Talking About Movies

 (Gillian Robespierre, the writer of Obvious Child during a Q&A after the film.)

Obvious Child - DDDD starring Jenny Slate and Gabby Hoffman. This story of a comedienne who goes through a rough patch finds love after an unexpected event. It’s an interesting film. The humor isn’t for everyone, but you’ll get over it. It’s one of those films that takes a comedic look at a subject that isn’t all so funny and effects many people. Jenny Slate gives an interesting performance. I thought the love making scene was captured artistically. It’s an intimate act that many try to bring a different approach without it being pornographic. It’s an experience that is different for each individual. Sometimes fun or emotional. According to the writer, the title of the film is in reference to a song of the same name. It could be used as a metaphor in a sense. If you get the chance, check this film out.

 (Gillian Robespierre and Jenny Slate on the red carpet before the film Obvious Child.)

Bamboozled - DDDD Spike Lee is a great film maker. There are only one or two films I’ve not seen. I have yet to watch his follow up documentary on Katrina, but I plan to do it this year.

School Daze - DDDDD is my all time favorite Spike Lee film even though I thought some of the musical numbers were too long. Malcolm X is second on my list, followed by Summer of Sam and Inside Man.

As Black History month goes into its final week I decided to watch as many films as possible. Either it has an all black cast or it was directed by a black director.


Menace II Society - (DDDDD) This is a powerful film. Larenz Tate shines in this film as O’Dog, a young man who just doesn’t care any more. I recently mentioned on Facebook that sometimes the leading role isn’t always the best role. This film opened the doors for Larentz Tate to become a leading man. The film stars Tyrin Turner, and Jada Pinket.

Poetic Justice - (DD) This was John Singleton’s second film. The first Black director ever to be nominated for an Oscar, takes us on a road trip, but it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. It was as if there was a struggle to make a point or be a comedy. Once again, one of the secondary characters shines. This time its Regina King who has all of the best moments on screen. Perhaps if Janet Jackson were given that role critics would have been kinder.

Cabin In The Sky - (DDDD) Eddie Anderson, Lena Horne and Ethel Waters star in this good vs. evil musical with an all black cast. The film was directed by Vincent Minelli, this was his first film. Butterfly McQueen, Louis Armstrong, Rex Ingram and Duke Ellington also appear in the film. The film is based on the stage play of the same name. There are some great musical numbers and interesting effects.

In The Pursuit of Happyness - (DDDD) This film stars Will Smith and his son Jaden co-stars. It is based on a true story about a man trying to live the American Dream. He doesn’t give up and after a lot of heart ache he gets his life together to take care of his son.

Jason’s Lyric- (DDDD) When I first saw this film I thought this is what Poetic Justice should have been. It’s a love story, it’s filled with conflict, and a good cast. The film stars Jada Pinket, Allen Payne, Lisa Nicole Carson, Eddie Griffith and Treach.

Ali -(DDDDD) This was Will Smith’s first Oscar nominated performance. Will Smith plays Cassius Clay aka Muhammed Ali in the early 60’s. The film focuses on his fight with Sonny Liston and George Forman. His relationship with Malcolm X and the nation of Islam along with his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. There is a documentary playing SXSW that deals with the controversy around his decision to fight the system against going to war.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


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