965, Rock won a Grammy for best spoken comedy album in 1999 for the project 'Bigger & Blacker.'
Paul Mooney
Started Out: As a writer for the groundbreaking sitcoms 'The Richard Pryor Show' and 'Sanford and Son.' Big Break: Creating the character Homie the Clown for the irreverent sketch comedy show 'In Living Color.' Hometown: Louisiana Also Was Seen: In the movies 'Hollywood Shuffle,' and 'Bamboozled.' Factoid: Born in 1941, Mooney recorded racially charged comedy albums - via Stepsun Records - during the 1990s and gained newfound notoriety as Negrodamus on the hit Comedy Central series 'Chappelle's Show.'
Wanda Sykes
Started Out: Began her stand-up career at a Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in Washington, D.C. Big Break: Played multiple roles on Chris Rock's Emmy Award-winning HBO show. Hometown: Portsmouth, Va. Also Was Seen: In the movies 'Monster-in-Law' and 'Pooty Tang' and on the TV shows 'Wanda At Large,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'The New Adventures of Old Christine.' Factoid: During a Las Vegas gay rights rally in November 2008, Sykes proclaimed she was "proud to be gay."
Whoopi Goldberg
Started Out: In 1984, her one-woman show – directed by Mike Nichols -- became a Broadway hit. Big Break: The Steven Spielberg-directed movie 'The Color Purple,' in which she made her debut and won an Academy Award nomination. Hometown: New York City Also Was Seen: In 'Jumping Jack Flash,' 'Made in America,' 'Sister Act' and 'Ghost,' for which she won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role as a colorful and crafty clairvoyant. Factoid: Born in 1955, Goldberg (real name: Caryn Elaine Johnson) became a co-host of ABC's long-running talk show, 'The View,' in 2007.
Dave Chappelle
Started Out: Cutting his teeth on the New York City comedy circuit. Big Break: He co-wrote and starred in the 1998 stoner film 'Half Baked.' Hometown: Washington, D.C. Also Was Seen: In the movies 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights,' 'Blue Streak,' 'The Nutty Professor' and 'Undercover Brother.' Factoid: Born in 1973, Chappelle (real name: David Anand Khari Webber Chappelle) helmed his eponymous Comedy Central show, which was wildly popular until he walked away in the middle of its third season.
Chris Tucker
Started Out: Small parts in TV shows such as 'Roseanne' and 'Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.' Big Break: Playing Ice Cube's sidekick in the 1985 comedy movie 'Friday.' Hometown: Atlanta Also Was Seen: In the movies 'Money Talks,' 'The Fifth Element' and the blockbuster 'Rush Hour' movie franchise. Factoid: Born in 1972, Tucker endorsed Barack Obama rather than Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primaries even though he traveled overseas with President Bill Clinton.
Finesse Mitchell
Started Out: Appeared on BET's 'Comic View' in 1999. Big Break: Was a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' in 2003. Hometown: Atlanta Also Was Seen: In the movies 'Who's Your Caddy?' 'The Comebacks' and 'Mad Money.' Factoid: Born in 1972, the University of Miami graduate authored the book 'Your Girlfriends Only Know So Much.'
Comments: (38)
Add a comment
By: Shakira on 5/25/2009 5:21PM
I am glad to see that a film has been made of the this important novel by Sapphire. However, I do wish that the women who help the large, dark-skinned character through her pain to self-realization were also large and/or dark-skinned.
In visual media like television, film, and videos, there is a long history of large, dark-skinned black women being depicted as dumb, unattractive, pathologically abusive, and generally unpleasant. These characters are usually placed in counterpoint with slim, white or very light-skinned, traditionally pretty women, who represent the "correct" version of what a woman should be. They are desirable, helpful, sunny, and smart. This historical depiction has only reinforced the notion that large, dark women are "incorrect," problematic, and worthless.
We can change this by putting forth varying depictions of large, dark women. We need to see big black girls who are charming, beautiful, beloved, and special, and women who have their stuff together.
I will probably see the film, but I know that this issue will nag at me throughout my viewing.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Leo V. on 5/26/2009 10:45AM
Anything Tyler Perry puts out is a MUST SEE! You will always walk away with something from any of his movies/plays.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Esticee1 on 5/27/2009 11:19AM
I can't wait to see this film! I am going to get this book before the movie comes out. Monique is so talented! and the young lady that plays Precious, you go girl! Those that makes harsh comments just to get attention, just let their ignorance continue because they are making themselves look stupid! Anyway, I see and feel that there are awards coming up!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: chzz on 5/29/2009 2:30AM
@Very sweet
It is hard to keep trying with a child who is rebellious,disrespectful and hateful towards you because you are a human being too.You try your best and do your best but it is frustrating.It's like a constant war zone in your home so I wish you peace,first of all.
Next,I pray for truth and clarity for you.
What do you really want from her? Love?Acceptance?Forgiveness?Gratitude?
She may be incapable of giving you those things and you may need to accept that.Or you may need to give them to yourself.Do you love you?
You are both angry and you must let it go but it takes time.
Last,I wish you happiness.You deserve that.
Take a time out and it might work if she can stay with friends/ relatives for a while.
You need to breathe because you're at your limit.
Breathe...
It is very difficult and painful and there are no easy answers.
Ultimately,you both have to want to change.She alone can change her.You alone can change you.
The past is over and you both can have a better future if you want it.It won't be easy and you can't give up loving her.But when all has been done,you may have a better relationship,apart.
God bless you both.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Elaine Smith on 6/01/2009 9:56PM
This movie appears to very harsh and realistic, One that I will not be rushing out to see in November. Precious reminds me of Celie and a story thats been told many times over. Perhaps when it gets to dvd I may have a look. I could be wrong but I don't hear the OSCAR buzz around this movie, I just don't think that the masses (white people) will be very receptive to this reality. But I sincerely hope it does well at the box office.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: dfrankl on 6/01/2009 12:30PM
I think this has to be disturbing, gritty, raw, sad, downtrodden and everything that everyone has said. It is invoking the very reaction that it needs to tell its story. This movie based on this book is going to help someone to tell, help someone to stop molesting their children, help someone trust a teacher or be a better teacher. Truthfully, I think the color of the character's skin is irrelevant. NO ONE should have to go thru this especially not a child and it happens more than we know or want to know. This book / movie is worthy of all your comments no matter how ignorant they are. No matter how many agree or disagree. No matter if you see a heart felt love story by blacks or not. All the comments are true. Hurtful or not. Good review or not. One thing is for sure...it got all of our attention! I read the book nearly 13 or 14 years ago and the depth that Monique is going to have to go to to portray this character is why she will be an easy nom for an Oscar. Read the book and you will see what I mean!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: chines on 6/03/2009 10:16AM
I read the book Push years ago, and though it was sad, it told a story that made me realize how fortunate I was to have a mother who supported and loved me unconditionally. While the movie does portray us negatively, there is a message in it that hopefully will make a difference in someone's life.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Monica on 6/12/2009 7:34PM
Great book!!!!! Read it in two days because I could not put it down. Soooo real... I keep forgetting that it's not based on a true story. I wonder what other works Sapphire has done....Can't wait to see the movie.
Reply to this Comment | Report This