but I really enjoyed Salma Hayek's performance the most in this film. I was not sure that I would even like this film, but I did. I watched it on DVD, so I was able to see the bonus features on the second DVD disc. It was easy for me to see the effort Ms. Hayek put into bringing this project to life from just watching her performance. I hope this project is the first of many where Ms. Hayek's passion and conviction is displayed for all to see.
Reviews
14 Reviews
Mo' Better Blues
(1990)
Interesting interpretation of life and love...
11 July 2003
I really enjoyed this film. Everyone has a Bleek in his life: someone whose love of his life is all he knows, wants to know, etc. However, we always lose the love of our life for various reasons. Then, what do you do when the love of your life is suddenly taken from you? That is this film's theme. Bleek's only love was jazz music. Bleek's music was the only thing that mattered to him. Music overrode everything: an incompetent manager (who was his best friend), his lovers, and the contentment of his bandmates (the money issue which is related to having an incompetent manager). When Bleek lost the love of his life (watch the film to learn why), he was forced to make some hard choices about his life and face some unpleasant truths (something we've all had to do).
I enjoyed the score and the jazz pieces included in this film (after all, Bleek played the trumpet). I really liked the cinematography in this film because the film showed the beauty of New York City - the brownstones, the Manhattan skyline (a brief glimpse), the Brooklyn Bridge, etc.
I enjoyed the score and the jazz pieces included in this film (after all, Bleek played the trumpet). I really liked the cinematography in this film because the film showed the beauty of New York City - the brownstones, the Manhattan skyline (a brief glimpse), the Brooklyn Bridge, etc.
Roger Dodger
(2002)
I liked this film...
23 June 2003
I enjoyed watching this film (I watched it last night). I was able to observe men in their so-called "skirt chase."
Despite the catchy phrases and corny pick-up lines, it was sad to see the true essence of Roger.
For those who didn't like it, this film just wasn't your cup of tea. This film was shown the way people see things: sometimes, clear as a bell, sometimes blurry (like life!) After watching this film, I will be searching for this director's work in the DVD rental stores :)
Rating: 8 out of 10 (only because I didn't agree with some parts of the film, but you need to watch it for yourself. I won't tell you anything more than what I have written in the first paragraph).
Despite the catchy phrases and corny pick-up lines, it was sad to see the true essence of Roger.
For those who didn't like it, this film just wasn't your cup of tea. This film was shown the way people see things: sometimes, clear as a bell, sometimes blurry (like life!) After watching this film, I will be searching for this director's work in the DVD rental stores :)
Rating: 8 out of 10 (only because I didn't agree with some parts of the film, but you need to watch it for yourself. I won't tell you anything more than what I have written in the first paragraph).
4 Little Girls
(1997)
A different perspective on the Civil Rights Movement
23 June 2003
I watched this documentary yesterday afternoon. I remember learning about the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing (its importance in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s) but I never saw how the effects on the people whose lives were permanently altered and not just from reaping the benefits like we do today. This documentary opened showed this viewpoint.
It brought tears to my eyes to listen and see the relatives of those four girls who were killed. Unless you have a blind eye, a deaf ear, and a hard-a** heart, it is impossible to not be moved when you see these girls' sisters and mothers describe that Sunday morning when Addie, Denise, Maxine, and Carole were killed. I could see the hurt in the mothers' eyes and hear pain in their voices when talking about their babies.
I highly recommend watching this documentary. Spike Lee did an outstanding job.
It brought tears to my eyes to listen and see the relatives of those four girls who were killed. Unless you have a blind eye, a deaf ear, and a hard-a** heart, it is impossible to not be moved when you see these girls' sisters and mothers describe that Sunday morning when Addie, Denise, Maxine, and Carole were killed. I could see the hurt in the mothers' eyes and hear pain in their voices when talking about their babies.
I highly recommend watching this documentary. Spike Lee did an outstanding job.
The Feast of All Saints
(2001 TV Movie)
Excellent cast...
15 June 2003
I am normally skeptical about watching films or mini-series based on novels because the screenplay is always different from the novel. Fortunately, I was wrong! The screenplay was very close to the novel (I guess it helps that the author was an executive producer and writer, huh?)
The cast is outstanding. I can't describe how much I enjoyed seeing such a wide range of actors (from Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee to Robert Ri'chard and Bianca Lawson).
The location setting... I was expecting to see the homes and cottages I imagined in my mind: what I saw on screen was slightly different. However, it wasn't enough to make me dislike the mini-series.
I recommend this for anyone who has read the novel: you will not be disappointed if you have. 8 out of 10 stars!
The cast is outstanding. I can't describe how much I enjoyed seeing such a wide range of actors (from Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee to Robert Ri'chard and Bianca Lawson).
The location setting... I was expecting to see the homes and cottages I imagined in my mind: what I saw on screen was slightly different. However, it wasn't enough to make me dislike the mini-series.
I recommend this for anyone who has read the novel: you will not be disappointed if you have. 8 out of 10 stars!
Like a slave narrative had come to life...
14 June 2003
I really enjoyed watching this documentary. More than anything, the readers were phenomenal. The readers brought those ex-slaves' voices to life. I must make it a point to see the readers' future projects :)
This documentary allowed me to truly feel the horrors of slavery: people being stripped of their identity, heritage, dignity, and self-respect. Watching this documentary didn't make me angry or hateful, although the descriptions of the violence were hard to swallow (hey, it happened. No need to deny that the US slavery was violent and emotionally damaging to the slaves and some of their descendants).
This documentary is not for the faint-hearted. Read a slave narrative if you want to know about slavery from the perspective of someone who was a slave. Reading about graphic violence may be better for some than hearing it in a documentary.
This documentary allowed me to truly feel the horrors of slavery: people being stripped of their identity, heritage, dignity, and self-respect. Watching this documentary didn't make me angry or hateful, although the descriptions of the violence were hard to swallow (hey, it happened. No need to deny that the US slavery was violent and emotionally damaging to the slaves and some of their descendants).
This documentary is not for the faint-hearted. Read a slave narrative if you want to know about slavery from the perspective of someone who was a slave. Reading about graphic violence may be better for some than hearing it in a documentary.
Brown Sugar
(2002)
Decent love story...
31 March 2003
I knew I'd enjoy this film was hooked when I saw the cameos of several old-school rappers/MCs (if you are a child/teen of the 80s, watch this film to see!)
Okay, the story was predictable, but honestly, how many ways can romantic comedies be done? Romantic comedies follow the same formula (well, the ones the movie studios currently release). Moving on...
The cast was good. Taye Diggs - good job. Has he done any projects where his work was horrible?
Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker - nice to see them in something other than _Soul_Food_ from Showtime.
Queen Latifah, Mos Def - two (of the few) hip-hop artists that have crossed into the mainstream portion of the entertainment industry who didn't "change" to the point where they are unrecognizable to those who remember their work from the late 80s/early 90s.
Sanaa Lathan - great job. Ms. Lathan has a screen presence that seems stronger in every film she does. I'd really love to see Ms. Lathan in work other than the romantic comedies like _Disappearing_Acts_, _The_Best_Man, _The_Wood_, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with these films, but I'd like to see her as the leading lady in other kinds of work.
I like the way this film portrayed New York City - the beauty of the city is seen when you see the characters walking, hanging out, etc.
An entertaining film. I recommend it for hip-hop lovers and those who like seeing black love on screen. Expect to be entertained (which is why romantic comedy films are made in the first place, right?)
Okay, the story was predictable, but honestly, how many ways can romantic comedies be done? Romantic comedies follow the same formula (well, the ones the movie studios currently release). Moving on...
The cast was good. Taye Diggs - good job. Has he done any projects where his work was horrible?
Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker - nice to see them in something other than _Soul_Food_ from Showtime.
Queen Latifah, Mos Def - two (of the few) hip-hop artists that have crossed into the mainstream portion of the entertainment industry who didn't "change" to the point where they are unrecognizable to those who remember their work from the late 80s/early 90s.
Sanaa Lathan - great job. Ms. Lathan has a screen presence that seems stronger in every film she does. I'd really love to see Ms. Lathan in work other than the romantic comedies like _Disappearing_Acts_, _The_Best_Man, _The_Wood_, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with these films, but I'd like to see her as the leading lady in other kinds of work.
I like the way this film portrayed New York City - the beauty of the city is seen when you see the characters walking, hanging out, etc.
An entertaining film. I recommend it for hip-hop lovers and those who like seeing black love on screen. Expect to be entertained (which is why romantic comedy films are made in the first place, right?)
Sidewalks of New York
(2001)
Loved it!
24 July 2002
I saw this film last night (a rainy Tuesday evening - perfect for watching a film like this!) I loved it.
The cast is outstanding. As someone who loves visiting New York City, I enjoyed seeing Manhattan - the neighborhoods, Central Park, etc.
If you like films that focus on the characters and not a whole lot of action, this is an excellent film to see!
The cast is outstanding. As someone who loves visiting New York City, I enjoyed seeing Manhattan - the neighborhoods, Central Park, etc.
If you like films that focus on the characters and not a whole lot of action, this is an excellent film to see!
Very entertaining...
6 July 2002
I had to submit comments after viewing this film (I just saw the film a little over three hours ago!) I really liked this film. I have never read the novel, but I plan to purchase it from www.amazon.com as soon as possible!
Seriously, the cast was great. It was truly refreshing to see a film with actresses who show more talent than flesh. Ashley Judd was outstanding in her role as younger Vivi.
Ladies, please see this film, even though men may view this film as a "chick flick." You won't be disappointed with the cast!
Seriously, the cast was great. It was truly refreshing to see a film with actresses who show more talent than flesh. Ashley Judd was outstanding in her role as younger Vivi.
Ladies, please see this film, even though men may view this film as a "chick flick." You won't be disappointed with the cast!
Unfaithful
(2002)
Interesting...
12 May 2002
I saw this film yesterday afternoon. This film provides a very detailed illustration of affairs without the usual reasons for having affairs (feeling neglected, financial problems, etc). That was the best part of this film - show someone who had no reason to start an affair and show what happens after the affair is exposed.
I believe this is one of the best films I have seen in 2002. I look forward to Adrian Lyne's next film.
I believe this is one of the best films I have seen in 2002. I look forward to Adrian Lyne's next film.
Monster's Ball
(2001)
Outstanding Performances...
6 May 2002
I saw this film to see why it had so much buzz... For those of you who love independent films, you'll like (maybe even love) this film.
Halle Berry's performance as Leticia blew me away! Like most people, I think of Halle Berry as a glamorous, beautiful woman. Not anymore. When I saw this film, Halle WAS Leticia. She is definitely in the same league as Angela Bassett, folks.
The actors in this film were outstanding as well. Billy Bob Thorton, Peter Boyle (is there a reason why he wasn't nominated for best supporting actor?), the list is endless.
If the film is still being aired at your local cinemas, please go see it: if not, rent the video!!!
Halle Berry's performance as Leticia blew me away! Like most people, I think of Halle Berry as a glamorous, beautiful woman. Not anymore. When I saw this film, Halle WAS Leticia. She is definitely in the same league as Angela Bassett, folks.
The actors in this film were outstanding as well. Billy Bob Thorton, Peter Boyle (is there a reason why he wasn't nominated for best supporting actor?), the list is endless.
If the film is still being aired at your local cinemas, please go see it: if not, rent the video!!!
Eve's Bayou
(1997)
Outstanding cinematography...
11 February 2002
I saw this film in 1997 when it was released. I was hooked 15 minutes into the film. I enjoyed this film for the following reasons:
1. It had an outstanding cast. I remember watching Debbi Morgan on _All_My_Children_ in the early 80s. It was truly a treat to see her in this film. Lynn Whitfield gave one of her best performances in this film as well (my humble opinion, of course!) Jurnee Smollett and Meagan Good will have long, enduring film careers if they keep choosing roles that have depth and complexity.
2. Excellent cinematography. This film displayed all of the beauty one sees in southern Louisiana (I am a native Louisianian, so I am very biased!) Seeing the bayous and sprawling trees with the moss hanging off of the branches reminded me of summertime in Louisiana.
3. Seeing an affluent African-American family during the Civil Rights movement. A lot of people don't realize these families existed before, during, and after the Civil Rights movement in the south. I have not seen many films that show the economic class diversity of the African-American community. That is my favorite aspect of this film.
I enjoyed watching this film. I can't wait to see more of Kasi Lemmons' films in the future
1. It had an outstanding cast. I remember watching Debbi Morgan on _All_My_Children_ in the early 80s. It was truly a treat to see her in this film. Lynn Whitfield gave one of her best performances in this film as well (my humble opinion, of course!) Jurnee Smollett and Meagan Good will have long, enduring film careers if they keep choosing roles that have depth and complexity.
2. Excellent cinematography. This film displayed all of the beauty one sees in southern Louisiana (I am a native Louisianian, so I am very biased!) Seeing the bayous and sprawling trees with the moss hanging off of the branches reminded me of summertime in Louisiana.
3. Seeing an affluent African-American family during the Civil Rights movement. A lot of people don't realize these families existed before, during, and after the Civil Rights movement in the south. I have not seen many films that show the economic class diversity of the African-American community. That is my favorite aspect of this film.
I enjoyed watching this film. I can't wait to see more of Kasi Lemmons' films in the future
Our Song
(2000)
One of the most interesting films I've seen in a while...
20 January 2002
I saw this film earlier today, and I was amazed at how accurate the dialog is for the main characters. It didn't feel like a film - it felt more like a documentary (the part I liked best). The leading ladies in this film seemed as real to me as any fifteen year-old girls I know.
All in all, a very enjoyable film for those who enjoy independent films.
All in all, a very enjoyable film for those who enjoy independent films.
Marriage Prep
(2000)
Very entertaining...
5 January 2002
I grabbed this film on video from Blockbuster, thinking it wouldn't be all that. Boy, was I wrong! This film is excellent!
It is very nice to see an adult film that presents marriage without all of the nudity and profanity that most adult films contain in this day and age. I highly recommend watching this film as part of any marriage counseling that couples have with their minister.
This film gives me hope that there are people who can produce and direct a film that entertains and enlightens people in a good balance. I plan to add this film to my video collection.
It is very nice to see an adult film that presents marriage without all of the nudity and profanity that most adult films contain in this day and age. I highly recommend watching this film as part of any marriage counseling that couples have with their minister.
This film gives me hope that there are people who can produce and direct a film that entertains and enlightens people in a good balance. I plan to add this film to my video collection.
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