The Soul of the Game

I’m trying to watch films I’ve not seen in a long time. Since this is black history month I’m trying to watch the films in my collection that reflect this. Last week I watched the series Roots. I hadn’t seen it in a couple of years. It’s still a powerful mini series. It was a chance for black actors to shine.

Soul of the Game is about the negro leagues and the push to integrate the game of baseball. The film focuses on Josh Gibson and his bout with mental issues. Hershel walker trying to hold on to his celebrity status and hoping to be the first black to play for the Dodgers. And Jackie Robinson who was the choice because of his background. Jackie Robinson had dealt with racism in the military and was educated which made a bigger difference in him being selected.

The film stars Delroy Lindo, Blair Underwood, Salli Richardson and many of the best black actors around. If you’re looking for some great films with some of Hollywood’s great black actors check out the following. Introducing Dorothy Dandridge starring Halle Berry. Carmen starring Dorothy Dandridge. Get on the Bus starring Charles S. Dutton. Tuskegee Air Men starring Allen Payne. School Daze starring Laurence Fishburne. Lady Sings the Blues starring Diana Ross.

Some of the actors you may not have heard of, but the film and performances are worth watching. You may recognize other stars in the film and you learn a little something in the process.

Coming up:  More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

Happy Mardi Gras

There have been many movies made in New Orleans and the majority of them have to have a scene about Mardi Gras or Voodoo. Its as if all that happens in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. The event takes place once a year just like other places in the world. Granted, the celebration goes on for a couple of weeks. There is a scene of Mardi Gras in Candy Man, Farewell to the Flesh. There is the film Murder at the Mardi Gras. The Killer Bees and Tight Rope starring Clint Eastwood. The films are okay; the city does look good on film. In recent years films have gotten better. But Mardi Gras is not an easy thing to capture and tell a story about unless its part of a documentary.

St. Augustine High School marching band. Also known as the marching 100's signifying the number of members in the band. One of the best bands in the city. It's also an all male catholic school for young black men. This short clip was shot in 2008 during the Krewe of Zulu on Mardi Gras day.

Justin Beiber

I don’t know why I’m writing about this, but I guess I just needed to write. LOL. Last night Justin Beiber hosted SNL and he was better than Adam Levine. Now what does that mean? Does it mean Justin is a better actor or were the ideas just better? I felt when Adam hosted the show there was a theme and every joke seemed to be the same.
I was not crazy about the opening, but then I got the joke. Justin made some comments early on in his career getting a few things wrong. So his knowledge of Black History was totally off the mark. With the help of Keenan Thomas and Whoopi Goldberg the joke came together. Of course you know the NAACP is going to have something to say.

 Justin did his best and he showed he is not a flawless singer and he is still working on his craft. The new versions of his songs show the mature side. You can feel the heartache in his recent breakup, but maybe he and Selena Gomez will get back together like Rhianna and Chris Brown. Hollywood, it’s an imaginary life.

Justin made fun of himself which is what SNL is all about. From teen idol to adult hood Justin is in that transitional stage. The slight change in his voice and modifying his look with a new haircut. The only criticism that I have is his choice of pants. What is up with the skinny version of MC Hammer pants. It just doesn’t work. Looks like he went to the bathroom on himself.

Other than that, he’s going to be exploited even more. I’m guessing SNL took into consideration that young girls might be staying up late to watch the show so it wasn’t as raunchy as it could have been. Perhaps Beiber didn’t want to do certain skits. In any event, it worked. I’m sure it got some high ratings and they will run it again soon.
A primetime edited version of Adam Levine’s hosting was done prior to the run of Beiber’s hosting. Was NBC just out of things to run or were they trying to draw in viewers?

Coming up: Scenes from Mardi Gras in films, More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Life is Good