My review of “Precious”

I’m going to try not to get on such a huge soapbox, but I have to give my two cents about this movie. I went into this movie knowing I would analyze the movie because I’m pretty analytical when it comes to good movies such as this one. Precious began as an independent film, and what I’m finding out most, Oscar-worthy movies tend to start off that way.

Let me just pause right there…While I believe there is Oscar written all over this movie, I don’t know if any one person deserves the Oscar over the other because everyone was equally brilliant and compelling. From the character, Precious to the character, Ms. Rain, there was great acting. I am most pleased with that of Gibourney Sidibe. This chocolate sister, (this is her first acting gig) brought some straight-up acting–no holds barred. She took us to that place where we wanted to save her from her pain. Without giving so much away to those who are reading and haven’t seen the movie, Sidibe’s character was a victim of every emotion you could possibly name.

The director, Lee Daniels, gave the audience a raw movie that was supposed to leave a lasting affect. I wanted to know if the movie was based on someone real or was it a variation of things. Sapphire who is the author of the book linked to the movie, wrote  Push based on Precious. After Monique had her on her show, Sapphire explained that Precious is based on various young women she met throughout her life. A part of me is glad to know that this wasn’t based off one person, however, there is someone out there in this world who has gone through everything Precious went through in the movie. And that’s why the dynamics of this movie is so awesome.

A friend who read the book said Push was a hard read simply because of the verbiage and the fact Precious had little to no education. Just by watching the movie, I can see how that could have had an affect. There was a big language barrier, but those who watch it will understand and see the validity of the language.

As I was talking to a friend, we discussed the colorism in the movie. A lot of it stood out like a sore thumb. PLEASE STOP READING THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THE MOVIE. Most of the characters who were the antagonist in the movie were darker skinned, while the people who helped Precious were that of a lighter skin tone. Now one might say that it doesn’t matter and that the director was not aware of that, but it can be taken slightly out of context if you look closely. Why was there a pattern like that? Coming from the theatrical background there are reasons for a lot of why characters are chosen to look certain ways. But I digress.

By the end of the movie I wanted to save Precious’ life, not only that, the director gave an ending that you had to refuse because there could have been another way of showing it, but as directors and writers do, they leave the audience to decide their own ending.

Wake-up Call (Plea for Black Hair Care)

It’s been a while since I’ve posted any thing, and that’s because I wasn’t pressed to post anything of substance, until now. Here’s some food for thought.

Recently, I went to the movie theater to check out Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair,” and while I was not surprised at the specific “findings” I was disappointed at the percentage of Black-owned hair-care franchises. Dudley and Bronner Bros. seem to be at the forefront of it all, but where are all these Black hair-care professionals when it comes to generating weave and overall hair-care products? Why aren’t we supporting our own?

For me, this wasn’t just a movie that was supposed to expose how much Black women spend on their hair or how many Black women where weaves just to maintain what is called “good hair,” this was about exposing how unattached we are to the hair-business sector. According to Dudley’s Founder, Joe Dudley, there are only four other Black-owned hair franchises. That is an appalling amount considering how many African-American women wear weaves and use black hair-care products. Where are the hair professionals who are willing to become business owners instead of watching foreigners sell the products as if they use it?

Thank you, Chris Rock for diving a little deeper and going where the simulation started–India. I applaud Rock’s efforts because he, too, wanted to find out why are extensions Black women wear on their head imported from another country. In India, there is a sacred ceremony where females have all their hair cut and shaved off in honor of their God. Where does the hair go? hmmm … Well the hair is auctioned off to hair suppliers, who again are foreigners, and then sold to generate billions of dollars.

Black women have been wearing weaves for decades, the problem doesn’t lie there because they aren’t going to stop. The question lies is how can we take control of the business and profit from it as Black hair-care providers. Why don’t manufacturers want to sell hair and hair-care products to Black businesses and solely to foreigners. I’m putting it out there but I’m just one voice. It takes passion and the business-minded folks who want to see more of us producing our own. If those salon stylists who were featured in the documentary want to be platform stylists or business entrepreneurs, then this film should be a wake-up call for them to take some action so the number of Black Hair-Care franchises increases.

Saved in a Secular World

As I continue my walk with Christ, I sometimes wonder if my spiritual walk is being compromised. I’ve been saved since I was 13 years old because that’s when I began to take it serious. I always had a relationship with Christ, but it wasn’t until then when I professed His glory and how Magnificent He is. I was literally raised in the church. I sang, praised dance, spoke when I needed to. Never once was I forced to go to church, I always had a desire and always wanted to know more about the Lord. Growing up I never felt that my spiritual walk was ever compromised. It wasn’t until I got older where I started to see other worlds, cultures and values. I went to college, met different people and saw that most of the world doesn’t exactly have a relationship with Christ. They are either what is called “spiritual” or just not religious. This sometimes strikes me as a cop out, a way to say that you don’t follow anything but your own feelings and inclinations, but those inclinations are the Holy Spirit. Yes, I am spiritual and Yes, I am religious and I’m not afraid to say it because, honestly, I don’t feel like there is anything unconventional about it. I’m not a Bible thumper, nor am I a “tell you what to do because it’s in the Bible” type of person. I am a person who let’s their light shine. Let the life I live speak for me. I shouldn’t have to tell you what or how to do it. My life should show you what God has done for me.

I believe society has put such a negative connotation on the word “religion.” Why does it have to be? If you belong to a church, it’s OK. If you work with the youth at your church, it’s OK. The Lord asks us to be good stewards, so it’s not just about being spiritual it’s also about being good Samaritans, helping people and spending time with the Lord. I say all this to say I won’t compromise my relationship with Christ just because I live in a world where being Saved is not recognized or praised. I’m a journalist, and most journalists aren’t Saved. Some are, but most aren’t. I have mad respect for people in the music and entertainment industry who maintains their relationship with Christ, represents it and still be highly recognizable in an industry where most people don’t necessarily walk the walk. Fonzworth “Derek Watkins” Bentley, whom is the self-proclaimed Gentlemen guru of our time has stepped it up. He is most known for P. Diddy’s assistant but has made his own stamp as the popular MTV’s “G’s to Gents” host. If you have followed his career, seen how he has interacts with folks, you will recognize this brother is Saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t sugar coat anything. As a matter of fact, if you notice in his interviews, at the end of every interview he gives viewers or listeners a verse from the Bible or just some encouraging words to everyone. I said to myself now that’s the way to represent. And people still love him. He’s been able to break the barriers of that stigma or religion verses spirituality. So thank you, Mr. Bentley! He belongs to a church in Atlanta and attends church even when he’s super busy. Always has time for the Lord. I will never compromise whose I belong to for anyone and he has reminded me of that. I pray that what I’m saying is not offensive, but is just a reminder for those of you who are reading this–or maybe just a lingering thought that you may not have fathomed.

* Fonzworth Bentley will be on my online radio show…date will be publicized soon.

Black in America Part II

I was invited to attend the pre-screening of Black in America II in Washington D.C. Let me just say being black in America is not about being impoverished or highlighting the fact some black neighborhoods aren’t as educated as others. So I welcome the fact CNN decided not to harp on that aspect. Instead, CNN tried to show while there are poverty-stricken places in America, there are also those areas where higher education is not just an option-it’s a must. Journalist, Soledad O’Brien, talked to some interesting people including Steve Perry, who is the principal and founder at Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, CT. Personally, I think he is probably the most realest and caring principal I’ve ever witnessed. He is strict on his students, but what shocked  and impressed me about his school is that 100 percent of his students go off to college. Every one of his students go to a four-year college. That is always his mission. He said if it’s not 100 percent then he’s not doing his job and neither is the school itself. I applaud him and obviously he is doing something right! And the students love him, so it goes to show tough love is great when it’s done right!

Because it was a pre-screening, we were unable to see the whole documentary, but what I did see was inspiring. Journalist, Roland Martin, was the moderator and though I could only see him for a short period of time, he left those of us who were in the overflow room a powerful message. Martin expressed his concern of not only committing and striving  to see President Barack Obama in 2017, he blatantly told the crowd if you make a commitment  to be an impact in the black community for the next 365 days and after that year you realize you have not done it, then you have become the issue of black America. While many people may argue that sentiment, I believe Martin was trying to give people a wake up call that black America is not going to change if people don’t plan to follow through in their commitments for CHANGE. Hence the reason why we constantly see stories on poverty and uneducated black children. Let’s be the change!

My Radio Show! Check out my segments!

BET adopting “The Game” Hmmm…

This just in…  BET might be sealing a deal with CBS Television Studios to acquire the recently canceled CW show, “The Game.” Tia Mowry posted this link on her Twitter page, so it came straight from her: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Tia-Mowry-Game-1007828.aspx

This just takes me right back to where I’ve started in this whole TV network research. It’s a fight between ratings and networks…and the research continues.

Radio Success

I must say I am pleased at how well my radio show “Brownvintage” has been going. Although, I still have a long way to go. On July 12 I will have my next show, and I am excited about it because I will be highlighting someone who is on that “global grind.” Her name is Sandra Shepard and she is relaunching her online magazine called “Underground Unseen.” It’s an awesome outlet for young indie artists, musically, poetically and even artistically. Over the course of a few months, she has gained a lot of hits and we are going to find out how she did it and how she has continued to blossom. Check out her site at www.undergroundunseen.com. Also, yours truly is the first voice you will hear as you log on to the site!

Like Sandra, I am also trying to make moves! So Stay tuned!

-Keep it Natural

Hosea Chanchez talks about ‘The Game’ and it going into syndication whether or not it Get’s picked up again

http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/04/23/game-plan-hosea-chanchez-talks-sitcom-s-future/

TV Land Awards- Perfect Timing

 Of all the dialogue and research I have been having about syndicated shows, it’s the perfect time for the TV Land Awards. The TV Land Awards show premiered this evening on TV Land, and it is nice to see former TV stars receive well-deserved honors.

Home Improvement was the first to get an honor for its originality and wit that came from none other than Tim Allen, who brought perfect timing for laughter. He knew when the audience needed to laugh.

Besides the wonderful cast that included former heartthrob, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, *sigh.* Unfortunately he wasn’t there to receive his TV-shaped award, but the rest of his colleagues were there to get the attention. Of course I’m always curious to know if either one of the former TV brothers receive residual checks. We all know that Tim Allen was the star of the show, so he’s getting enough to sit pretty, but what about the rest of them?

Taken from the research I’ve done on Screen Actors Guild Web site, if an actor was not the main character or “star player” then they only were paid for the shows they appeared in verses the main character who would still receive residuals 10 years after the show goes into syndication. Interesting, huh? 

So does that mean Will Smith is the only person receiving a residual from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? Well, I also found that depending on how many times the person appeared or how of a regular the actor was on the show, can be a determinant on if that person would receive a residual check. However, if there aren’t a lot of  cast members, actors will be paid more in their residual checks and if there is a myriad cast then actors may see less when it’s time to receive a residual. It still presents another question as to what does that say for shows who have equal amount of appearances. What if everybody is the star?  Who is the star in Desperate Housewives? Grey’s Anatomy? The Office? Scrubs? House? Obviously, Hugh Laurie would be the star in House, but are there more? How do Networks or SAG rate that? If they don’t then who does?

Jaleel White Getting back in the game

This latest article is one of the many reasons why I talk about Network TV.
Check out this link!

http://www.bvnewswire.com/2009/04/24/jaleel-white-new-road-leads-to-starring-role-in-web-series/