'Idlewild'

Andre Benjamin
Antwan A. Patton
Paula Patton
Terrence Howard
Faizon Love
Malinda Williams
Cicely Tyson
Macy Gray


R           121min           2006

‘Idlewild’ is a musical set in the Prohibition-era American South, where a speakeasy performer and club manager contend with gangsters who have their eyes on the club while his piano player and partner must choose between love and his obligations to his father.

Not many musical groups could pull off what ‘Outcast’ did with this film. ‘Outcast’ has brought to the screen a modern musical for the ages. It’s not only is it entertaining but boasts some great acting from cast of some of the best African-American talent. The story isn’t that in depth but the musical numbers make up for it.

‘Outcast’ has brought to the screen that tailored to their strengths as a group. Antwan “Big Boi” Patton is the ruggish club owner doing what it takes to make his club a success. Andre Benjamin is a mortician by day and a piano player but night longing for something more. ‘Bug Boi’ for the most part brings to musical numbers to life while ‘Andre 3000’ a rising talented actor, carries the acting of the duo.

The musical numbers are modern, relatable and flow with the story. It’s complimented by the acting by Terrence Howard, Macy Gray, another rising actress in her own right, and Paula Patton. Neither overshadowed each other, which in most musicals one or the other does. This fact lends itself to being a widely acceptable musical.

‘Idlewild’ doesn’t have a in-depth story but it’s a complete and fulfilling story. If the musical number were taken out it would still hold up as a complete story but it’s the musical numbers that make it worth watching. You could skip this film but you would miss out on a surprising good film.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

'Proud'

Ozzie Davis
Albert Jones
Jeffrey Nash
Eric LaRay Harvey




PG           87min           2004

‘Proud’ is the true story of the only African-American crew to take a Navy warship into combat in World War II.

This film is sad that more African-American veterans aren’t recognized for their war efforts in America’s campaigns. It is also riveting even with its low budget quality. It features one of Ozzie Davis’s last performances. It’s a tale that should be pasted on to other generations.

‘Proud’ is a great African-American tale of overcome the ignorant stereotypes. It must have been a major showcase for African-American at the time. It’s something that should never be forgotten and should be taught.

The film showed another instant of American prejudice toward African-American. I glad that they were recognized in the end. But it also man me wonder how many more veterans fought and died for America and aren’t recognized.

The tales and heroics of Veterans should be taught to future generation so that they can remember and learn from the mistakes of the past. I’m glad that Congress and President Clinton got around to recognizing this soldiers for their bravery and heroics. The British fleet should also commend them.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Superman Returns"

Brandon Routh
Kevin Spacey
Kate Bosworth
Parker Posey
Frank Langellan
James Marsden
Sam Huntington

PG13           154min           2006

"Superman Returns" is Bryan Singers re-launching of the Superman franchise. It stars Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman returning to Earth after leaving for 5 years. The world has moved on without Superman and it finds Lois Lane played by Kate Bosworth, a mom and a fiancée to Richard White, Perry’s nephew. The world also finds Lex Luther played by Kevin Spacey, free and looking to cause chaos to the world again.

At first I was skeptical having been a child when Superman 1 and 2 came out, that Routh wouldn’t be up to the challenge of playing Clark Kent/Superman. Others will play the part but Christopher Reeves will always be Superman to me. Christopher Reeves really made believe a man could fly. I was totally wrong. Br4andon Routh embodied the role. There are several moments in the film when he looks and sound just like CR. If you watch Superman 1 and 2 and then watch Return you will see what I mean.

The movie felt like a prequel for another film instead of a continual. I’m unclear as to Brian Singer intention overall I enjoyed the movie very much. Superman Returns with all its technological advanced special effects is straight I candy for senses. Hearing Superman’s cape ripple in the wind is subtle but makes this movie worth its weight in gold.

If this was just a prequel to re-launch the franchise, “The Death and Life of Superman” should be two and three. It gives a most intriguing story to be told and it would probable take two movies to do it justice. The story if followed as in the comics gives characters to use in spin-offs. Superman Returns is a great addition to the franchise.

I give a 4/5 Gs. If you like this then you'll love Superman (1978) and Superman II: The Donner Cut.

'Shadowbower'

Helen Mirren
Cuba Gooding jr.
Stephen Dorff‘
Vanessa Ferlito
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Macy Gray
Mo’ Nique



R           93min           2005

‘Shadowboxer (2005)’ is about a female assassin, Rose, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer; she decides to carry out one final killing, assisted by lover and stepson, Mickey that changes their lives forever.

I didn’t know what to expect from this film, I rented because of Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s a stark departure from anything I’ve seen him in. ‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling and sometime rough movie to watch. The casting is eccentric and not the ‘Hollywood’ choices. The performances by Gooding and Mirren are what drive this film.

‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling drama that tells a tale that makes you wants to watch and at the same time turn away. There is some rough and shocking violence in this film. It’s violence that assassins who be adjusted to and off-putting to the average person.

The casting of this film is best described as eccentric; the actors cast in the part are so different that they complement each other and play to the actors’ strengths. Even with some of their over-the-top performance it works for the characters; lends to them being slightly psychotic and drives the story.

Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding Jr. lead this stellar cast. Mo’ Nique is believable as a jealous crack addict. Mirren and Gooding make one of the most interesting pair from a psychological point of view. It their relationship that compels you to watch. Their like a car wreck that you know you should turn away from but can.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

'V for Vendetta'

Natalie Portman
Hugo Weaving
Stephen Rea
Stephen Fry
John Hurt



R 132min 2005

‘V for Vendetta’ is a shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society in a future Britain. Upon rescuing a young woman, from the secret police, he also discovers an ally in her.

The fact that it was based on a comic book and the subject matter drew me to want to see this film. Having never read the comic, I found this film that stirred something dormant inside me. It reconfirmed to me how easily governments can lose touch and start to dominant the people.

How the people must keep checks on it government, lest we lose our rights. Patriots to their countries should what this and find relevance to their own situation. The government called V a terrorist. I feel he was a freedom fighter fighting to give people their rights back.

If you look at the political tones of ‘V for Vendetta’, they strike relevant in today’s world. This is the story plot that made me interested in this film and why it one of my favorites.

Hugo Weaving performance in the way he rattles off some of his monologue are a feature that should be awarded. Although you never see his face, his performance is mesmerizing and spectacular. Look at just his perform no one can be disappointed in this film.

Natalie Portman also gets a strong performance. I was too keen on the accent that she used but I did believe her emotion. It’s a world that me as an American would never want to live and its starting to take shape in America.

I give it 5/5 Gs.