Change Your Image
threedropsofcaramel
Reviews
Madea's Family Reunion (2006)
Madea's Family Reunion More than Drag!
I noticed on the message boards a lot of criticism about men in drag being done before and that is true, but none of those have been done like this.
Madea's Family Reunion is about family, love, hurt, painful secrets and laughter. It features the infamous, gun-toting tell-it-like-it-is Madea, but this movie introduces a lot of well-rounded characters that are played by some incredible actors. We meet Vanessa the older of the two nieces in the movie. She has two out-of-wedlock children and has moved in with Madea. We also meet her sister Lisa, the younger and meek one who is engaged to a wealthy and violent investment banker named Carlos. To round out this group is Victoria, Lisa and Vanessa's mother, a strong-willed, domineering mother who has a favoritism for Lisa and a troubled past with Vanessa.
Although the movie is titled Madea's Family Reunion, the viewer gets caught up in this dual story of the sisters. One finding what love is, and one finding out what love isn't. The movie boasts powerful issues that are acted out to perfection. Tackling such controversial issues is rarely seen in films today where the movie industry has caught remake and horror fever. What is most compelling is the way Perry tells this story of love and pain, it is without color. Anyone, no matter what race or status can relate to this movie.
I also liked how the movie tackled foster parenting. Madea takes in Nikki, a rough quick little girl who has been passed around in the foster care system. With a little patience, a lot of love and encouragement, we see her metamorphosis into a sweet young lady.
The film also features strong matriarchs, garnering appearances from both Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou. The family reunion scene in the movie is exhilarating and honest. It also gives a very moving speech by Cicely Tyson that defies time.
This is a must-see. A movie that tackles the good and the bad. There is good acting, great story lines, great character development, great music and it will leave you feeling stronger, encouraged and educated on the lessons that life deals us. Don't assume this movie is like the play or is simply about a man in drag. Trust me, it is not. Go and see it, you will be pleasantly surprised and definitely entertained.
Brown Sugar (2002)
A Hip Hop Love Story Done Right
From the moment we first are privy to the interaction between Sidney and Dre, you automatically feel that there is something "more" lying underneath years of friendship and familial connection to the music industry.
When Sid returns to NY to become editor of XXL, immediately we begin to see a friendship that most people wish they had. Not only does she and Dre have a deep respect and admiration for one another, but they have so many experiences together. This movie offers lots of Eye Candy - a la Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Parker-Kodjoe, Mos Def and Queen Latifah. However, it is the relationship that Dre and Sid have with these other characters that makes them realize they have feelings for one another.
What I love about this film are the themes, the successful black woman and successful black man. The obstacles they face and the option of "selling out a little" to keep their careers. I love the friendships that take place. When Dre and Cav finally become friends and begin working together, you see how cool it is for two brothers to share a common bond and comradery that is just real. I also love how Sid and her cousin Francine (Latifah) interact with one another. Fran is that cousin/friend you are glad you have because she is so honest with you and will always tell you the truth.
Yet, the most compelling thing in this film is the music, the hip hop. Not only has the director used hip hop as a constant metaphor in the film to tell Dre and Sid's story, it is also constantly heard throughout the film, and I mean real hip hop. With the best cut being Mos Def's hip hop version of the title as the track that gets the label off the ground.
If you love HIP HOP, enjoy good black films and are a sucker for a romantic comedy, then this movie is definitely for you!
Fast Forward (1985)
A Dancer's Movie!
This is a movie about a bunch of kids from Sandusky, Ohio who all move to NY to pursue their dream of becoming famous dancers. They wind up finding out the hard way that living in the Big Apple is both dangerous and expensive! To make money as well as hone their dance skills, they end up dancing on the streets of NY and developing a fan base so that they can also book gigs. During this time, another group of dancers from the city, led by a street dancer named Caesar, who have somewhat made a name for themselves don't really appreciate the new kids on the block taking over their turf. They wind up having a dance-off at a popular club called the Zoo in NY, only to have their hats handed to them and sending them back to the drawing board.
In hopes of winning a huge dance competition where they could receive national attention, they realize they still have a lot of work to do. They also need new moves since it appears, all of their old moves are outdated. They hit every club in the city, studying and practicing until they are ready for the competition - and a final showdown with Caesar's boys at the infamous club, "The Zoo".
This movie is filled with incredible dance scenes, great music and it is a true coming-of-age film that follows the trials of trying to "make it" in whatever you do. They have to break a few rules, cut some corners and dodge some fights, but in the end, the hard work pays off.