Captain Phillips

“There’s got to be something other than being a fisherman or kidnapping people…”, “…Maybe in America, Irish, maybe in America.”

“I came too far, I can’t give up.”

One of my favourites for nominated Oscar films this year. Nominated for 6 Oscars, 68 other nominations and 16 wins. This true story that took place in 2009 and adapted into film in 2013 was thrilling from beginning till end. English Director Paul Greengrass fabulously captivated the beauty, terror, relief, and fear of all the characters. Tom Hanks gave a performance of a life-time (probably his best yet) and newcomer Barkhad Abdi native Somalian was a thing of beauty, strength, truth, and hope. 

This film touched me in so many wonderful ways, but what stood out the most for me was certainly the amount of effects caused by globalization, the desperation of human-kind, and the exquisite soundtrack for this movie. With a run-time of 134 minutes, I was not ready for this film to end. It was riveting, intense, and heart-poundingly good!

With a budget of $55 million USD this film grossed not only $107 million USD back, but also for Adbi’s first film, an Oscar nominating performance we’ll never forget. I felt myself feeling for both main characters, the villain and the hero, but more so the villain was the one that was most captivating and stole the show! He was a limo-driver, had a dream and Tom Hanks picked him as lead after seeing 700 other applicants.

‘JourneywithJair recommended’; makes for a nail-bitingly-fun night! :))

Gravity

There was so much hype behind this movie, not to mention the amount of accolades, recognition, nominations and awards that it was high on my list of Oscar winning movies to see. Written and Directed by Mexican Alfonso Cuaron and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, this 2013 Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller had me captivated for a lot shorter than I’d have liked.

With a budget of an estimated $100 million USD, with production contracts with Warner Bros. and a run-time of 91 minutes, lets just say ‘Houston had no problem’ with bringing in a cool $270 million USD at the box-office a few months later.

I must admit there were many beautiful cinematic moments throughout, and I am certain the writer, director, 2 actors and voice actors put in a lot of work to make this story semi-believable; however I must also tell the truth that this same story was not compelling enough to hold my attention or wonder when it was going to end. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but proved to be exhilarating for many. 

The main message of the film though was priceless; teaching our audience that the world is a lot bigger than we perceive and that we are not in control of everything. There’s something a lot bigger than all of us and we got to learn to let go.

I’ll leave you with some quotes from the film:

“Houston, I have a bad feeling about this mission.”

“Half of North America just lost their Facebook.”

“I get it. It’s nice up here. You can just shut down all the systems, turn out all the lights, and just close your eyes and tune out everyone. There’s nobody up here that can hurt you. It’s safe. I mean, what’s the point of going on? What’s the point of living? Your kid died. Doesn’t get any rougher than that. But still, it’s a matter of what you do now. If you decide to go, then you gotta just get on with it. Sit back, enjoy the ride. You gotta plant both your feet on the ground and start liven’ life. Hey, Ryan? It’s time to go home.”

In & Out

I’m not speaking about the famous Californian fast-food restaurant, but instead about the rhythm of our breath. It occurred to me after one of my classes tonight that I can’t take everything to heart. Although we may be quite passionate about our crafts, we need to take criticism constructively and not chew our own heads off! We are works in progress. Perfectly imperfect and there is beauty in our faults. It is in being imperfect that we build character, depth, strength, beauty, recognition and uniqueness.

It may hurt, the things others say about you or to you. But what do they know? Just as we breath effortlessly; one breath in and the other out, so should we automatically be able to listen constructively to negative things, take heart, and blow it out just as fast. If you don’t keep breathing, you can’t live. You’ve got to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. Whoever hit the ground running? Don’t be puppets in this already brain-washed modern society. Go the straight and narrow path - shortcuts get you nowhere except to disappointments. You’re better than that. You’re stronger than that. You don’t have to follow the crowd. When you finally get there…after that harrowing journey, you’ll know that you deserved the prize, because you worked honestly for it. Your pain, your faults, your ridicule was not in vain. 

Don’t worry about everyone else. Keep focused on  your journey, your lessons, your growth. Everyone is at a different state of consciousness and it isn’t your job to judge. There will be a time for that, whether we care to acknowledge it or not.

You’re more than a model!

You’re whatever you know you can be!

Be you!

Don’t listen to what others say - they’re not the boss of you - your Creator - knows exactly who you are, he made you, from the beginning until you meet again. The core of your talents, desires, destiny all are well-known and possible with the Universe/God/Creator. Stay true to your faith; everyone has their day in the sun….it may be a tad rainy now - but sweet victory is around the corner darlings!

Bless-up!

Love Jair

You are Enough - Cold Tangerines

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the book or play ‘Cold Tangerines’ you may want to read on a bit further. ‘Cold Tangerines’ is about celebrating the extraordinary nature of everyday life; or in other words capturing, embracing and realizing all moments within your life that you deem to be non-spiritual are actually quite spiritual after all.

Based on the book written by Shauna Niequist whose inspiration was to bring hope to those heartbroken, bored and unsatisfied this collection of stories was adapted into a play by my dear and talented friend Lynn Downey Braswell. After 3 years of writing and re-writing, having script readings and loads of discussion over coffee, Lynn was able to transform this story into every woman’s story - celebrating the beauty of everyday life and in turn offering courage, strength and healing.

If this noble yet empowering project isn’t tickling your fancy at this point you may just need to attend the play yourself which runs from May 30th till June 29th of this year. If you feel that you’re a ‘Bom-chicka-wow-wow’ chick whose got it all together all the time but know someone that may benefit from this lovely play then help by donating or spreading the word.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlecandle/cold-tangerines-the-play

Producer Betsy Roth, Director Karissa McKinney and Playwright Lynn Downey Braswell continue to enjoy the journey of bringing this life-changing story to life to all of us. The message being one of ‘YOU ARE ENOUGH’, enjoy this creative gift; be inspired; and help these young ladies bring one of their many dreams to healthy fruition. For more information feel free to visit: wwww.littlecandleproductions.com  or  www.facebook.com/ColdTangerinesThePlay@ColdTangThePlay.

Baggage Claim

“She’s done flying solo”.

Saw a passenger watching this on one of my transcontinental flights and thought; “I need to see this too!” Written and Directed by David E. Talbert and based on his novel, this 2013 comedy follows the dating life of a particular flight attendant who is looking to get married. Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Austrian heart-throb Boris Kodjoe, West-African ‘model-turned-actor’ Djimon Hounsou, Jill Scott, Christina Milian, Tia Mowry, La La Anthony, powerful Jenifer Lewis, as well as scores of others came together to tell this story.

Sure the flight attendant moments were relatable but the story itself was a bit weak in my opinion. With similarities to ‘The Terminal’ or scores of other ‘I Want to Get Married’ films, I felt that the issues and wants are valid however the way it played out was not smooth, or solid enough to make viewers connect on a deeper level with our main characters. No surprise elements here and despite it all with an estimated budget of $8 million USD film-makers were able to garner $21 million USD back at the box-office in only a short 3 months later.

Nothing abysmal or larger-than-life message, but makes for a fluffy and entertaining night.

Boomerang

Yes, it’s true. I only recently saw this film for the first time. Hard to believe seeing how much I enjoy Eddie Murphy films. In my defense in 1992 I wasn’t allowed to see Rated R films. With an estimated budget of $40 million USD, this comedy/drama/romance raked in a cool $70 million at the box-office.  It received one win and 4 other nominations. 

Written by Eddie Murphy and developed into screenplay by Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield and directed by Reginald Hudlin. This was the standard case of the importance of ‘doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you’; or in other words, ‘the player’ who get’s ‘played’. Eddie Murphy stars and does a fine job as usual, and black beauties Robin Givens, Halle Berry and the provocative, unique and talented Jamaican Grace Jones join in on the fun. 

Tables turn quite easily and so it’s important to do the right thing and be careful how you treat others; the audience learned the unrest, pain and trauma that can be caused when one does the opposite and they instantly became empathetic for our main character when he’d learnt his lesson.

It was a joy to recognize beautiful and talented legend Eartha Kitt on screen with her distinct voice and elegance as I’d first had the pleasure while watching the 1958 film called ‘Anna Lucasta’. Chris Rock, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Martin Lawrence and David Alan Grier also performed exceptionally and comedically bringing the giggles consistently. 

The Croods

This animated 2013 adventure-comedy wasn’t at all what I expected; but ‘Dreamworks’ again slashes any negative reviews and leave audiences wanting more - every - time. With a budget of $135 million USD writers Chris Sanders and writer/director Kirk De Micco developed a compelling enough story to make a profit of $187 million USD at the box office that year.

Although none of the animals depicted were biologically real animals, the dialogue, narration and heart of the tale is what gave the sense of brilliance. Viewers are able to relate despite the time-period as the humans no matter the time through history have all dealt with the same challenges. You can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. Your family is always there for you, no matter what. The younger members always want to explore and do their own thing; find their independent and the elders always are cautious and concerned. Classic and yet told in a wonderfully colourful way!

Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, and other well-known American actors performed voices for their characters. It was funny but quite heart-warming and sentimental as well. This is one the entire family can enjoy!