El Dorado

The Road to El Dorado, Disney is always pushing the envelope. The Road to El Dorado is beautifully done. Great characters, scenery and music. Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branaugh, Rosie Perez, Armande Assante, and Edward James Olmos supply the voices to the main characters. This is a good film that everyone can enjoy. It’s about love, friendship and greed. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

The Prince of Egypt

this is my favorite Disney film as I’ve mentioned before. The chariot race is breathtaking. There are a few musical numbers, but not the traditional Disney fare. I’ve seen this film about 5 times now. I was watching this movie just before the power went out in NOLA during Katrina. Maybe I was using my battery, but I know I couldn’t finish watching it because I couldn’t charge my battery. My line up of movies for the up coming week will be as follows: Havoc, Good Fence, Coming to America, Chill Factor, L. A. Law (The Movie), Hollow Man, and another episode of The White Shadow and 21 Jump Street. Watch along if you can find these films. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Sinbad vs. Hairshow

Actually there is no comparison between the two films. Sinbad is an animated feature with incredible visuals and Hairshow is a Barbershop rip off that doesn't have the same flair. The film does have moments, but its the same old story. More attention could have been paid on the hairshow itself that might have been more interesting.

Sinbad breaks ground as creating a Disney female character with short hair and more of an adventurous spark. She also wears pants. The movement and action of the characters is sensational. If you don't like animation because you think it's for kids, think again. Creature comforts is an interesting claymation film that your might like. Tonight I'll watch The Road to El Dorado.

Opps!

I placed my movie review for Antz on my journal for ArtbyDlonzo. Oh well it happens. Tonight's feature will be Sinbad, the lengend of the seven seas. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Only Disney can

I watched the Hunchback of Notre Dame as I move into five days of animated films. Disney has managed to throw in religion, amongst the love story based on the story by Victor Hugo. The voices of Demi Moore, Tom Hulce and Jason Alexander are featured in this musical of yet another beauty and the beast story. There were too many musical numbers for me. Maybe it was the fact that the numbers weren't so entertaining. Maybe it was my mood. I'm not sure. The visuals were great, but The Prince of Eqypt remains my favorite film when it comes to animated humans, but The Lion King is still tops for it's spectacular visuals. If you like animation you'll enjoy this film. Lots of jokes even one scene taken from the Wizard of Oz. See if you can find it. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

21 Jump Street

The 70’s was all about color. Putting together those patterns your mother told you never to mix and match. LOL. The Disco era. The 80’s was about the hair, New Wave fashion was what it was called. 21 Jump Street was the trendy new show that everyone was talking about. The show starred Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson, Peter DeLuise, and Dustin Nguyen. Undercover cops who looked young enough to get away with going back to school. The show tackled some pretty interesting issues that teens around the U.S. were dealing with. It paved the way for so many other shows that would hold the interest of teens and adults alike. 21 Jump Street was the first hit crime drama for the Fox network. It introduced us to many of the stars that would take over the tube. Christina Applegate, Jason Priestly and Shannon Doherty all appeared on episodes of 21 Jump Street before becoming residences themselves. Check out a few episodes if you’ve never seen this show. It holds up pretty well. If you have any film recommendations that I might not have seen yet, drop me a line. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

The White Shadow

This was a television series that I would not miss. The story centered around a group of basketball players, mostly black, who were challenged by a white coach. The show was diverse in its depiction of the various backgrounds and the topics it covered. Ken Howard plays the coach who once had a promising career in the NBA until a knee injury benched him. A fellow friend and school principal hires him for his touch exterior to become coach, big brother and father to the guys of Carver High’s basketball team. Tonight I’ll watch an episode of 21 Jump Street. The rest of the week it’s Animation starting with The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Antz, Sinbad, The Road to El Dorado, and the Prince of Egypt. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Rainman

- I had two copies of the film in the VHS format. How did that happen? One copy went bad and I replaced it. Then I debated about having it on DVD. I recently found it at a good price and picked it up. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise as brothers. Dustin Hoffman plays an Idiot Savant, the new politically correct term is Autistic. Dustin won an Oscar for his performance as Raymond Babbit aka Rainman. The first time I saw this film in the theaters it brought back some memories of someone I knew had gone through a similar incident that is talked about in the film. We all have secrets. Even if we share them with just one person, it’s still a secret to others around us. Is it a good thing to have secrets? If we told the truth about everything that we did, what would be the outcome? Do people even hear what we are saying? I remember once in one of my newsletters my opening line was a confession, but unless it’s plastered where everyone who visits me can see it, it means nothing. I’ll remember to post that opening statement on my Blog. LOL. If you haven’t seen Rainman give it a look see. It’s an interesting film that deals with hatred, betrayal, love and compassion. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. I’ve not selected my films for the week at this writing. I will probably begin watching The White Shadow or 21 Jump Street. Check back to find out what it will be.

Ordinary People

Ordinary People - This is one of those films that when it first came out I wasn’t interested in seeing. I didn’t know any of the stars, well I did know Mary Tyler Moore, but the story just didn’t seem to be something I was interested in. I was used to action pictures, some comedies, but serious drama I wasn’t into at the time. After seeing Taps, Falcon and the Snowman, Iceman, I became a fan of Timothy Hutton. So I had to see the film in which he was nominated for an Oscar. When we are young there are just certain things we can’t relate to, that we can when we think we are all grown up. Depression, death, weren’t prevalent in my life at the time. At least not to a degree where I couldn’t cope. The film is about love, understanding, compassion and control. The film deals with the psyche and how we all at some point blame ourselves for events that we actually have no control over. If you haven’t seen this film I suggest you give it a look see. If you have seen it, why not see it again. Share it with a friend and see how your life has changed. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Tonight’s feature: Rainman. Coming soon: Havoc, Lady Sings the Blues, Oxygen, Harlem Nights, Above the rim and Steel Magnolia’s.

Glengarry Glen Ross

This is not just a film about real estate, this is a film about sales. It is a film about determination and survival. Everyone is at there best in this film, Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacy, Alec Baldwin, Johnathan Pryce and Ed Harris. This is a dialogue film. We don’t get too many of those. Quentin Tarantino gives us dialogue amongst action, but this is all dialogue and little action. We’re watching a stage play which is quite a change. Check out this film and see how you react. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Runaway Jury

There aren’t a lot of great movies that have been filmed entirely in New Orleans. There aren’t a lot of great movies that even feature New Orleans. Usually it’s a jazz funeral, Mardi Gras parade, voodoo or cemeteries. Live and Let Die, The Killer Bees, Candyman, Farewell to the Flesh, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat People, Easy Rider, Tight Rope, Drum, Monsters Ball, Murder at the Mardi Gras and Pretty Baby to name a few. Most of the films get the accent wrong or they pronounce the streets differently. I like how a character can stay on one side of town and walk to another side. They’d be exhausted. Runaway Jury starts off kind of foolish. I’ve hesitated to purchase this film, but I found it at a good price. I paid around $6.00. Unless its something I don’t want to take a chance not getting I usually pay the price. I wish I had done that with Priest and now I’m having the hardest time getting it added to my collection. So I keep trying. Runaway Jury stars Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, John Cusack, Luiz Guzman, New Orleans locals Audela Gautier and Carol Sutton and many others. It turns out to be an interesting film. The film is taken from a novel by John Grisham. Give it a look see. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Angel Heart

When I first saw this film oh, so many years ago, it was because of Lisa Bonet. Many of you may not even know who she is. Lisa Bonet played Denise Huxtable on the Cosby Show. Denise was the artistic Huxtable, so I was drawn to her character right away. She dressed differently, had her own ideas and just went with her own flow. Does art imitate life? Lisa was looking to change, but Cosby suggested she think things through. When an actor takes that first role they have to be very careful. So from a safe place, Lisa went against Cosby and took the role of Epiphany. She played a young voodoo priestess, walking around half naked and doing a bloody sex scene with Mickey Rourke. The film originally had an NC-17 rating, so the sex scene was cut short. In the DVD version, the scene is seen in its entirety. Voodoo experts criticized the film because they didn’t understand what it had to do with the film. Those affiliated with the film, lots of locals, tried to justify the dance sequences and the fact that most people who practice voodoo or seek voodoo are searching for themselves. The DVD is also filled with some useful knowledge from local practioners. It also gives insight on Marie Laveau, the most famous of all Voodoo priestesses. Marie Laveau was a beautician and a nurse. She used Voodoo in both professions. The history behind Voodoo and it’s origins are quite interesting. New Orleans is at the core of it all. Check out this DVD if only for the extra features by some local New Orleanians. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

The Gingerbread Man

1-18-06 The Ginger Bread Man - The film stars a few heavy weights, Robert Duvall, Daryl Hannah, Robert Downey, Jr., Troy Beyer, Tom Berenger and Kenneth Branaugh. The film is filled with twists and turns, using the tale of the Ginger bread man as an outline. Catch me if you can. I’m sure the book was better than the film, but I liked the idea of a hurricane being the undercurrent. It’ll help me when I begin my tale. In keeping with my theme of films made in and around Louisiana. Tonight’s feature will be the controversial, Angel Heart. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

All images are from the film, Island in the sun. Notice the natural beauty and sexual aura being given by all of the characteres. 1) John Justin and Dorothy Dandridge 2) Harry Belafonte and D. D. 3) Harry Belafonte and Joan Fontaine 4) Joan Collins

Mr. 3000

   Mr. 3000 - I finally sat down and watched this film. It was okay. I’m not a Bernie Mac fan. The reason I got this film is because I had a very, very small part. So small in fact you can’t even see me. I thought the scene might get cut and then it appears early in the film. If they hadn’t done a fade in you might get to see me moving around. This week I’ll be watching films that were filmed in and around New Orleans. I spoke with Paul Sorvino, but I didn’t know he was in the film. It’s funny how you can be a part of something and not know what the finished product will be. Now I understand how Bob Guccione pulled off Caligula. Anyway, the film stars Angela Basset and Steve Haughn, I think that’s his name. He played in Sahara with Matthew, 8 mile with Eminem and National Security with Martin Lawrence. He’s always the side kick, a little comic relief. Mr. 3000 is a Bernie Mac film, he appears in every scene. If you like Bernie Mac or if you like Baseball then you’ll enjoy this film. In case your wondering which scene I am in. It’s when Bernie is batting balls in the batting cage, I’m one of the janitors in the background. Then they do a fade in, inside of a baseball. Tonight I will watch, The Gingerbread Man. This should be interesting. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

We are all colored people

We’re all colored people - I watched an interesting and powerful film. It was hailed as being a milestone in courageous picture making, by Variety. The film I’m talking about is Darryl F. Zanuck’s Island in the Sun. The story was by Alec Waugh and directed by Robert Rossen. The screenplay was written by Alfred Hayes. The film stars, James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Dorothy Dandridge, Joan Collins, Michael Rennie, Diana Wynyard, John Williams, Stephen Boyd, Basil Sydney and Harry Belafonte as Boyeur. Such a cool name, but it turns out to be his last name in the film. It reminded me of the name of one of my characters in Pieces of Reality. Hollywood magic made things seem possible. Once again life imitates art or vice versa. The film is set on a Caribbean island in 1957. Politics, murder, interracial relationships and scandal make this film worth a look. It’s funny how people look at films and videos today and talk about the girls half naked. Maybe because the women appeared to be more lady like justified them walking around half naked? Maybe it’s the fact that they are beautiful and the girls that we see in videos come across as sluts. Although Joan Collins and Dorothy Dandridge look glamorous, walking around half naked leaves something to the imagination. All the subtleties of what might be a kiss turns into a hug or the faces come within inches of each other to display intimacy. Harry Belafonte doesn’t kiss Joan Fontaine and Dorothy Dandridge doesn’t kiss John Justin. Harry Belafonte gets to sing which is no surprise. He also sings the title song; Dorothy gets to do the limbo and quite gracefully. This film was not received well in the South upon it’s first weeks of release. The whites were depicted as adulterers, murderers and scandalous, while the blacks were depicted as kind and noble. Quite a switch from the stereo type most people have come to know. I miss the days when people used to dress up. This film brings that back. Even seeing Belafonte in a pair of blue jeans or Dandridge in a sarong is very stylish. The cinematography in this film is so artistic and the imagery is insatiably erotic. As the films of old, that cast black actors in leads, come to light. Please check them out. Cabin in the Sky, Hallelujah, and Purlie Victorious, all come to DVD in honor of black history month. Hey, we’re making history everyday. Check out some old films and see what today’s Hollywood is missing. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Here are some recommendations: Giant, Gone with the Wind, Carmen, and Stormy Weather.

The Hitch Hiker's Guide

1-14-06 The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. I finally got my hands on a copy of this film at a good price. I wanted this film because it starred Mos Def. Sam Rockwell and the Voices of Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren. It has a few very funny moments. It’s a change seeing Mos Def in a silly role. Quite entertaining. I do recommend this. As I prepare for the Da Vinci Code, this is an enlightened approached to the search for answers. Everyone wants to know, how did we get here. What is the truth? Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Friday the 13th

1-13-05 Oh my, it’s Friday the 13th, the first one of the year. I was going to buy Friday the 13th part 2 and 3, but they were gone when I went back to get them. I was going to buy them used of course. I only buy new films if I am in a hurry or fear the film may not become available used. I still have not run across the Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy new or used. I need to revise my list again. I went out and bought The White Shadow, but I stumbled across some other interesting films and so I need to eliminate something from my list. I picked up a film with Dorothy Dandridge that should be interesting, Island in the Sun. I’ve only seen her in Carmen, which was directed by Otto Preminger. Tonight I watched the remake of the film, The Longest Yard. Let me start by saying I never saw the original all the way through. I wasn’t really a fan of Burt Reynolds. Something about him I didn’t like. I do remember seeing Smokey and the Bandit and Sharkey’s machine, but that was on television. I have seen Deliverance twice now, but it was because of the story, not Burt Reynolds. Burt does appear in the remake and he actually looks better than I’ve ever seen him. In the film Striptease he looked so fake. Too much plastic surgery. I didn’t buy this film and it won’t be a part of my collection. I borrowed it from my nephew. I am a fan of Chris Rock and Nelly has a few speaking parts. It’s an entertaining film. I’m not a big fan of Adam Sandler either, but I did enjoy him in Punch Drunk Love. So, if you’re sitting around and not sure what to watch, pop in The Longest Yard for a few laughs and lots of hard hitting football action. I’m going to play the next few nights by ear. My nephew has a few films I haven’t seen, so I may borrow them from his collection. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

I love when the English use the word bloody. Of course I don't recall it being used in this film at all.

1-11-06 Sunday Bloody Sunday, this is not the film I was expecting. I guess for it’s time it was controversial, but it wasn’t like Making Love or Cruising. The story revolves around a doctor who loves a young man who loves an older woman. The young man spends his time going back and forth enjoying the company of both parties until he gets tired. His main focus is his art and not his relationship with either party. Artists are difficult creatures sometimes. They are hard to understand and their art is their life. I think I know something about that. LOL. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Tonight’s feature will be, Million Dollar Baby.

True Stories

1-10-06 Donnie Brasco stars Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. This film is based on a true story. It’s an interesting film and all of the actors give great performances. Including Bruno Kirby, Michael Madsen, Anne Heche and James Russo. If you have not seen this film and you like crime films, I suggest you check this one out. Tonight’s feature will be Sunday Bloody Sunday. I’ve never seen this film, but the story sounds interesting.

Category 6: Day of Destruction

Category 6: Day of Destruction. This appeared to be one of those made for TV films like Aftershock, earthquake in New York. I’m realizing it will be easier to write a story about Katrina, but to have it put on film may not work well. Of course the Perfect Storm worked as well as the Titanic. Once I start to get it down on paper I can see what direction I would go. In a book you can have lots of characters, but in a film you want the audience to be able to keep up. You don’t have as much time. Category 6, stars, Brian Dennehy, Thomas Gibson, Nancy McKeon, Randy Quaid, and Dianne Wiest. There was a time when we thought these films were just someone’s imagination going haywire. Now art has imitated life or vice versa. Nature is fighting back with a vengeance. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Cry Baby

 Last night I watched the film, Cry Baby. This is a John Waters film. Now if you’re asking yourself, who is John Waters? Well, all I can say is that you are really not a film lover. You’re definitely not fool serious. John Waters is an artist with a mind to push the envelope. John Waters is responsible for bringing such stars as Devine, and Mink Stole to the public eye. John Waters is responsible for resurrecting the careers of Tab Hunter, Joey Heatherton, Patricia Hearst and Traci Lords. Cry Baby gave John Waters a bigger budget and was able to bring in some bigger names along with his usual entourage. Johnny Depp was just becoming a star with 21 Jump Street and he took on the role of Cry Baby. Though Johnny had musical talent, he didn’t do any of the singing in the film. Thanks to the success of Hair Spray, John Waters was taken a bit more seriously as a film maker. Ricki Lake who was billed as the baby Devine, returned to appear in Cry Baby. The DVD has now added scenes that were deleted previously. There are interviews and commentaries that are quite entertaining and filled with information. As I watched the film I kept thinking this would make a great stage play. Of course Hair Spray had become successful on stage. John Waters does mention on the DVD that there is a possibility that Cry Baby will be a musical. Anything is possible. The Color Purple is now a musical. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Here is the line up for the next four nights. Category 6: Day of Destruction, Donnie Brasco, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Million Dollar Baby. See if you can find them and watch with me.

Ransom

The film Ransom stars Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Delroy Lindo, Lily Taylor, Donnie Wahlberg, Leiv Schreiber, and Gary Sinise. For most parents their worst fear is to lose their child. Your in the mall or grocery and your child decides to play hide and seek, but when your child is at a park or at school and your standing right there. You don’t imagine that your child will be taken from you. Ransom shows the mental breakdown of a father and mother who must make difficult decisions. Battling their trust amongst each other and dealing with secrets that rear their ugly head in the process. I think this is an incredible film although there are a few scenes that are just over the top. The story and characters are real. Who can you trust? In your home? To work for you? Most of us take this question for granted, but it is an honest question. If you haven’t seen this film, check it out. Here are a few of my other film recommendations. Day After Tomorrow, Coffy, The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Here are the films I will be viewing this week. The Gingerbread Man, Category 6: Day of Destruction,

Claudine

I watched Claudine last night. I don't recall seeing this film all the way through. It stars Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones and Lawrence Hilton Jacobs. Diahann Carroll is a black actress that broke her share of barriers. She was the first black woman to have her own television show and the first black celebrity to have a doll named after her character, Julia. In Claudine, Diahann Carroll plays a single mother, with six kids. She's collecting welfare and trying to keep a job on the side that pays under the table to help her survive. She meets and falls in love with James Earl Jones who plays a garbage man. Both stars show nudity, which was surprising since both stars have gone on to do such high caliber work. Even Lawrence Hilton Jacobs flashes some skin. It's an interesting film that captures a way of life that still exists. Tonights feature will be Ransom with Mel Gibson. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Magnolia

I had seen Magnolia once in the theater and once when I bought it on VHS. Although I liked the film and wanted it in my collection. I felt the price was too high. It was an interesting film. I still haven't added Priest to my DVD collection. Either I can't find it in stores or the version that I want isn't available. I may have to just settle. I was trying to find the International version, it has 5 extra minutes. Those things happen. I remember when Showgirls came out. I ended up  with two versions of that film. I know you're saying he must be sick. Acutally I enjoyed Showgirls. It had moments and that makes a film worthwhile for me. When you really look at as many films as I do, you begin to appreciate the art. You see its a difficult task to tell and story and pull it off in film. Certain subjects carry so much territory. It's one of the reasons certain films just don't do well. Films about models, acting or musicals have to be done precisely or it doesn't work. When a film relies on it's musical numbers to carry the film you realize that they didn't have enough story to tell. Of course if the musical numbers are great then no one complains. If you haven't seen Magnolia, check it out. Tom Cruise gives a good performance as well as John C. Reilly, Julliane Moore and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Here are some film recommendations and my line up for upcoming films I'll be viewing. See if you can find them and watch along with me. Casualties of War with Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox, Claudine with Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones, Ransom with Mel Gibbson and Rene Russo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Sugar Hill, Carmen a Hip Hopera, and Solo. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue is an interesting animated feature film. This is a thriller with lots of twists. You are not sure what you are watching. At one point it starts to get confusing which was the directors intent. The visuals are spectacular. Sometimes when you watch animation they forget to move the background. In Perfect Blue the director made sure everything was moving. He paid strict attention to detail. This film has it all, a good story, sex, violence and attracted characters that are so believeable. You almost forget they are animated. Check it out if you can find it. Here are my film recommendations for the week. Ransom with Mel Gibson, Magnolia with Tom Cruise, Casualties of War with Sean Penn, Claudine with Diahann Carroll, and Boier Room with Nia Long. Watch along with me if you can. Then we can compare notes.