Better Black Television Hitting Nationwide 2009!

Listen to Monica Peters' exclusive 25 minute interview with CEO and founder of Better Black Television, Percy Miller (formerly rapper Master P). He has a LOT to say. LISTEN here EXCLUSIVELY on TheGritsnCheeseDish! [TM]

Exclusive Interview: Best Selling Author Zane on GritsnCheese.com! "ZANE SEX CHRONICLES" Hit Cinemax on October 10!

Check out Monica Peters Medina's exclusive interview with New York Times Best Selling author ZANE. ZANE talks about "Zane Sex Chronicles" television series debuting nationwide on Cinemax, being a soccer mom, and where she gets ideas for her steamy stories. "Zane Sex Chronicles" hits Cinemax on Friday October 10th at midnite! Listen to the exclusive interview now on GritsnCheese.com.

Miracle at St. Anna: Spike's Best Film along with Malcolm X

Written by Monica Peters Medina

Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna" debuted at #9 on it's opening weekend last week. Although the critics bashed Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna," in my opinion it is one of Spike's best films to date (right up there with Malcolm X). I am often baffled as to why African-Americans are not eager to see films that portray themselves in a positive light.

I can honestly say Spike outdid himself in this film. I was extremely surprised by the depth of the film in which Spike leaves no stone unturned in the 2 hour 45 minute movie. Miracle is of epic proportions and is by no means "an African-American story." Miracle had many story lines intertwined. The war scenes and human atrocities across the board were nothing short of brutal; but this is to be expected in a war film. Miracle was also a lesson in Italian history. I was as much intrigued with the impact that World War II had on Italy in addition to the courageous actions of the African American 97th division.

In Miracle, Spike told a war story without excluding the contributions and experiences of others ; Unlike other filmmakers throughout Hollywood history who make American stories to the exclusion of the contributions of others.

Long story short. GO SEE MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA. In the meantime, check out my interview with the author of "Miracle at St. Anna," James McBride. Have a great weekend.

NOTE: To view entire blog page of TheGritsnCheeseDish![TM], click "home" at the bottom of the post or click here.

LISTEN BELOW: Monica's Exclusive Interview with James McBride, "Miracle at St. Anna" Hitting Theaters September 26!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BELOW: James McBride, best selling author of the novel "Miracle at St. Anna," talks with Monica Peters Medina about the highly anticipated film hitting theaters on Sept 26, what it was like working with Spike Lee, the Clint Eastwood "controversy" and a whole lot more. Listen and enjoy. More importantly go support the film this Friday. Opening weekend box office numbers are crucial in the movie business. Let's show Hollywood we mean business by making "Miracle at St. Anna" #1 at the box office. LISTEN TO THE TWO PART INTERVIEW BELOW (14 minutes total listening time). (Photo: Spike Lee (l) and James McBride (r) credit: daylife.com).



NOTE: To view entire blog page of TheGritsnCheeseDish![TM], click "home" at the bottom of the post or click here.

Coming Wed 9/24 to the GNC Dish!: Miracle at St. Anna Interview w/ Screenplay writer and Best-Selling Author James McBride

Best-selling author, James McBride, will talk to Monica Peters Medina about Spike Lee's new film "Miracle at St. Anna" based on his best selling novel. James talks about the making of the film and a whole lot more. An interview not to be missed. Right here on TheGritsnCheeseDish![TM]

Lakeview Terrace, Hilarious but VERY Serious

By Monica Peters Medina

Lakeview Terrace is Samuel L. Jackson’s lighter version of “Training Day.” (You’ll know what I mean when you go see the film tonight). What is supposed to be thriller is just flat out hilarious at times. There is something about Samuel L. Jackson playing “the angry man” that tickles me pink.

Jackson plays, Able Turner, a bitter widow and LAPD police officer who is now a single father. His bitterness stems from his wife’s death in a car accident. He discovers his deceased wife was having an affair with her boss (who happens to be Caucasian) that was also killed in the car accident. Of course, that part is not funny. However, what is funny is the extremely odd behavior exhibited by Jackson upon finding out that his new next door neighbors were a young interracial couple. Specifically what irritates Jackson is the fact the lovely young couple is a Black woman and White male, (played by Kerry Washington and Patrick Wilson) something that reminds him of his deceased wife’s betrayal. Jackson does weird things such as positioning his home security system lights to blare into the couple’s window just for purposes of being the perfect neighbor from hell.

Through various run- ins between the neighbors, which Wilson tries to often resolve amicably, he soon discovers that Jackson is not your average neighbor. Wilson and his wife slowly begin to realize that Jackson is a demented, crooked racist cop bent on terrorizing them until they move. Jackson’s antics escalated from annoying and petty to very serious. Jackson uses his cop status to terrorize the couple-- even conspiring with a local criminal and rapist to break into the couple’s home. NOT FUNNY.

One great aspects of the film is that it reveals the complexity of being in an interracial relationship combination that is not readily acceptable by mainstream society.—a Black woman married to a White man. It also reveals the true racist feelings of Wilson's so-called “I’m not prejudice friends. Frankly, at times I wondered why Wilson’s character didn’t kick his friend out of their housewarming party for making a derogatory dating remark about Asian and African American women.

What makes this story a little complex is that Washington’s father, played by Ron Glass, is not a fan of his daughter being in an interracial relationship which causes underlying tension in the couple’s relationship. Things get especially messy when Washington gets pregnant on purpose against her husband’s wishes.

I won’t say anymore. Go check out Lakeview Terrace for a nice outing and thank God you do not have a neighbor like Samuel L. Jackson!

Hurricane Gustav To Hit Gulf Coast at ANY MINUTE.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast who are in the path of Hurricane Gustav. We are especially praying for those who chose to stay behind. Stay strong and know that our prayers are with you.

I personally know persons whom have survived Hurricane Katrina and the devastation and emotional damage it has caused them is irreparable. Three years after Katrina, some have still not been able to return back to New Orleans. We pray this will not be a repeat of Katrina and that there will be no lives lost.

-Monica Peters Medina

Movie Review: "Traitor" starring Don Cheadle

By Monica Peters Medina

“Traitor” starring Don Cheadle is a film that is worth the money and your time although the story line leaves many questions unanswered. What makes "Traitor" exciting is the constant revelation of the true identity of various characters. As the plot unravels you really never know who is a double agent.

However, the most intriguing aspect of the film is the insight it gives into the psychology of Muslim terrorists and the grassroots but yes sophisticated orchestration to execute terrorist attacks. The film takes place in many locations around the world including Nice, France, Yemin.

Samir, played by Don Cheadle, is a highly skilled Muslim terrorist from Sudan whose international cell unit has anointed him the designated man to carry out high profile terrorist attacks. Although this is not an Oscar winning performance for Cheadle, (through no fault of his own but because the role he plays does not require deep theatrics), he does an excellent job of displaying his daily internal conflict with being a terrorist. Cheadle carries out a high profile attack in Nice, France but is disappointed at the low casualty of eight persons killed. He wished there had been more so he can be pleasing in the eyes of Allah. Next he is chosen to orchestrate a massive terrorist attack in the US that succeeds….well sort of. Cheadle had to choose between the lesser of two evils. Throughout this film don’t assume that you thoroughly understand Cheadle’s character, Samir. Traitor leaves the moviegoer with the question of does the end really justify the means, especially when innocent lives must be lost in the process.

One disturbing aspect of Traitor is the ease with which anyone can orchestrate a massive well planned terrorist attack. The film gives out information that would show an inspiring terrorist how to do it from A-Z. I hope no disgruntled citizen or terrorist cell will orchestrate a terrorist attack of this nature now that Traitor shows how easy 1-2-3 it is to accomplish something so horrifying. As an honorary New Yorker who travels to Manhattan often, traitor left me feeling uncomfortable.

Traitor- a must see film.

*Photo Credit AP/Overture Films

"The Longshots" Lands at #8 at the Box Office

"The Longshots" starring Ice Cube and Keke Palmer came in at #8 this weekend at the box office raking in 4,304,00. "Tropic Thunder" which hit theaters last week came in at #1 grossing 16,100,000.

Check out GNC Dish's movie review of "The Longshots"

CNN Confirms: Joe Biden Gets Obama's VP Nod

The text messages have not gone out yet, but our sources at CNN has confirmed that presidential candidate Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Submission Deadlines for 2009 Sundance Film Festival

Heads up: The OFFICIAL submission deadlines for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival are:

Sept. 8, 2008 for US and International short films AND Sept 9 for US and International feature films and documentaries.

*NOTE: These are not postmark deadlines but dates the film must be received. Logon to Sundance.org for more detailed information on submission deadlines.

Sundance film festival will be taking place January 15-25, 2009 in Utah Park City, UT.

New Footage: Behind the Scenes of NOTORIOUS the movie. Hitting Theaters 2009

"In the Place With Style & Grace" Behind the Scenes with actress Atonique Smith who plays Faith Evans in the upcoming film "NOTORIOUS" based on the life of slain rapper Notorious BIG aka "Biggie Smalls" hitting theaters January 2009.


Here's the movie trailer in case you didn't catch it.

Advanced Movie Review: "The Longshots"

By Monica Peters Medina

Ahhh, a feel good movie. “The Long Shots” directed by Fred Durst (of th rock-n-roll group Limp Bizkit) starring Ice Cube and Keke Palmer may be the break you need from the violence and negative themes in movies today. This is definitely a safe movie for the family to see with an inspiring story. It’s touching to see Ice Cube in this type of role.

As with most “feel good” movies some angles of “Long Shots” plot are predictable. However, it is a VERY inspiring film which makes the moviegoer want to know more about Jasmine Plummer, whose life the film is based upon. Keke Palmer, who portrays Jasmine in the film, does an excellent job of showing the devastating emotional impact of what happens when fathers walk out of their children’s lives. Ice Cube plays the drunk uncle, once a local star athlete, that hit dire straights when he loses his factory job. His life begins to change when he begins to live his dreams through his niece by teaching her how to be a quarterback. What started as something to kill time while he babysat her for Jasmine’s mom, played by Tasha Smith, transformed into something they never imagined would change the course of their lives. Despite some physical and emotional challenges along the way (due to the pain caused by her absentee father who conveniently re-appears when he starts to smell his daughters success), Jasmin takes the Minden Browns to the playoffs.

It’s also refreshing to see Garret Morris back on screen who plays the local church pastor and inspires the impoverished town of Minden to take a clue from Jasmine’s success and do better by fixing up their town and their lives.

So, is this film a must see? Yes. This a true story based on Jasmine Plummer’s life who overcame her circumstance to do something positive with her life. We have a very diverse readership that read TheGritsnCheeseDish![TM], so I will be specific and direct with my next comment: If we as African Americans can’t stand up, support our children and celebrate their accomplishments we certainly can’t expect others to do so. *Actions speak louder than words. We must do at the box office for "The Longshots" what we we did for "American Gangster." Enough said.

*"The Longshots" in theaters Friday, August 22.

A Pause for the Cause: Another Shout to Bernie. RIP

Another Rest in Peace shout to Bernie Mac. You'll Be Missed.

Below: LisaRaye McCoy-Misick's Injury Photos (Essence Magazine)

Figure we'd post this since Lisa wants to share this with the world and domestic violence is a serious issue. She allegedly suffered these bruises from an altercation with her husband Premier Michael Misick of Turk & Caicos Islands.

“I ask that my privacy be respected in these difficult times and I believe that the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands will understand and support my wish to receive the necessary independent representation from the legal counsel of my choosing. I hope that, in time, the Turks & Caicos Islands government will come to share that view. Although I have always been a supportive wife even in light of the very serious allegations currently pending against the premier, there are limits even for me.” ...LisaRaye McCoy Misick. (Essence Magazine)

Rapper Master P Brings BETTER BLACK TELEVISION (BBTV)

“Better Black Television has been a vision of mine for some years,” said Miller, BBTV’s Chairman & CEO. “I’ve done a lot to promote and change the way messages are relayed to our children and our families over the last few years. Promoting positive content and positive messages is so important to educate and preserve the next generation. Being exposed to positive content is what changed my life. I believe that there is a market in our community for a new diverse network that provides a new brand of superior programming that caters to all aspects of television from reality to original programming. In addition, I’m excited to be able to expose the urban community to a vast array of jobs in the entertainment community that they might not otherwise be privy to. I have a great relationship with BET and MTV and my son and I will continue to do work with them and support their networks. With BBTV, we’re spearheading the initiative to meet consumer demand for family friendly hip-hop content.”

The BBTV Advisory Board members consist of some of the most significant entertainers in Hollywood, professional athletes as well as movers and shakers in the community such as Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Denzel Washington; Vault Load Films President, entrepreneur and senior level business executive, Jim Finkl; NAACP Executive Director Vicangelo Bullock; Professional basketball player and businessman Derek Anderson (Charlotte Bobcats); an award winning, 20-year veteran of the cable television and film industry, Professor Sal Martino; businessman, community activist and founding father of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc; entrepreneur, businessman and animation specialist, Olatokunbo Betiku and community activist, Board President of Nailah House Foster Family Agency, speaker and teacher at Trump University, real estate mogul Curtis Oakes.

Will Master P's new television network make BET and TV One step up their game?

R&B, Soul, Grammy and Oscar Winner Isaac Hayes Passes at 65

Written by Monica Peters Medina

Sunday August 10, 2008, Memphis, TN: Singer, producer, Oscar and Grammy winner Isaac Hayes passed away today. He was found lying unconscious next to his treadmill and pronounced dead at 2PM after unsuccessful attempts to revive him at his home in Memphis Tennessee. He was 65 years old. Hayes was an undisputed living legend of this era. Hayes won multiple Grammy awards during his career including for best instrumental pop performance for his album titled “Black Moses” in 1972. The music and movie icon, inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, was known to this generation as the voice of Chef on the hit cartoon “South Park.” However his spectacular acting and music career over 30 years included winning an Oscar and Golden Globe Award for Best Music, Original Song for the legendary classic movie soundtrack “Shaft” in 1971. He also won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2005 along with fellow cast members for his role as Arnel in the film “Hustle & Flow” starring Terrance Howard.

Hayes was married four times and leaves behind 12 children including his current wife Adjowa.

Photo credit: BBC News/Associated Press

Bernie Mac Dead at 50 (Clips Below)

Breaking News 1 hour ago. Bernie Mac lost his battle with pnuemonia this morning and has passed away. Please post your condolences to Bernie Mac's family. More to follow.

Photo: Carlos Ortiz/Getty Images

Bernie Mac, clip from Def Comedy Jam earlier on in his career **WARNING, NOT FOR CHILDREN. EXPLICIT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE**


Clip from Bernie Mac Show.

HANCOCK Movie Review: Good Film… Sequel Should be in Order

By Monica Peters Medina

Starring: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron

Directed by Peter Berg

I attended the advanced private screening of Hancock tonight (Monday June 23). I know what you’re thinking: Will Smith in another science fiction movie— another “Men in Black” type deal. But, Big Willie has outdone himself with another summer blockbuster hit in the new action pack humorous superhero flick, “Hancock.” This is not a typical science fiction movie. The film has a solid plot that will leave moviegoers anticipating a Hancock sequel. Will Smith’s character “Hancock” is not your average superhero flaunting his arrogant care-free attitude with a bottle of liquor as his constant companion of choice to ease his pain of loneliness. He is a recluse who lives in isolation in the hills wondering about his past and why he has no family. Hancock doesn’t even have a clue as to how he inherited his powers. His character is timeless and ageless and adapts to whatever era or century that he exists. The movie starts with non-stop action and laughs as Hancock is the unofficial hero of Los Angeles that comes to save the day and stop potential tragedies and crimes in progress—much to the chagrin of the Los Angeles police department who often look bad and inadequate. His reckless but well intentioned heroics costs the city millions of dollars as the collateral property damage Hancock often leaves behind is enormous. Hancock’s mysterious presence is met with bittersweet reaction as folks either love him or hate him. The fact that Hancock refuses to talk to the press and prefers to hang out in bars doesn’t help.

However, this is only a portion of the story line. The film takes unexpected twists and turns which pushes it into the realm of a bona-fide science fiction film with credibility. Hancock’s chance meeting with business executive Ray Embrey played by Jasonn Bateman unknowingly sets him on the path to discovering his past and origin of his powers. Hancock accidentally finds his soul mate–literally through his chance meeting with Ray and that is where things get VERY interesting. Besides revamping Hancock’s public image and convincing him to do some time in prison for some of his misdeeds, Ray saves Hancock’s life in more ways than one. Ray’s wife played by Charlize Theron is less than thrilled by Hancock’s presence in her husband’s life. Let’s just say you never know where your true soul mate is hiding or even if they are standing right in front of you! I’ll stop here because you’ll be too mad if I give away the film.

Let’s just say a well anticipated Hancock sequel is in order.

Monica Peters Medina Hits the “Catwalk”: Best-selling author Deborah Gregory Does Book Release Party in FABULOUS STYLE

Monica Peters Medina

Best-selling author Deborah Gregory, author of the best-selling series Cheetah Girls has done it again with her newest book release “Catwalk.” The “Catwalk” book release party held in NYC at the FashionOpolis Lounge was nothing short of spectacular and FABULOUS– done in Deborah’s true purrrfect style with models, cat costumes, growl-icious goodies and awesome accessory giveaways. The fashion styles and costumes of friends, supporters, and party goers absolutely rocked.

Celebrities on hand to celebrate the event with Deborah were model Melvin Van Peebles, Beverly Johnson, actress Lynn Whitfield, author Terry McMillan, model Veronica Webb and many more.

Catwalk is about four friends who attend a fashion high school and vie for entry into the Catwalk competition which includes winning college scholarships and modeling contracts. Wake and smell the catnip. Deborah Gregory’s Catwalk just hit bookstores nationwide this week.

Photo: Melvin Van Peebles (l), Deborah Gregory (m) and Monica Peters Medina (r)

*Photo gallery of the event will be posted on GritsnCheese.com soon.

Breaking News: Tim Russert of NBC “Meet the Press” Passes Away

By Monica Peters Medina

NBC’s “Meet the Press” host, Tim Russert, passed away this afternoon. The news veteran suffered a heart attack while recording his voiceovers for his weekly show in the NBC studios this afternoon at 1:30PM. Russert was 58 years old and leaves behind a wife and son Luke who just graduated from Boston College a few days ago.

Post your condolences and prayers to the Russert family.

R. Kelly “Not Guilty” on All Counts of Child Pornography

By Monica Peters Medina

A jury acquitted R&B singer R. Kelly this afternoon on all 14 counts of child pornography. The R&B singer cried as the verdict was being read on each count. The diverse jury panel consisted of a mostly white jury-nine men and three women.

Post your thoughts on the R. Kelly verdict.

Photo credit: (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Monica Peters Hits New York City Public Schools

Monica Peters hit the NYC Public School System in Harlem to speak with high school students.

The day’s activities consisted of Peters speaking to students from 9th-12th grade including at risk youth about life choices and career options.

Peters three hours visit, of going to various classrooms was a memorable experience. She spoke in intimate settings with honor students as well as teens who have lost interest in graduating high school sharing her own personal experiences about challenges she had to overcome in life. Peters also discussed priorities in life and pressed the importance of graduating high school and charting their career path despite what they see in their neighborhood or obstacles they may be facing at home. Some students expressed their fear about entering the workforce or having a 9-5 job because they may not be able to live a comfortable lifestyle they wish. It is clear that these students are concerned about having a quality life in the future not just surviving.

Since many of the kids already were familiar with GritsnCheese.com, it laid the groundwork for Peters to be very open. “I want them to know that success come from hard work, and to know the obstacles I had to overcome to be here today.” The principle also had Peters go over her website so students can read the daily post for the day and get insight on what it takes to run GritsnCheese.com on a daily basis.

Peters also took the time to inform students not to believe the hype of the glitz and glamour they see on popular television mediums. “Many rappers you see on TV are flat broke or in debt to their record labels. They can’t even afford to buy a home.”

“I’m honored to have been invited, and viewed as someone who is relevant to our youth. Hopefully I changed lives and made a difference.”

Peters will be in New York for more upcoming speaking engagements. Details developing.

India and Whoopi Hitting Broadway

By Monica Peters Medina

India Arie will be hitting Broadway this summer starring in Ntozake Strange‘s “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” The revived production originally on Broadway back in 1976 will be produced by Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg and DreamTeam Entertainment.

The play is a collection of choreopoems that touches on the realities and hardships of being Black and female delving into topics such as rape, abandonment and abortion. The original Broadway version starred Lynn Whitfield, Alfre Woodard, Laurie Carlos and Sarita Allen.

GritsnCheese.com and Monica Peters Medina highly recommend you go see this play. In the meantime, the original version is available on DVD.

"Trekky” Tyler Perry can’t talk about it!

By Monica Peters Medina

Tyler Perry will be starring in the new Star Trek movie hitting theaters spring of 2009. Rumor has it he has to stay tight lipped about the film. It will be the first film that Tyler will star in that he has not directed or written.

Right now Tyler is directing and filming his new movie “The Family That Preys” starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Sanaa Lathan.

“Cover”-The Must See Film of The Year: Trailer & Film Review Below

By Monica Peters Medina

“COVER”

“One of the best and powerful films I’ve seen in the past two years..Right up there with The Great Debaters”..Monica Medina

Hey everyone,

“Cover” the murder mystery thriller directed by legend, icon and actor Bill Duke is nothing short of phenomenal. The film starring Aunjanue Ellis, Raz Adoti, Leon, Louis Gossett Jr., Vivica A. Fox, Roger Guenevere Smith and Paula Jai Parker leaves audiences in shock-literally. Director Bill Duke’s gift for story telling truly speaks to why he is one of the greatest legends, icons and directors of our generation. “Cover” takes many twists and turns that keeps movie goers engaged. The story line touches deeply on the AIDS and downlow epidemics in the African-American community. The shining gem of this film is that the storyline is in no way shape or form predictable. Everytime you think you know what’s going to happen next, you really don’t. The events are realistic, believable and gives the movie goer deep insight into a secretive world and culture. Although “Cover” is a murder mystery thriller with a serious message, it also has it’s fair share of humor and extreme characters to lighten up the mood.

This film is a must see but it is truly an excellent movie on all levels from the storyline to the fine cast of actors. This is one of the best films I’ve seen in the past two years.

If you are still not convinced why you should see Bill Duke’s murder mystery thriller “Cover”: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN CONSIST OF 73% OF ALL THE AIDS CASES IN THE US. IN WASHINGTON DC ALONE, ONE IN EVERY SEVEN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES ARE INFECTED WITH THE HIV VIRUS. *Interview with Bill Duke and actor Raz Adoti on GritsnCheese.com now.

Lil Lil’ Kim Gets “Cut”. How Do You Feel About Her New Look?

Lil Kim has gotten more plastic surgery and has a new look. What do you think?