Pam Grier Month

Pam Grier - May 26, is her birthday. I’ve been watching some of her movies that are a part of my collection. I watched the entire series the L word and The Miami Vice movie that introduced her in a recurring role as Tubbs love interest and undercover cop from NYC. The first Pam Grier film that I saw was Coffy when I was 12 at the Circle theater which no longer exist. There was something about seeing Pam Grier on that large screen that made me fall for her instantly. From that point on every film, magazine article, or television show she would appear on, I was there if I could.

Pam Grier had made many B movies before her breakout role in Coffy.
Because the majority of Miss Grier’s earlier work was R rated, I couldn’t always get in to see the films. But I did see Foxy Brown and Scream Blacula Scream on the big screen.

In 1978, Pam Grier was in New Orleans filming Drum. It was a picture about slavery, and Pam Grier starred opposite Ken Norton and Warren Oats. I had thought about skipping school one day to get a glimpse of Miss Grier. It was my senior year and in fear that I would get into trouble I opted against the idea. That December I turned 18 and when the film played at the Lowes, which is now the State Palace Theatre, my dad took me to see the film. It was the first time I had seen Pam Grier get killed on screen. That was a bit traumatic.

I hope one day to meet her face to face. Until then I just watch her films. There are still a few films I’d like to add to my collection. Greased Lightening, that she appeared in opposite Richard Pryor and Something Wicked This Way Comes, (I have it on VHS, but I want to get it on DVD) the Disney film which made her the first black actress to appear in a leading Role.

So I continue the Pam Grier film festival for the month of May with such films as, Arena, Sheba Baby, Friday Foster, Bucktown, Black Mama, White Mama and Foxy Brown along with many others ending with the classic film that for me remains timeless; Coffy.

Coming up: Returning to NOLA, Road Home, Keeping on track, Can I take a trip?

Thanks for stopping by, Open Your Mind. Relax, enjoy and believe.

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The L Word

The last season of the L word only included 8 episodes which I was a little disappointed in. The last season centers around the death of Jenny Schecter played my Mia Kirshner. I first saw Mia Kirshner in the film, Exotica. She has beautiful eyes and a nice petite frame. The Jenny character on the L word made us love her, feel sorry for her and hate her. I felt the same way about most of the characters, but that’s life. People have different opinions and react to things differently and so we react differently.

The reason I started watching the L word is because I found out Pam Grier was on the show. Even her character, Kit made me angry at times. The first and second seasons had some great writing and story lines. The third season went off the beaten path when they decided to kill one of the main and most loveable characters, Dana played by Erin Daniels.

The fourth and fifth season just went all over the place. The sixth season brought back some of the originality that I loved in the first season, but it was over too soon.

The show has inspired me to write again, but I have some other projects that I need to start and complete before I delve into creating some characters.

I watched the film Up Saturday which was a great film from Pixar. I also watched another animated film, The Prince of Egypt which is one of my favorites.

Upcoming entries: Foreign films


Thanks for stopping by, Open Your Mind. Relax, enjoy and believe.

Up

I had accumulated some Disney rewards and I decided to go to the Disney store to use them. My intent was to purchase The Princess and the Frog. It's a retelling of the classic tale and it was set in New Orleans. I had seen the film while I was in NOLA and I decided I'd add it to my collection.

I also had enough to purchase Mary Poppins and Up. I only recall seeing Mary Poppins when I was a kid and only a few musical numbers stick out. So, I'll sit and watch it again soon.

Up was nominated for best picture at this years academy awards and I can see why. This is really a good film. It's more for the teenager to adult crowd then the kids and prepubescent. It has some funny moments, but there is realism in the film. The opening tale is told with very little dialogue and then the adventure begins and we go along for the ride thinking about our own adventures that we'd like to take.
It's a film that the family can enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Emotions

In private we can let ourselves go more than we would in public. It all depends on how one is brought up and most men are taught not to show emotion because it's a sign of weakness.
While watching the Oscars it was quite the thrill to see Molly Ringwald in a tribute to John Hughes. The Breakfast Club is one of my favorite films. It's one of those films that we can all relate too.

This morning I was shocked to see that Corey Haim had passed away. I wonder how difficult it must be for a child star to grow up and not be found as cute and adorable as they were when they were working. It also doesn't help if you can't seem to grow with your age. Although most of Hollywood strives to remain looking young, only those with those special genes can actually do it. Hollywood can be like a catch 22. Either you stayed away too long or you're just not as marketable as you once were. It's all about ticket sales. The entertainment industry is all about the dollar and if you can't bring in the money...

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The Lucky Ones

Last night I watched a film that was passed along to me by a friend. Whenever I'm in NOLA we swap movies that we think the other may enjoy or if it was something the other person didn't get a chance to see.

The film stars Tim Robins, Michael Pena and Rachel McAdams. It's the story of three war veterans returning home from Iraq and end up making a road trip and getting to know each other along the way.

Luck comes in many forms. It all depends on how one chooses to look at it. Some people don't believe in luck. Things just happen. It's a film that looks at how people deal with various situations.

It's worth a look. It's funny, and tender. You can relate to these characters on many levels.

Next: Julia and Julie

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Last post for the year

I’ve watched quite a few movies this year. I only went to the theater once, maybe twice. I don’t remember if Knowing was this year or last year. I could have gone without seeing it. I do remember the film worth seeing was 2012. It was worth the price of a ticket. I saw Precious and The Blindside which were both surprisingly good. I will watch Precious again because I feel the hype has played out and I can give it a better viewing. Monique may get nominated for an Oscar, but whether or not she brings it home is another story. Of course last year everyone made a big deal over Slumdog Millionaire and it was a good film, but there were films that were better. Anything is possible in the world of entertainment.
Here’s a list of films that I did see and my rating. ***** must see /**** has moments’ *** You have to like one of the stars/ ** wait for the DVD /* view at your own risk
The Interview ***
The Visitor *****
Sunshine Cleaning ****
2012 ****
Precious ****
Paradise Now *****
Waltz With Bashir ****
Cadillac Records *****
Atonement *****
Rachel Getting Married ****
Grey Gardens *****
The Secret Life of Bees ****
W. *****
Nixon / Frost *****
The Keys to the House ****
Riligulous ****
Doubt ****
Spinning Butter ***
Far North *****
The Golden Door ****
Fireproof ****

Thanks for stopping by and do come back in the new year.

Catching up on film

I've watched quite a few films recently that were really great. I enjoyed Johnny Depp in Sweeny Todd, but yesterday I saw a film called Far North that was just jaw dropping. Set amongst the Tundra, the glaciers and emptiness adds to the power story.
The film was beautifully shot by Roman Osin and directed by Asif Kapadia. The film is truly a work of art. There is very little dialogue, but the film flows well and the back story can be figured out. The film has some predictability, but it does have a surprise ending. If you love film this film is a must see. The film stars Michelle Yeoh, Sean Bean and Michelle Krusiec. It's a film about survival, passion and revenge.