Lee Daniels' "The Butler"

Image: hitfix.com

Saturday evening, I went to see "The Butler". Lee Daniels captures the viewers' attention immediately and never lets it go. The number of viewers at the last matinee was surprising to say the least. There were too many empty seats to take the trouble to count. If you are reading this and wondering if you should bother to spend your money on a ticket, let your doubts be allayed.

Even if you think, as I did, that you knew enough about the Civil Rights movement and you did not need to see another movie about it, have another thought coming on the heels of that one. While the movie is definitely a history lesson for anyone who did not have an actual role in the movement, The Butler is so much more than that.

The movie delves into family drama from various aspects... father, son discord; a husband who is a good man and provider but is lacking as a marriage partner; a second child who flounders in a family position that is never clearly defined for him. Betrayal, loyalty, loud courage, quiet compliance and a myriad of other issues carry the viewer on a ride that has more ups, downs, twists and turns than a long, winding river. 

All of the actors give sterling performances. Any true fan of Forest Whitaker knows that no matter what the role, he embodies the character completely. Oprah Winfrey made me believe that she was "Gloria". It is evident that this is a role that spoke to her from the pages of the script. The iconic Jane Fonda is perfect as former First Lady Nancy Reagan. 

Image: craveonline.com

Be prepared to have your heart run the full scope of emotions. I was angry, happy, hurt, deflated, uplifted, disappointed, and hopeful during the showing. You will be, too. Seeing what people endured in that era from the perspective of someone who was not considered to be on the front lines of the movement was thought provoking. It helped me to look at things in my own life from a different perspective.

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Take that much needed break you've been promising yourself that you would and allow yourself to be entertained, enlightened and changed. You will not walk out of the theater with the same sense of right and wrong and that tense area in between. Race relations will not magically become better but the current young generation will have a better understanding of why some things are the way that they are. Perhaps they will be inspired to live in such a way that harmony between the races will be embraced and promoted and hatred will be fervently denounced.

Most of all, it is my belief that you will leave the show with a thirst to better your relationships with your family and friends. So, you see, the price of the ticket to have a seat and watch The Butler is minuscule compared to the incalculable values you will walk away with. Go see the film. Take a friend, or even better, a family member with whom you need to mend a bond. The only way that your heart will not be touched is if you don't have one.

Be blessed!

Sunida 

P.S.  I think that Lee Daniels is positively brilliant! This story is told in a manner that is familiar yet fresh and intriguing.  And the man took glamorous diva Mariah Carey and turned her into a field negro. What?!!  I'm done!  Although I can't imagine that you have not seen the trailer, it is posted below just in case.

  

Tyler Perry explains his decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his movie

Tyler Perry sent a letter to his fans, and I am one, asking that we allow him to explain his decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his new movie, The Marriage Counselor. Basically, he is trying to appeal to a younger audience and, as always, impart some valuable life lessons including pitfalls to avoid. A quick glance through his message board reveals that his fans are loyal and plan to give Perry and the film a chance. There are fans who are not as flexible and vow that they will not see the movie because of Kardashian's participation. Even men are outraged over her perceived belittling of marriage. Kris Humphries only lasted 72 days after the wedding. What do you think about the controversy? My opinion is below.


Although I have never been a fan or watched her show, I have no objections to Kim K.'s appearance in The Marriage Counselor. It was a brilliant business move to cast her in the film because her fans cross all age, gender, and socioeconomic boundaries. That equals even more cross-over appeal than Tyler Perry has experienced thus far with his movies. People should understand that he is not only a writer, producer and filmmaker, but he is a businessman. With that said, I would be more concerned about how Perry is using his wealth and influence to give back in these difficult economic times. Many of the people who have faithfully supported his efforts by buying tickets to plays and now movies and purchasing DVDs are barely making it. Kim Kardashian having a role in a movie, lead or otherwise, is not at the top of my list of important issues. I understand some people's objections because of the way that she gained her fame and fortune but the fact of the matter is that there is a market for her willingness to put her life on display, obviously. Perhaps people should remember that even the most unlikely messenger can deliver news that will have a positive effect and change lives for the better. The Bible has many stories of God using the worst and most despised for something good. According to Mr. Perry, he is attempting to do the same. Viva Free Enterprise!

Denzel Washington --- Unstoppable

BET is showing Mo' Better Blues right now. That was the young Denzel... cocky, cool and sexy as hell. He's a bit older in Unstoppable but he's still good eye candy! I loved him in Devil in a Blue Dress. Aw heck, I love him in pretty much anything. Ladies, join me in a salute to this fine brother
.

Denzel, Denzel
Still sexy as hell
A little older now but that's okay
If you want to come out, I'm willing to play!

Hey, you've got your fantasy and I've got mine.

Girlfriends' Get Together: Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?"

This weekend, April 2, 2010, groups of women will be getting together for a bite to eat and to view Tyler Perry's latest movie, Why Did I Get Married Too. Of course, the men will be going out to ride the emotional roller coaster Perry creates in this film because they enjoy his work as well. However, the theater is generally filled with women who are there with their sisters, mothers, daughters and even grandmothers who don't mind talking to the characters on screen as if they can hear them. And they clap for scenes that really strike a chord with them. To be sure, a good time is had by all... so much so that the audience remains seated to watch the outtakes. If you have not seen Why Did I Get Married?, you have time to watch it before the sequel hits the theaters this weekend. You'll love it as much as the rest of us did. Really.



The movie features Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Lamman Rucker, Richard T. Jones,Michael J. White, Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett Jr., and Tyler Perry.

January issue of GQ has Jennifer Aniston Nude

With only a tie around her neck, actress Jennifer Aniston poses for the January, 2009issue of GQ magazine. In addition to showcasing her enviable physique, 39-year-old Aniston jokes about the ever present Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie issue, which, judging from her jokes, is only an issue for the press. Hey, whatever sells magazines and keeps the fans entertained!

Marley and Me Trailer

Tyler Perry Sued for Copyright Infringement

Tyler Perry is defending against charges of copyright infringement in U.S. District Court in Texas. Donna West is claiming that Perry stole material from a play that she wrote based on her own life. West is accusing the phenominally successful writer, actor and producer of basing much of his runnaway hit film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman on her play, "Fantasy of a Black Woman". She states that she can no longer put on the play, performed in July, 1991, in Dallas, because no one is interested in seeing the same storyline acted out again. Perry's film hit the theaters in 2005. The case is expected to come to a close by next Tuesday.

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys

Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns

I feel the need to lighten the mood on this blog. What better way to accomplish that than to talk about the movie, Meet The Browns!

Once again, Tyler Perry has delivered a well written movie that the entire family can enjoy together. You will laugh your butt off and you might even tear up a time or two. It's a touching story of a single mother in Chicago who finds out that she has family in Georgia that she's never met on her newly deceased father's branch of the family tree. Humor takes on a whole new meaning when she and her three children arrive in Georgia for the funeral.

Jenifer Lewis is a fool all day long, y'all! I love her. She is truly a cra-ra-zee character! And ladies, Fine-A Rick Fox is all up and through there making things look good! Thank you, Tyler! Yeah, baby... we like it like that. But you didn't let Cora sing this time. Why? I love her voice. Did I mention how Phyne Rick Fox is? I remember him from his college basketball days at Virginia. Vanessa, you should've kept that one, girl.

Gotta give props to Angela Bassett. Girly is still keeping it tight. She looks great. And the little old grandma playing the babysitter in the movie was not to be played with (she played Big Momma in Soul Food).

Towards the end, Madea takes an O.J. style road trip. Hilarious!! You have to stay to watch the out-takes while the credits roll. Brown sings like nobody I've ever seen. Truly!

Go Meet The Browns! Take the kids, too.

Heath Ledger Sleeps

Like everyone else who heard the news, I was shocked by Heath Ledger's sudden death. The first time that I saw him, I was changing channels and came across a movie in which I recognized Julia Stiles. Because I liked the other movies I had seen her in, I decided to watch this one, 10 Things I Hate About You. Although I had not heard of Heath Ledger, his character caught my attention immediately. Of course, he went on to steal the show. I enjoyed his performance in A Knight's Tale as well.

When the previews for Brokeback Mountain began to surface, I was not interested in seeing it. Actually, I wondered why he would want to portray that character. The reviews were so positive that I eventually relented and rented the DVD. Ledger earned every word of praise he received regarding that performance. Never did I expect my respect for his acting ability to increase, but that's exactly what happened. Still, I liked him most in films such as the romantic comedy, Casanova. It can't be helped... I'm an incurable romantic so I love endings that allow the couple to live happily ever after. Besides, the notion of cowboys being gay was a bit disturbing to me (no offense intended to those who enjoy that alternative lifestyle). It was heartwarming to know that Brokeback Mountain brought him bountiful love and a beautiful daughter.

Unfortunately, that was not enough to sustain him. There are persistent reports that Heath Ledger battled drug addition, costing him his relationship with Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams. Also, he was said to be suffering from fatigue, complicated by insomnia, during the latter part of his life. I think his fans would agree that these reports did not diminish our admiration for him. Here's a little something I wrote in his honor.


Heath Ledger, Superstar

Another blazing star has dissipated into the night… Heath Ledger sleeps
He is at peace while the world, stunned and saddened, weeps
You made quite an impression in 10 Things I Hate About You
Movie lovers fell in love with your acting talent, charm, and handsome
face, too
Your career took off, carrying legions of fans with it
But most would agree that Brokeback Mountain was
your break-out hit
In addition to increased fame, it brought you true love and
a precious daughter
Now, it seems as though the movie realm has sucked the life out
of you like the sun evaporates water
Though we grieve, we are still grateful for the phenomenal body
of work you left behind
Eventually, Matilda and scores of others will view your movies…
Heath Ledger, Superstar, to find



Sunida E. York, ©2008 All Rights Reserved