Time to Elevate our Minds & Hearts

For the WorldCup 2018, now that all the African country teams have been eliminated. I’ve been inundated with memes, posts and articles of how the remaining teams are conveniently using players who have African heritage to win in the finals. These articles try to remind me of how great Africa is  as a continent, and to never forget what “some” of our forefathers went through as slaves brought over to work and settle in neighbouring 1st world lands. But this kind of talk and topic has been prevalent for quite some time before too. “Wakanda Forever”, “Black Heritage Month”, and the list goes on and on and on. 

I have no problem with others trying to empower others to be better. But I do have a problem with the same “black people” conveniently using their “blackness” when it suits them. Aren’t these same celebrities wearing, supporting and being paid by white-owned companies? If the African WorldCup teams were so good, then why aren’t they in the finals? It seems to me, that including players of “all” races makes a team stronger. Or perhaps, just good players and good coaching? I am not saying that slavery and hate crimes didn’t and don’t exist, but have you really took a look into our history books? Who exchanged slaves for money in Africa? And aren’t we full of several examples of hate in our history? From the Holocaust stories, right down to the gays and transgenders?

I am a black woman, married to a white man. And that shouldn’t matter. There are people who want to change, and are making the change. I’m tired of us pointing fingers, and speaking in the past, when we are all guilty of judging others and serving hate. It’s time we stop being part of the problem and work towards a solution and more importantly ‘healing’. As India Arie so aptly sang, “I am not the color of my skin…” We are so much more than  our hue, and country for that matter. And when we truly realize that, it will be when all colors of the human race, this homosapien species can finally live in Peace. 

I have experienced hate not only from white people, but people of all colors and believe it or not, from people who look just like me too! Why don’t we hear or speak about that? Shouldn’t that be the first issue that we should fix? Within our own races we try to separate and hurt each other. This topic makes me think of ‘vegans’ who still drive diesel vehicles and use Air Conditioning, and chastise someone who may not be able to afford or been educated to eat otherwise. Who are we to pick and choose what’s best for anyone? If we are so ‘Afro-centric’, shouldn’t we all move back to Africa? How about stop straightening our hair and bleaching our skin. The problem that we have lies much deeper than a mixed-race or predominantly black football European team. 

Being born and raised in the Caribbean, because of history, I automatically have many strains of race flowing through my veins, and living there I was lucky to be exposed to many people, cultures, religions and races. Yes, hate and racism exists there too. But I also learnt of inclusion, celebration and tolerance. I choose not to be a victim, I choose to focus on being resilient and lift up the values worth remembering. I think it’s something we should try to incorporate world-wide. This problem won’t be fixed overnight. I would be naive to think so; but I think it’s imperative we stop generalizing and supporting hate of all kinds, and be more loving and inclusive of everyone. 

Remember, our beliefs shape our reality and our aim in life should never be trying to make others feel guilty or break each other down, because of our history and our differences. Rather, we should be respecting and learning from our history, our experiences, and educating and encouraging positive change. Finding ways of healing to move forward in a hopefully one day, color-blind world. 

Copycat

“I know all about you. You’re just a sad, second rate, boring, impotent little copycat.”

Written by Ann Biderman and David Madsen and directed by English, Jon Amiel, ‘Copycat’ was a flawless, classic, Drama/Mystery/Thriller that I’d happily have the pleasure to work on as an actress. Our main characters, Helen Hudson and MJ Monahan played by Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter respectively were two strong, intelligent, female characters that brought this film to life!

Based in San Francisco, this story shows immense research and takes the audience on an imaginative and discerning ride into the minds of a criminal psychologist, a serial killer and a top-notch detective. One of our villains, Daryll Lee Cullum, expertly played by ‘Harry Connick Jr.’ literally spent weeks watching documentaries on serial killers in preparation for his role. Sigourney Weber stated that she was most proud of her work in this film because she worked hard to portray the mindset of an agoraphobic and consulting with lead forensic psychiatrist Park Dietz who interviewed serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer really was a challenge for her. Holly Hunter also divulged that she spent countless hours with different homicide detectives in downtown L.A. to help her get into character. 

This is a movie that you see the considerable amount of work and preparation put in by actors as well as the crew. The dynamics set in place, the mysterious unfolding, first-rate acting and great soundtrack and dialogue all had the makings for a cult-classic! They got 2 wins and 1 nomination that year and almost doubled at the box-office - here’s to one of the best serial-killer movies since ‘Silence of the Lambs’!

The Stepfather

This ‘2009’ Crime/Thriller was a sinister and discomforting film exposing tactics of a killer. ‘The Stepfather’ written by J.S. Cardone and Donald E. Westlake and directed by Nelson McCormick slowly brings viewers into a loving family and step by step unveils suspicious and agonizing behaviour by our main character David Harris, played by actor Dylan Walsh. 

Almost triple at the box-office, produced by Screen Gems, Maverick Films, and Imprint Entertainment, with a budget of $11 million USD it made back a cool $29 million USD in one month that year. Nominated for 2 awards, this motion picture has all the cinematic maneuverings to leave the audience squirming in their seats but still wanting more.

Sela Ward, Penn Badgley, and Amber Heard also came out to play and although some ‘make-out’ scenes between the teen-agers  I found unnecessary, overall it made for a very good film.

Death at a Funeral

"On April 16th, no-one will rest in peace.”

2010’s ’Death at a Funeral’, was an outlandish comedy; hosting a powwow of comedians that surprisingly and easily flipped the meaning of a melancholic funeral ceremony. This amusing tale brought us from one preposterous moment to the next and if anything can go wrong during this difficult time, everything does! 

Written by Dean Craig and directed by Neil LaBute, this film was crammed with secrets and fun characters our viewers loved to see. ‘Chris Rock’ who played our main character Aaron, tried his best to keep serene in an ever-increasingly deranged and exasperating situation. Peter Dinklage, Loretta Devine, Danny, Glover, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, Luke Wilson, and the beautiful and funny Regina Hall all came together to make this story an unforgettable one. 

Rated R for language, drug content and sexual humor this film isn’t suitable for children. Every family has mystery, but this one just happens to take the cake! 

Old Boy

Originally written in Japan by writers Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi, and incipiently brought to the big screen by Korean director Chan-wook Park in 2003; Hollywood short of ideas these days decided to bring this film to the screen once more. Expertly made by Park, this Action/Drama/Mystery was easily slotted as one of the top rated movies of all time, garnering 38 wins and 18 nominations that year. 

Sadly, even though ‘Old Boy’ was re-made with good intentions and with some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest actors, Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Olsen, to name a few, the movie wasn’t as hard-hitting as it had been when it first appeared on screen. This time it was led by director ‘Spike Lee,’ (Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, Chi-raq) and even with a budget of an enormous $30 million USD only made back $2 million USD at the box-office and although nominated for 4 awards, did not have the pleasure of winning any. 

This inexplicable tale of suffering and rebirth for a man who was trapped and released only to suffer tremendously upon his release; is a clever thought-provoking conspiracy we have to thank the first writers, cast, and crew for. ‘Old Boy’ reminds us that obnoxious behaviour rarely gets us anywhere except in trouble and that sometimes seeking revenge brings us boomerang-like anguish. Whether you watch the 2003 version or the later 2013 version it makes for a warranted night of epic entertainment!

'La Carmelita'

If you’re in Bordeaux, France, you’re in for a treat if you go to see ‘La Carmelita’. ‘Little Caramel’ is the name of an incredible flamenco group based in the heart of the city. They put on shows from time to time throughout the year and I was ever so lucky to come across this golden opportunity! 

It’s a show filled with passion!

The musicians and singer are expert and delightful, enticing the audience with rhythmic and traditional songs to warm our palate. But the true deliciousness doesn’t begin until ‘La Carmelita’ makes her way on stage. This savory, folk dance which originated in Andalusia, Spain from the VII to the XV centuries and was heavily influenced by the Arab domination of the time, has thankfully continued to bring pleasure to the masses far and wide. Throughout the years, it has evolved to what we know of today - a heavily seductive and hypnotic dance that is largely interpreted and particular by each performance. The virility and skill displayed by ‘Deborah Dawson’ is a marvelous gift to spectators. She is scrupulously devoted to the rapture of the melody and her movements from head to toe are indicative of it.

If you’re looking for an extravagant and steamy night-out, well-worth your money; a night satiated with splendid energy and magnetic pizzazz, then you’re guaranteed to be thrilled with a ‘La Carmelita’ event!

Don't Worry - Be Happy

** Things that are out of your control....make your peace & let it go...

Voice from the Stone

This 2017 Drama/Mystery/Thriller was very beautifully shot and framed; however slow moving. Even though there was a decent storyline, this film never reached climax or delivered something meaningful. Based on the novel ‘La Voce Della Pietra’ and written by Andrew Shaw and Silvio Raffo, the director did not peel off all necessary layers to allow it’s audience to fully engage in our main characters struggles and misery.

You may recognize the main character British ‘Emilia Clarke’ whom plays the character Verena from the hit television show known as ‘Game of Thrones’; even so, I was not dazzled in the slightest by her performance. 

With a run-time of 94 minutes this film rolled on with clemency. I don’t know what was more strange, the fact that our main character suddenly became powerlessly in love with her patient’s father, or the fact that there was un-called for nudity. Reminded me of ‘The Others’ but it was no-where as near as good. Camera-work and cinematography was top-notch, but everything else was a let-down.

Les 3 Freres

I’ve been getting in my dose of French Films lately and loving it. ‘Les Trois Freres’ is a cult classic written by and starring Didier Bourdon and Bernard Campan; Pascal Legitimus also offers his acting expertise as well. These ‘3 musketeers’ have graced the stage with their stand-up and have worked together as a team for several years. 

Quite reminiscent of of Hollywood’s 1987’s ‘Three Men and a Baby’; however this story-line held it’s own and delivered just as many authentic laughs! Produced by Canal + and Prima Films, this comedy had a run-time of 105 minutes  and showed a comedic depiction of the culture of France. Certainly recommended for a night of hilarity!

Keep at It

**A little August Inspiration!

Careful what you wish For

Not a bad film for an ex- singer turned actor. In fact Nick Jonas who played the lead, did a decent-enough job. This Drama/Thriller released in 2015 written by Chris Frisina and directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum had all the makings of a teenage boy’s fantasy. Besides the sexual content, nudity and language, the uneasiness was intense as the audience witnessed the slow torture of our marshmallow-hearted main character. 

With an estimated budget of $8 million USD this film had the makings of a blockbuster but sadly in my opinion some of the acting came across galactic and laughable. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye; with beautiful shots and the prototypical blonde to match the perfect-summer for teenage-boys-back-drop . However, viewers quickly realized how to calculate and link the suspicious deaths.

It wasn’t believable that the husband played by Dermot Mulroney appeared to be only in his 40’s. I think his character was much too young to play the part and find it incomprehensible that he could succumb so weakly when he played a bully. 

The Invisible Guest

Written and directed by Spanish Oriol Paulo, this Crime/Mystery/Thriller originally known as ‘Contratiempo’ was released in 2016 and despite it’s excellent story and execution only garnered 1 win and 2 nominations that year. Joined by Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, Jose Coronado and Barbara Lennie all actors from Spain; did an extraordinary job with bringing the story and characters to life.

With a run-time of 106 minutes and a budget of an estimated 4 million euros there was great pacing, fantastic framing and a dynamite story that kept it’s audience sitting anxiously on the edge of their seats. The soundtrack was riveting and the twists in the plot were quite satisfying! 

Journey with Jair recommended! 

No Good Deed

I had the pleasure of watching 2014’s ’No Good Deed’ and I must comment that my first thoughts were that it was uplifting to see a strong female lead on screen, and see two people of color do a magnificent job. I enjoyed the high film quality of this film, the camera techniques, frames, shots and climatic music. 

Putting those those things aside, I must divulge that the thriller became less authentic or believable because of the perpetual amount of upper-cut-swipes English heartthrob Idris Alba endured by our fearless super-hero of a mother played by Taraji P. Henson. I had a strong inkling this film was written by a woman, and I was right. 

Written by  Aimee Lagos, who also wrote ’96 minutes’ and ‘Underground’, this story although solid, seemed to give off the essence of ‘let’s bash men for the century’ as there weren’t any positive images/roles of any men in this film. The only other man that had most screen prescence after our two main characters would be Henry Simmons who played our main character’s husband. Before he even came into frame the audience was told we should be suspicious of or hate him. 

This was my interpretation of the film; however it can easily be flipped to mean the opposite that our unstable escaped convict played by Elba, was actually the one who had immense hate for women, and this was an ode to all women fighting back. No matter your take on this film; it is definitely worth a watch. With an estimated budget of $13 million USD it grossed $52 million USD back at the box-office and garnered 2 nominations and 2 wins that year!

Just Dance

** Don't stop laughing, don't stop dancing, don't stop being inspired.
This is YOUR life - make it count! You're alive...so get up, and DANCE :))

Style & Beauty in Film

What does style and beauty bring to our viewers in the world of film? To correctly dissect the true meaning of the effects brought to our audience based on style and beauty we must go back to the history of story-telling and the inertia generated through our history’s ever-changing view of vogue and allure. Here are our top 5 reasons of how style and beauty is forever attached to cinema.

1. Why we Love Wigs:

No-one has to defend themselves for wearing their toupee’s or colorful hair extensions. People wear wigs for multifarious reasons. Some happen to be rock-stars, others lose their locks due to genetics or stress and some still wear them discreetly due to hardships of their time. Did you know that in the 17-1800’s due to poor hygiene as well as diseases like syphilis which caused rashes, sores and baldness, many people opted to wearing wigs? Not only was it easier to care for in the event of warding off insects like lice, but it was kept clean and fragrant by various practices, which at the time proved to be easier, as running water and shampoo weren’t invented or present as yet.

It was said that King Louis XIV of France in 1655 was one of the first to hire wig-makers to save his reputation after he began losing his hair. Years later in neighboring countries, others began to do the same. It began to percolate to the upper-middle class and middle-class and it was associated to a higher-status if one could afford or own wigs. ‘Le Voyage Dans La Lune’ - ‘A Trip to the Moon’, the world’s first film written, directed and produced by French, Georges Méliès clearly reflects the use of cinematic fantasy, style and discovery and as a result there were many scenes depicting actors wearing wigs. 

Biopics to follow illustrate the use of wigs during that time, as well as the magnificent outcome and response given to characters with mermaid-flowing, spouting locks. No matter the color, length, or cut, movie-goers love seeing and feeling a thick head of hair, and its because of this film-makers continue to commemorate this sentiment of wig worship.

2. Beauty equals Pleasure:

The sensitivity of whatever one deems to be beautiful is a direct manifestation of satisfaction or pleasure. Beauty can inhabit human, creature, art, building or something more spiritual. It is evident from the first time we began telling stories that we presented a continual pattern that supported merit and triumph if one was ‘a thing of beauty’. Whether that meant beautiful in face, or beauty in virtues, success, attainment and realization came to those who possessed that quality of beauty. 

Through the ages in motion pictures we have steadily seen the blueprint of bliss told time and time again in different tales. ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Beauty Shop’, 200 Pounds Beauty’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, and ‘American Beauty’ are all examples of screenwriters molding hope into the mind of all those gathered. If our main character doesn’t possess beauty, it’s okay if they work hard towards their goal, they will find that beauty in the end. As a result film-makers fabricate beauty in all senses of the word, from actors, wardrobe, and right down to the tiniest details.

3. Different Strokes for Different Folks:

Early story-tellers understood that every story wouldn’t appeal to every listener and so to become an expert and endeared minstrel they had to give specific changes at specific times to create definitive gratification. In the world of film, recognizable film styles and techniques were born and it created not only admirers but devotees to distinct strains of cinematic. 

We are complicated beings and in order  to reach the masses and share positively a message, emotion or vision, using different styles to appeal to different people is only a predictable solution. ‘French New-wave’, ‘German Expressionism’, Soviet Montage, ‘Italian Neorealism’, ‘Film Noir’, ‘Science-Fiction’, ‘Action’ and ‘Drama’ are all groups of styles that question, and communicate to the immensity of the earth. Sound, dialogue, attitudes, cinematography or the mise-en-scène, are elements used to move a film from just popular to cult-classic.

4. La Classe:

Fashion proves to be one of the most fundamental ingredients in making a movie stand above the others. It isn’t by any means mandatory, but if it is an integral piece, it demonstrates and warrants added rapture. Fashion doesn’t have to be complex; it can in some cases be as simplistic as a reflex of sensibility. Just as ‘beauty’, ‘style’ and ‘genre’ titillate our consciousness, so too can fashion. 

Be it heels, feathers, pastels, or Feng-shui; fashion helps promote an unfathomable understanding of behaviors and moving image. The history of the fashion of film is a well-talked about topic and some have even went as far as creating festivals for the celebration and homage of all the fads of film; a cultism in it’s own right!

5. Trendsetting:

The influence of style and fashion on film is unmistakable but we must not forget that film has mirror magnetism. From ‘Halloween Costumes’ to flat out ‘Wedding Gowns’; film has inspired fashion-designers and trends since the very beginning. If an outward appearance can make a person feel or behave in a different way; this is the same appeal that captivates a designers sketches or a person’s wardrobe after watching a film. From ‘Saturday Night Fever’, to ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ or ‘Sex-in-the-City’, it all goes to show that with the right story, emotion or sensitivity, a film can be much more than moving images on a screen. 

Deidra and Laney Rob a Train

This 2017 Netflix Original Comedy/Crime/Drama was not at all what I expected. Besides, the surprisingly diverse cast, there were a number of well-known names attached to this project. Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live), Missi Pyle (Big Fish, The Artist, Gone Girl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Danielle Nicolet (Central Intelligence) to name a few. Written by Shelby Farrell and directed by Sydney Freeland, both women who have not worked on a copious amount of projects, it was a collaboration that flowered empowerment and aspiration despite the malfunctioning of family-life.

Starring new and promising actors, Ashleigh Murray and Rachel Crow who played our main characters Deidra and Laney respectively, the story was one that kept viewers wondering if and when they would get caught. Great acting, superb music and clean enough story, it’s a worthy film the whole family could enjoy!

Besides terrible casting, as not one family member in my opinion looked a minuscule resemblance of the other, I found the film to be excellent for teens and the younger crowd, as they could relate with the teens rebellious spirits but also master boosting their confidence and ambitions when they need to. I also feel that this story paid homage to the late, great Harriet Tubman, in an unspoken and special way.

Due Date

Zach Galifianakis does a wonderful job at playing ‘the friend who nobody wants to be friends with’! He played expertly that sort of friend in ‘The Hangover’ movie series and he does the same in 2010’s ‘Due Date’ starring alongside Robert Downey Jr. 

Directed by Todd Phillips whom also directed Zach him in the ‘Hangover’ movies it was easy to see him continue in his essential aggravating nature. Nominated for 6 awards that year and joined by an all-star cast including: Danny McBride, Juliette Lewis, Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan  to name a few, it was easy to see that this film would be a block-buster as did his other projects before. With a budget of $65 million USD they were able to easily gross $100 million USD a few months later.

This dramatic comedy had all elements of unbelievable antics that effortlessly translate into a wave of hilarity. If you’re expecting something different from the ‘Hangover’ series, you’d want to snatch another picture; but if you’re in the mood for something closely equivalent then pop this film in for a ‘free from doubt’ whoop of fun!

Sin Filtro

I’m happy to say these days I’ve been getting greater access to seeing many more European films. While for me, they furnish my mind with a mass of refreshing content, I do still enjoy to sit back and just be “entertained” with fluff pieces as well. One such enjoyable piece would be the film ‘No Filter’ or ‘Sin Filtro’ as it was labelled in it’s home town of Chile. Written by Chilean Diego Ayala and directed by Chilean Nicolas Lopez, it was a film that was true to today’s questionable addiction to social media and any and everything technological. 

Fast-paced and playful, our audience followed our main character ‘Pia’ played by Chilean Paz Bascunan as she clumsily meandered through the weight and trials of life and aging. Her strife, which would be quite relatable for many, easily delivered the punch of comedy our filmmakers would have intended. It wasn’t difficult to wrangle our minds around the daily clashes and hassles our leading lady had to endure.

With a run-time of 100 minutes and produced by Sobras International Pictures, this movie was a light-hearted perspective on how we all can exist and persist during these changing and high-tech times!

Imperial Dreams

Before English John Boyega reached super stardom in 2015 with the American franchise ’Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ as one of the main characters; he was the leading man in an independent film called ‘Imperial Dreams’in 2014. Garnering 2 nominations and another 10 wins that year, this Drama really shed light on the struggles of young African-American men who live in the ghetto. Boyega’s journey stirs the audience, feeds them inspiration and builds immense vitality when we see how courageous he really is! 

Written and directed by Malik Vitthal, and starring also the multi-talented KeKe Palmer, this film has a lot of punch and isn’t the usual conclusion. The ending was a bit abrupt for me, and it was a bit reminiscent of 'The Pursuit of Happiness' starring  Will Smith and his son Jayden Smith, but all in all, it was good to see more of a positive story coming from public squalor.

Another one down in the 'Netflix Originals' books!

Stranger Things

Saying that the 2016’s Drama/Fantasy/Horror Netflix Series ‘Stranger Things’ was inspired by 1984’s ‘The Terminator’ alone would be an understatement. As thrilling, enticing and seemingly “original” these episodes claim to be to numerous viewers worldwide it sadly is a ‘cop-out’ of many many Horror films from the 80’s and 90’s; think ‘Poltergeist’, ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, ‘ET’, ‘Alien’ or any of Stephen King’s bestselling novels or movies. My question would be  to ask what is Stephen King’s point-of-view on the whole series! 

Setting those thoughts aside, being that this new generation hasn’t been exposed to our classics from the past, and thanks to the excellent 2011 film ‘Drive’ starring Canadian Ryan Gosling, that revived and started ‘Retro New Wave 80’s music’ I can then say that ‘Stranger Things’ delivered as did it’s predecessors also have! 

Garnering 36 nominations, including 2 Golden Globe nominees and another 4 wins it’s easy to see that the audience loved and would love our classic recipe for adventure, mystery and wild titilation! Created or I would rather say ‘re-created’ by American twin-brothers Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, they were able to succeed in attracting gargantuan talent Winona Ryder (Edward Scissorhands) and David Harbour, Natalia Dyer and some of Hollywood’s top young actors including Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp as well as  stand-out actor British Charlie Heaton to bring the story to life!

The world is suffering from a sense of nostalgia and all things 80’s or anything resembling the wholesome world that made more sense is comforting to escape to. Mixing those emotions with misgiving terror and enough perplexity and cliffhangers, it brews in flying colours a massive success!