The Waiting List

 Bullet Train - I didn't really have any expectations with the film, in fact I had forgotten about it. That's what I like about going to the library because as I am going through the drawers looking for movies to watch, I see something of interest or that was on my list. The film started off rather slow and then it escalated sort of like a train. The film stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Zazie Beetz, Joey King, Channing Tatum, Andrew Koji and Sandra Bullock. There is a cameo by Ryan Reynolds. The story revolves around several criminals, a brief case and revenge. There are funny moments, lots of blood and incredible visual effects. There are several flashback moments to tie in the characters and once you get used to that you will enjoy the film.

I was trying to see all of the Oscar nominated films before the Oscars, but I wasn't able to do that. I was on the waiting list with the library for several films and movies. When I signed up for The Black Panther Wakanda Forever I was number 48. I don't remember exactly how many copies were in the library's inventory, but I finally picked it up Saturday 4-22-23.

Later in the week I will watch, Everything, Everywhere all at Once.

There are still other films I am waiting to be ready for pick up, but I have a lot of movie watching to keep me busy.

The Black Panther Wakanda Forever - I was hoping the film would be as good as the first one and I was impressed. The tribute to Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther was very interesting and appropriate. It is very sad and it makes one reflect on what really happened outside of the movie. Everyone was wondering how the movie would go on and they did quite well so that it makes sense. I had forgotten that it was called Black Panther Wakanda Forever because there is no Black Panther. The special effects are really great. We are introduced to some new characters in an underwater world. The film does keep you guessing as you are not sure where the story is going. I will add it to my collection, but for me the one thing that I had an issue with is the sister becoming The Black Panther. I knew it was going to happen, but I was expecting when she put on the suit she would be larger. Other than that things were good. I especially liked the introduction of T'Challa's son. This film does leave the door open for anyone putting on the suit. So maybe in a few years T'Challa's son will dawn the suit and there will be a war.  There are a few surprises in the film with Julia Louise Dryefus and Michael B Jordan reprising his role from the first film. I thought perhaps he would have tried to dawn the suit. When Winston Duke's character M'Baku said he had a challenge I thought he might even try for the title, but that wasn't the case. Anyone of the warrior women could have probably worn the suit, but it added to the story to have Letitia Wright's character Shuri wear it. Wakanda Forever stars, Letitia Wright, Lupito Nyong'o, Danai Guirira, Angela Basset, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta, Dominique and Michaela Coel, Florence Kashuma and Mabel Cadena. It definetly was a great watch and it is different that most of the other marvel movies. The characters are not cartoonish. The story and writing is very strong. I thought Letitia Wright could have been nominated for an Oscar for her performance.

Thanks for stopping by; do come back again and keep an open mind.

Red Tails

(Dlonzo by Artography by Dlonzo, "It's not just a photograph, it's ART!"

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During the month of February I specifically make a list of films with black actors to watch. Because I can't seem to access this blog from my phone, I pay more attention to my main blog so that I can keep my readers up to date.

Last night I decided to watch the movie Red Tails. The first time I watched this film I was not into it. There are many reasons for this. One I felt the story had been told and I don't like remakes. For some reason I thought some of the same actors were in the film, but it turned out only Cuba Gooding, Jr, was in the original.

Although I still don't think the movie is as good at The Tuskeegee Airmen, I did like some elements of it. The film focuses more on the flying then the politics and prejudices that the men faced.
There are some great actors in this film that I have now had to see in other roles. This may also be one of the reasons why I feel differenly about the movie than I did the first time I viewed it.

The movie stars, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, Triston Wild,and Michael B. Jordan among others. Sometimes when a movie deals with a lot of special effects, the storyline suffers. There are instances where there are too many stories trying to be told. I think George Lucas tried to make it a Pearl Harbor and there just wasn't as much time. If the film had been longer, but its not always important what the men did outside of the military. There also seemed to be a difference of opinion as to how the men became known as Red Tails.
I recommend if you've seen this film watch The Tuskeegee Airmen and if you haven't seen either, I highly recommend The Tuskeegee Airmen.

That film stars, Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Courtney B. Vance, Allen Payne and Andre Braugher to name a few.


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Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

The Oscars

The Oscars were given out last night and people will be talking, tweeting and searching to see what they missed. What went viral, etc. People have always wanted things immediately and now technology offers that.

In one word the fashions went as follows from what I saw. I was not impressed with the coverage from Robin Roberts, Lara Spencer and Tyson Beckford. They all looked great, but going live was not the best choice. There was too much noise from the screaming fans.

Lupita Nyong'o won best supporting actress for her performance in 12 Years a Slave. She looked stunning, but could have gone without the jeweled head band. She was a breath of fresh air. Her speech was the best I've heard in some time.

Cate Blanchet won best actress for her performance in Blue Jasmine. She was a stand out in Armani.

Jessica Biel - Radiant
Whoopi Goldberg - Whimsical
Bette Midler - Interesting
Kerry Washington - Lovely, but not the best choice.
Amy Adams - WOW! in Gucci Coutoure.
Sandra Bullock rocked the Alexander McQueen

All of the winners gave good speeches.

Jared Leto best supporting actor and Matthew McConaughey  best actor, both won for their performances in Dallas Buyers Club.

A lot of actors went on to that studio in the sky, Harold Ramis, Karen Black, Shirley Temple - Black, Jim Kelly, Juanita Moore, Peter O'Toole, Paul Walker, Julie Harris, Richard Griffiths, Roger Ebert, Elleanor Parker, Maximillian Shell James Galdofini, Eileen Brennan, Sid Ceasar, Joan Fontaine, Annette Funicello, Ray Harry Hausen, Esther Williams and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Best Director went to Alfonso Cuaro'n for Gravity and 12 Years a Slave won best picture.