Movie Fun

Self,

One of the things I love about the summertime ...aside from the always wonderful weather that we have here in Southern California....is that this is prime movie season.

I've already seen these;

Ok I think everyone agrees "The Avengers" was pretty awesome.  MIB was good too.  Battleship was good considering that it was based on a boardgame  and there were no specific character that they writers had to hold true to for fans, like with the comicbood based films.  The surpise kicker is "What to Expect When You're Expecting."  This movie was so funny.  It has that subtle real humor like "Bridemaids."

I want to see these;



Hopefully, they will be as good as I'm hoping they will be.

What movies are you looking forward to seeing?

Sincerely,
Pharoah

Self,

Last night I went to see Queen Latifah perform at Long Beach Gay Pride.  I had fun, it was somewhat a date with someone I've been getting to know for about a month.  That's all, I don't think anyone is reading this but me....and I know the rest of the story.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

A SMASHing Disaster!

Self,
So I got hooked into watching the new NBC series "SMASH" and honestly I thought it was going pretty well and I liked it.  So I couldnt wait to see Monday's episode.  Not only was I watching just for the sake of watching a show I enjoy, but I had gotten a text from a friend that he may be in one of the scenes as an extra in one of the dance numbers.  Great...I did see my friend and I'm happy for him getting that paycheck! (I'm still waiting on the GAZILLION dollars you owe me for the years of support.) LOL.

That said....I think I'm done watching the show. It looks like it's about to take a turn for the worst. It seems like the writers of the show are going to morph the token ethnic character, Ellis, played by Jaime Cepero) from the sweet innocent-like kid into the character that the show's audience is suppose to hate the most. In Monday night's episode, Ellis stole a notebook from Julia, Debra Messing's character, lied about it to cover his tracks.  After eavesdropping, Ellis is now potentially in a position to blackmail Julia. 

And on top of all that they also now may intend to possibly paint Ellis as being "on the Down Low." Ellis was introduced as possibly being homosexual who may have a crush on Tom who he works for as a personal assistant.  In Monday's episode, Ellis in a bedroom scene scantily clad with the first African-american female character who is also scantily clad, kissing. 

REALLY???

Ok.  I guess this show is meant to be structured like a soap opera, so there is bound to be some shady dirty shenanigans.  Stunts like Milty's character, Ivy Lynn, sleeping with the the play's director, Derek, JUST before she is cast in the role of Marilyn Monroe in the play. However they are leaving her a way out to still be the "good girl" (and liked/loved by the TV viewing audiance) by making it seem that she might actually have feelings for the director and not just a cold calculating woman who will do whatever it takes to get the role she wants. This character stands in opposition to Katharine McPhee's character who REFUSED to sleep with the director out of moral and proffesional ethics.  Ok So they are both appear to be of European descent thus giving the television viewing audiance the balance of the Slut versus the Saint.   However that same balance isn't offered to the viewing audiance in regards to the ethnic character...because basically there is only one which they may have just corrupted!  I don't know if the girl the Ellis was in bed with will be a recurring character but they introduced her as corrupt as well because it was kind of based on her suggestion that Ellis decided to steal the notebook.

 

No one else may have a problem with this but to the writers/producers/casting crew of SMASH I'd like to say, if you are going to criminalize an your token ethnic in a show, you should first make sure you also establish other ethnic characters as upright standing citizens.  The show may get one more episode out of me to see if they redeem themselves...if not I won't watch anymore.


Sincerely,

Pharoah

PS isn't Cepero picture here kinda sexy?

Heartbreaking.

Self,

I recently saw the movie, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close."

I really have no words for this movie.... but, the boy needs an Oscar!

There were scenes where I was completely weeping for this kid.  I mean there were moment when I sat there holding my breath as tears rolled down my face.  I had to fight to keep from sobbing, moaning, and wailing.

Sincerely,
Pharoah

My Tuesday Night

Self,

So last night I saw the movie Priest. I wasn't estatic about seeing it...I could have waited til DVD. However I was ready for an evening out...and that'x where I ended up.

I ended up seeing the movie Priest because a friend and I had planned to see live performance from
Vivian Green

And Eric Roberson

I mean we went to dinner and arrived at the convert venue to find it pitch black and empty. On the box office window was a sign that said the show was cancelled. So we went to the nearest movie theatre and bought tickets for show that was playing next that neither of us had already seen....hence Priest.



Sincerely,
Pharoah

The Blind Side

Self,

Recently, I finally had the chance to see this film. I really like Sandra Bullock. I think she and Quinton Aaron did great jobs in this film.

I'm not rally doing a "critique" of the film here, but the premise of the movie, got me to thinking. I think it's common knowledge as to what the story is about, but in short, a rich matriarch of a white family in Memphis, has her motherly instincts kick-in causing her to open her home and family to a homeless black teenager, who through his new family support lands a football scholarship.

I was moved...inspired...touched...you know what I'm trying to say. Even though I had seen the clip several times on the few occasions that I watch TV, my heart nearly burst when Bullock and Aaron are standing in the rain.

I was in awe of this woman's generosity. I know the filmed is based on a true story, so there is some hope that such kindness isn't only an figment of our imagination played out through Hollywood on the "silver screen." It's amazing what impact it had on the guy.

It makes me question how much impact I have on the lives of those around me. No, I'm not rich enough yet to afford to take in someone. And I don't think that's the only way to have an impact on a person's life. But I wonder if I will leave a mark at all.

I know it's optimistic of me, but I know that if we all gave a fraction of what that woman (and her family) did, the things would be so much better. I think about some of my friendships, new and old, and just wonder if I have helped them to be better off than before we met. Of course the one friendship of mine that is most similar to that of this movie is the one with "BabyBro," who was just recently here as part of the "brother retreat" I think I already see him growing/blossoming as an individual, and I can only imagine him doing even more. But I'm not taking credit, I just hope I'm doing good.

I challenge other to do the same.

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

Avatar

Self,

The first new movie I saw of the new year Is AVATAR. The story is almost predictable, however I think it's saving grace is that there were some scenes that are ...... just stunningly breath-taking beautiful.

I won't go into details, in order not to ruin it for those who haven't seen it yet. I have to say though if you have an opportunity to see in in 3D, do!

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

The Box

Self,

One night last week I was press into going to see "The Box," staring Cameron Diaz. I mean I wanted to go see a movie I couldn't decide which and two people, Schehimazade and Mateo, (yes Mateo and I are talking again.) both urged me to see this movie. Schehimazade wanted me to see it because he had seen it and wanted someone with whom he could discuss it. Mateo suggested it because he wanted to see it and supposedly he was going to see it the next day after he got off work...(somehow I don't think he saw it.)

SO from the previews we all know the basic premise. The man played by I believe Frank Langella, goes to Diaz and offer her $1 million if she pushes the button on the box with the condition that if she does someone she doesn't know will die.

So right here I have to say that I believe the movie would be over if it was me. I say that because to me the conditions set equates to murdering someone I don't know. For me murder is the vilest act of the dark side of the humanity and I wouldn't want to be a participant in that act.

Well that said, The movie does continue and there's some plot twist that of course changes things, making it much more of a peril for Diaz.....I mean we all had to figure that would happen otherwise it wouldn't be much of a movie if she got the money and lived happily ever after.

I don't want to give the story away in case anyone wants to see it.

So would you take the money and condemns someone's life by pushing the button or say no?

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

A Real Disgrace

Self,

Tuesday evening, my Str8-husband and I went to see a film called, "Disgrace," starring John Malkovich. I don't think that this movie has a wide release so you may not be able to see it, but if you can I suggest you do....if for no other reason than it's a conversation piece.

That said, since viewing engagements are limited let me try to give a synopsis of the story.....in order for us to have some standard ground work for this discussion. Malkovich plays David Lurie, a university professor in post-apartheid South Africa living in Cape Town. Lurie takes advantage/rape a student in one of his classes. (The act is suspect because to me it looked like she was just bored -like he was a dull screw -which makes sense for a 19/20 year old and a 50+ year old, but my str8-husband says she was passed out. Part of the confusion also stems from the fact that she later reluctantly consents to bed him again.)

When Lurie is reprimanded for the "affair" by the university, he goes to visit his lesbian daughter, Lucy who lives on a farm out in the bush/country.

During Lurie's visit to Lucy's farm, they are victims of a robbery. During the robbery Lurie is knocked unconscious and locked in a bathroom, while Lucy is raped by the assailants, three black teenagers. Petrus, Lucy’s black tenant, coincidently was away during the robbery. Lucy and Lurie were not aware of Petrus’ absence until after the fact. Of course, Lourie and Lucy report the crime to the police.

Just as the dust settles (in a manner of speaking) it is discovered that one of Lucy’s attackers is related to Petrus by his “recent” marriage. Which makes the whole think look extremely suspicious. Particularly since Petrus takes the approached that basically since the physical act is over, then the whole situation is over and that things are going to be all right now. Lurie returns to Cape Town for a while during which he seek forgiveness from the family of his student. Lurie eventually returns to Lucy's farm and learns that she is pregnant from the rape and doesn't want an abortion. He also learns that the boy that is related to Petrus is now living on the property with Petrus and his wife. We are led to think that Petrus’ sense of decency lead him to suggest that he’ll marry Lucy (for her and the coming baby’s protection.) Lucy accepts trading Petrus’ protection for her land. And that’s basically how the movie ends.

I had to give the plot of the story to get to the meat of the matter. The problem I have with the film is the message it seems to be trying to convey.

The first and obvious message is Karma. Lurie allegedly raped the young lady from his class, and the crime/sin/disgrace boomerang back on him in the form of Lucy being raped. It also further the theory that the rebound of karma is always worse in the since that Lurie "gently" committed that act against the student but it was done against Lucy violently and threefold. I don't really have a problem with this message, I think at the root of it the main message is that there are ALWAYS significant consequences for your actions, particularly for your negative actions! (And really who can argue against that, right?)

The message that I do have a problem with is that this film tried to portray the representation of the shift of power from whites to blacks in South Africa. The story hints at the idea that Petrus was behind the whole thing with the intent of getting Lucy's land. And that he may have even expected to get away with it.

The two messages combine suggests that whites in South Africa should expect the cruelty and atrocities that were committed during apartheid to come back to them at the hands of their black neighbors.

I have a fundamental problem with that line of thinking. Yes I agree that karma will deal with the atrocities of apartheid/racism, if it hasn’t done so in someway already. However to appoint oneself to be karma’s agent/champion and plot to commit acts in retaliation is ....asinine, but at a minimum it's dangerous. I'm sure I am not the only one to have received the pearl of wisdom that; "two wrongs do not make a right." One that plots to gain vengeance may think him/herself to be right for doing so, but really all the person is doing is staining their heart and soul with a negative act that karma then has to address at a later time. The path to peace and harmony can not be paved with vengeance....the destination will never be reached. And walking the path of vengeance makes a person no better (if not worse) than the ones that initiated the atrocities.

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

The Two Three-Prong Claws

Self,

I know I'm late. I'm sure e'rybody and their grandmama's have probably seen this movie by now but I only saw it for the first time last week with my Str8 Husband.

I enjoyed it. I love the genre of films and the franchise it has become. The scene of Hugh's naked juicy booty was the icing on the cake! LOL!

I do have a few...concerns, though.

Like some prequels seem to do when they try to tie-in so many things, it caused some questions of continuity. The main one is Cyclops. I think it's cool that they brought him in through Wolverine actions, but shouldn't Cyclops have recognized Wolverine in the first X-Men movie when he walked into Xavier's house/school? Even if Wolverine didn't have a memory of Cyclops?

(Although now that I think about it, I guess they will use Stryker's experiment on Cyclops eyes to mean he was left blind and didn't actually see him...but really wouldn't the other kids that Wolverine freed have shared Wolverine's description with him and he would have been smart enough to put 2 and 2 together when Wolverine came to the school?)

The other is Sabertooth/Victor, Logan's brother. I like that connection. I don't think I knew that there were brothers, although I knew that they had a past together. (No, I didn't think they were lovers...lol but that could be a interesting twist!) My question is why do they recognize each other in the first movie (atleast I think they did and will have to watch it again to be sure)although supposedly Logan had lost his memory? Why hasn't Victor try to reconnect with his brother even if just to be on the same team again....Logan doesn't remember that Victor was part of the plot to get him to volunteer for Stryker's experiement...so they could start fresh as brothers.

LOL. OK, my only other concern is who is next? Storm or Jean Grey. I think (and vote for) Storm. Mostly because "X-Men 2" and "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" were heavy Jean Grey storylines, that to do a prequel of her would cause an imbalance, although it could be interesting to see. The same goes in the case of Xavier. We don't know his whole story (atleast I don't think I do) but we got a good idea from piecing info together from the other movies...but it would be another "Origin" film I'd be interested in seeing.

Lastly I was hoping that rather than a prequel that they would have continued forward and did a movie that included how Rogue eventually gets her SUPER strength and the ability to fly...(or are they going to keep her a sniveling child?

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

(How can Pharaoh become an X-Men? Would you want to be a X-Men, what would be your "x-factor?")

A Soloist Obsessed

Self,

It has been a while since I took a trip to the movies. Recently, I've seen two. The two movies were "The Soloist" and "Obsessed."


(I love the composition of this poster...well the photo portion.)

I really enjoyed this film. I went to see it with my Str8-husband and his girlfriend. In short, the film is about Foxx's character being a cello genius but develop schizophrenia early in his career and ends up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles, when we the viewers and Downey's character meets him. Downey's character is a journalist for the Los Angeles Times and writes a series of columns about Foxx's character, which over time leads them to develop a friendship. The beauty of this movie for me is not the great performances by both Foxx and Downey, but rather its statements about friendship.

The other film that I recently seen was "Obsessed." I'm sure all the Beyonce fans have already flocked to the theatres to show their support. I have to say that the movie was pretty decent. Larter's ("Heroes") character was crazy, which is always a good tool for plot twists and wild shenanigans. Elba's character I think made some major unrealistic mistakes as a man who did not want to jeapordize both his family and his career. However I suppose the writers did that for the sake of the story.

I want to discuss my favorite scene from the film, so anyone who hasn't but intends to see this movie I suggest that you skip the next paragraph. I'm not giving the movie away, but I think it's the best scene and may deflate the overall effect of the film if you know this scene before hand.

For me the best scene of this movie is when the drama hits the fan and Beyonce finds out about her husband's (Elba) situation in respect to Larter's character and they are arguing. She tells him she wants him out of the house. He passionately pleading with her not to overreact and asks where is he suppose to go. In response, she shouts he can go to hell. Then in a space of a heartbeat she collects herself and calmly says, "Until then, I suggest The Four Seasons," then starts to walk out the room. I hate to sound so queenish but the line and her delivery was kinda fierce. I screemed, and even snapped for the kids....(Dammit I know the tiara gleemed/beamed just a bit. lol!)

Well that's it. I'm not writing journalistic type reviews, just mentioning that I have some sort of life...lol.

Sincerely,
Pharaoh

NYC Movies

Self,

Well As I've said I was in New York for almost a week. Aside from bringing the new year there, I found several activities to entertain myself while I was there. One of which was going to see a couple movies.


Well Before I left Cali Schehimazade and I agreed that we would wait to see Seven Pounds together when I got to New York as oppose to seeing it individually and just talking about it like we do with most movies.


Our resolve to see it was increased New Year's eve when both Caliyorker and Sexyback* both reccommended it as we were eating the shrimp Schehimazade fried for all of us as our first bite to eat of the New Year at 4am. In short I loved it. It is well crafted in a way that kind of keeps you in suspence as to what's going to happen next. Will gave an excelent performance as did Rosario Dawson, who by the way is is beautiful. I mean in the scenes where she wasn't wearing any make-up or she was made-up to look ill, her natural beauty just shines through! The proplem with the movie is that the way the story unveils itself, makes it hard to tell someone about it without giving the story away. SO that's all I'm going to say.


Now even though I talked about Seven Pounds first, the first movie I saw while I was there was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. We went late New Year's day. Caliyorker had stayed at the house even after everyone else had left and ended up spending the whole day with us. Caliyorker, Schehimazade, Hueyleen and myself went to like a 11pm showing in Brooklyn. This was another great movie. Another example of well crafted storytelling. Even though the unique circumstances of Brad Pitt's character is impossible, you easily accepted because you are ethralled and engaged with all the other aspects of the film. Both of these films will be added to my personal collection when they become available.

LOL You know, sinice I'm on the topic of movies I've seen while I was in New York, there's two more I'm going to add here really quick. These were DVDs that I had never seen and Hueyleen and Schehimazade were quick to point out that I slept on them. The movies were "The Skeleton Key" and "The Others" staring Nicole Kidman. Both of these films were advertised as horror movies or atleast scary. I'm not the horror movie type so I had no interest in seeing them when they were premired. How-be-ever* after sitting and watching them, they were very good. Not to sound repetitive but again both of these films were excellent storytelling. LOL I can't go into what they are about because it will give the story away...but if you get a chance watch them.



Sincerely,
Pharaoh

*These names were originally used in "NYE ini NYC Update" on 1/13/09.
*Schehimazade told a story about some guy he had over who was trying to act snootty, but then actually opened his mouth to say that as a part of his aires...too funny.

Bond, James Bond....

Self,

My Str8-Husband* and I went to see Quantum of Solace, tonight. Daniel Craig has a sex appeal that unexplainable. Yes he has Body by Fisher...but neck up....he doesn't quite do it for me, hmm maybe it's the eyes! But I enjoyed seeing him on the silver screen. His female counterpart in the film...to me was even sexier. (Yes I know you're thinking but "ain't you gay" it's true but sexy is sexy!) I LOVE me a bad-ass, butt-kicking hardcore FI-erce bitch. (Oops did I just queen out...you didn't see that. lol) What's I find interesting about her sex appeal, was that for me it wasn't rooted in that warrior vixen image, yeah she was tough, but really she was JUST SEXY!

As for the actual story...its was cool. It had the action you expect, along with the secret-double cross-underhanded conspiracy worthy of a "Bond" film. But I was still slightly disatisfied with the ending. Go figure!


Sincerely,
Pharaoh

* to understand the term "str8-husband" read "Even My Errors are Correct from 10/30/08.

Too Funny

Self,

Well I don't go to the movies all the time, but when I do I try to make sure it is going ot be something I'm going to enjoy.

I have to say Soul Men held up it's end of that bargin. I laughed through most of the movie.

Go see it for a good laugh.

Sincerely,

Pharaoh

You go GIRLS!

Self,

Well it may seem a little cliche, to write a movie "review", but yup I'm doing it. It's not because there's isn't anything else better to post, but because the movie was soooo good.

Last night I saw "The Secret Life of Bees."

In short the story is:

Set in the 60's during the civil rights movement, a young white girl (Dakota Fanning) runs away from her father in search of information about her deceased mother and is accompanied by her African-american friend/caregiver, (Jennifer Hudson.) Their journeys leads them to a small town where they meet a beekeeper (Queen Latifah) and her two sisters, (Alicia Keys & Sophie Okonedo.)

You have to see the movie to see how it all plays out, but I enjoyed it soo much. The irony is that the story was of course suggested to me a while back when it was in book form.

These five women (ok four women and a girl) gave excelent performances.

Go see this movie, that's all I gotta say.

Sincerely,

Pharaoh