Bored at Lunch?: Watch Kenyan Sci Fi Short Film "Pumzi"

Don't be bored at lunch. Watch 20-min Kenyan sci-fi film Pumzi by filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu

Movie Review: "Notorious"... Surprisingly Good.

"Ms. Wallace conceived Biggie with a married man. One of many interesting facts that came out in the film."

By Monica Peters

I must admit that I had concerns about being potentially disappointed with the film “Notorious” starring Angela Bassett, Jamal Woolard, Derek Luke, Naturi Naughton, Antonique Smith and Anthony Mackie. However, the film does not disappoint. The entire cast brought home the spirit of the real life characters. To my surprise, the film also had depth.

Hollywood newcomer, Jamal Woolard hits the mark playing Notorious BIG, aka Biggie on screen. He is very natural and more importantly believable in this role. He is one to watch in Hollywood. Biggie’s relationship with his mother, Voletta Wallace played by Angela Basset provides much depth to the film as it portrays his life from early childhood to his tragic murder eleven years ago in Los Angeles. Many may not know that Ms. Wallace conceived Biggie with a married man. One of many interesting facts that came out in the film. The “mash potato” scene is a turning point in Biggie’s life where Ms. Wallace throws away what she thinks is mash potatoes from under his bed. Biggie raids the kitchen trash can to recover “the potatoes.” Ms. Wallace then realizes that her son is in an illegal profession and throws him out onto the streets.

Naturi Naughton, who plays Lil’ Kim, provided much spice in the highly anticipated film. Naughton does an excellent job in showing the vulnerable and insecure side of rapper Lil’ Kim. Initially she and Biggie had a great relationship where he pursued her romantically in their early days in Bed Stuy. He was her lover, protector and had a solid devotion to her as an artist when he discovered that she also had talent that could make her a superstar. Things soon began to get rocky when he married singer Faith Evans out the clear blue. He still kept his commitment to Lil’ Kim as his artist and continued their affair. Naughton’s racy role keeps the moviegoer intrigued with her and Biggie’s volatile off/on relationship. I was actually surprised that the film gave Lil’ Kim’s character depth given the rocky history between the raunchy female rapper and the slain rapper’s mother in real life. The recording studio scene where Lil’ Kim and Biggie have an explosive argument after his surprise nuptials to Evans, played by Antonique Smith, is classic. It is in this scene where you begin to remember that Lil Kim in real life often talked about Biggie’s physical abuse towards her. The dialogue in this scene is also classic. Let’s just say Biggie puts Lil’ Kim in her place about where she stands with him.

Actress Antonique Smith has a striking resemblance to singer Faith Evans. She brings home the prize so to speak portraying Evans on screen. Her character finds out soon enough that marrying a man after only 3 weeks of dating is not a good idea--especially since Biggie never stopped his cheating ways (the singer claims in her new book that she and Biggie courted for a few months, but the film’s depiction disputes that). She does have a physical confrontation with a random groupie who she finds in bed with Biggie. However, the only thing that was grossly missing in this film is that it does not depict her rocky relationship with Lil’Kim and does not address how she felt when she found out in real life that Biggie was having an affair with Kim. *Faith Evans and Lil’ Kim had a much publicized physical confrontation in real life.

Derek Luke to my surprise did a good job in making his portrayal of music mogul Diddy believable. His on stage persona of Diddy in the film does provide for some comedic moments though, especially the dancing. Anyone who came to the advance screening as a “Doubting Thomas” if Luke could capture the larger than life personality of Diddy were soon converted to believers.

As far as Anthony Mackie’s portrayal as Biggie’s rival, slain rapper Tupac Shakur; let’s just say he tried his best. That’s not a diss, but Shakur’s complex persona would be hard for any actor to personify.

Towards the end of the film as the rapper receives constant death threats due to his ongoing feud with Shakur, he begins to put his life in perspective. He tries to mend the fences with Faith (also the mother of his son Christopher Wallace Jr), Lil’ Kim and Jan, the mother of his first child from his teenage years by becoming a better father and more involved in their lives. But by then it’s too late.

A touching point of the film that will bring tears to your eyes: Biggie’s son, Christopher Wallace Jr., plays the role of his father in his childhood years in the film. You don’t find this out until the end of the film. It doesn’t get any better than that.

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!

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"

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.

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.

"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.