Pete's Dragon

As an avid Disney fan, I was aghast that I didn't remember the 70's version of this Disney Classic starring Grammy Winner, Helen Reddy. Not to mention the fact that I pretty much remember just about every Oscar nominee across categories, but totally missed that the song was nominated.

I'm kinda glad though, because it allowed me to watch the reboot with a fresh heart, mind and eyes.  When I tell you, I got so caught up that the "ugly cry" was unavoidable...I do not exaggerate.  My own mother was like, "Are you ok"?  LOL!!!

Disney has created a new classic with Pete's Dragon for all ages.  If you have the heart, curiosity and wonderment of a child residing anywhere in your bones, this film will awake it .

Remember, Pete's Dragon came along way before E.T.,, Gremlins and all those other loveable creatures we have fallen in love with over the years. Yet, I fell for Elliott just as hard.  He kinda reminded me of my faithful Maltese Mr. Spanky..  Only difference is Elliott is green, flies and breathes fire.  I'm pretty sure Spanky and Elliott would be besties.

So, I ask you...if your buddy, your partner in crime, your loyal furry friend was in trouble wouldn't you move heaven and earth to save him?  Pete and his new-found friends go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that Elliott is safe and unharmed.  Human beings predictably always attempt to destroy or discredit those entities which we don't understand or fear. and fear is a very powerful emotion that can persuade one to act up and show out.

Even though the 1977 version was basically a film musical, this reboots focuses strictly on the story of a young child who has found a friend in a forest where he has been living an adventure for six years, until a forest ranger and her fiance' invite him to become a family member

Oakes Fegley (Pete) as the orphaned Pete is just yummy!  His instincts are spot on and you believe him every moment he is on-screen.  His acting ability is to be rivaled by any adult and is eerily  reminiscent of a young River Phoenix.  Paired up with the perfect Oona Laurence as Natalie, these two are unstoppable.

Bryce Dallas Howard for me can just do no wrong and having her own children gave her the right mindset to pull off inhabiting Grace.  The vulnerability displayed will break your heart.. She has somehow been handed down that gene that made America fall in love with her Dad, Ron Howard as Opie on The Andy Griffith Show.

Robert Redford is one of my all time favorite actors and hadn't been on-screen for a while until this year with A Walk In The Woods and now as Meacham.  To witness Redford become a child before your eyes as he speaks of the fondness in which he meets the "dragon" is really something special.  It takes an exceptional actor to recall that emotion and make the audience take that journey with you.  Well done, Sir!

You know there is always that one character that throws a wrench into the Hallmark Family moment and Karl Urban is the perfect guy to do it.  As Gavin, he is despicably delicious, comical and handsome all at the same time.  I know...right??!!  He's easily the chameleon of the crew.

Director, David Lowery performs triple duty, as he is also credited as the editor and screenwriter.  As his first foray into the world of Disney he is crushing it.  I think he needs to direct ALL DISNEY movies from now to eternity!

I loved this film!  Mostly because it reminded of a time when life was not complicated by the hard knocks of adulthood.  As a little girl, my biggest issue was what I wearing to school and what boy I had a crush on. Those memories and feelings are irreplaceable, but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

Pete's Dragon  will take you back to time where life was simple, joyous and uncomplicated.  Take the fam, the hubby and have a beautiful family night you all will not soon forget.  Pete's Dragon opened nationwide August 12th.

Take the time to download the coloring sheets and activities, Disney has graciously provided for the kids to enjoy.  Trust me...I played them and had a ball!!!

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PetesDragon Activity Booklet

Pete's Dragon Coloring Sheets

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Pete's Dragon Door Hangers

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Pete's Dragon Puzzle

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Pete's Dragon Memory Game

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Pete's Dragon Bookmarks

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Pete's Dragon Find Elliott

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Pete's Dragon Spot the Dragon

DON'T THINK TWICE

One late night while channel surfing, I came across a rerun of an old Barbara Walters special with special guest Whoopi Goldberg  being interviewed about her newfound fame after Oscar nomination for The Color Purple.

When asked if her friends were "happy" for her, I remember vividly Whoopi recalling how before the fame she and her friends made all sorts of plans for when they ALL "made it".  However, with a melancholy face and a lump in her throat, she told Barbara that when that time came and she reached out to her friends...no one called back.

Fame is a funny thing.  It makes ordinary people place you on a pedestal. Assumptions come along with the pedestal and the fame - none of which one asks for or wants. As an actor, you really just want to do great work and be compensated well.  Hardly anyone thinks about the fame factor until it is standing at your front door.

Some people remain the same and others become an enhanced version of who they are at the core - which isn't always pleasant.  They become arrogant, self-centered and get selective amnesia about those who were their cheerleaders along the way.

What do you think happens in an 11 year-old improv group watches one of their own get the break of a lifetime?  Will they be next or should they think about venturing down another lane in life?  Will their friend change due to new circumstances?  Will they bring their friends along for the ride?

Enter The Communes...an improv troupe that performing basically for free in a small underground New York City theater.  Every set starts with the question, "Ok, who out there is having a particularly hard day?"  The great thing about improv is that there is no wrong or right way to perform.  Staying in the moment and keeping the sketch going with a series of yes...and's gives it unlimited possibilities of where to go and how to get there.  I can tell you from experience,  as someone who studied at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, that it is truly harder than it looks or sounds.

Improv is what made some of our brightest comedians the greatest to hit the biz...Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Phyliss Diller and Joan Rivers being at the top of that list for me.

Don't Think Twice focuses on the drama and the comedy surrounding The Communes when one of their own gets cast on a very popular late night sketch comedy show.  It changes their relationship to each other and makes Jack (Keegan Michael-Key) take a long hard look at the person he has become.

The great thing about this film is that we get a glimpse into the lives of each member, how they got in the troupe, what makes them stay, what makes them leave and what make their bond as friends stronger than any fame or fortune.

Keegan Michael-Key (Jack) is one of the most gifted improv artists I have seen in quite some time and has that same boundless energy of Robin Williams.  As Jack, he exhibits some dramatic chops that you don't see coming, but are really glad you got to witness it.

Gillan Jacobs (Samantha) has been enjoying a lot of silver screen success since her Community days and her performance here is layered with alot of subtext and content.  She's simply an A+.

Director/Writer Mike Birbiglia (Miles) is really a writing force to reckoned with, to the point that much of this film seems like it is made up on the spot.  When, in fact, every single word is scripted.  Needless to say, that's really a difficult thing to achieve unless you are Mike Birbiglia.  His acting as the troupe member that is always talking about how he was "inches away" from getting his big break is so reminiscent of some folks I personally know that it made me chuckle with glee on the inside.  When he's really just the person who honed their skills as their improv teacher.  Watching Mike have that revelation that he is too old to be living the "dorm" life at age 38 I'm sure with strike a chord for many actors out there.

Kate Micucci (Allison), Tami Sagher (Lindsay) and Chris Gethard (Bill) round out the cast with each one of them being more brilliant than the one before.  Chris Gethard breaks your heart as the guy who just wants to make his Dad proud.

https://youtu.be/rzbJXNiEdEg

TALLULAH

Have you ever done what you knew in your heart was wrong for all the right reasons?  So has Tallulah.  A homeless girl who has not been dealt a full deck within the card game of life, Tallulah finds herself in a situation where she makes a decision that ultimately affects not only her...but many others.

Tallulah and her boyfriend Nico (Evan Jonigkeit) are wandering through life trying to figure out what their next move will be.  Will they go to abroad or stay in New York?  One never knows, but Nico decides that he is done with Tallulah and leaves.  While trolling through floors at a hotel/apartment building, she stumbles upon a woman who is clearly troubled and with a toddler. This chance meeting will turn out to change Tallulah in ways she didn't even see coming.

Having debuted at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, this Chris Columbus produced dramedy is one of the best films I have seen yet this year.  Kudos to Bernie Telsey and his casting associates for gathering such a stellar cast.

Although Ellen Page (Tallulah) and Allison Janney(Margo) are turning in some outstanding performances, this film belongs the insatiably, sadistic Tammy Blanchard (Carolyn).  Since bursting on the scene as a 2011 Tony Nominee for the second revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Blanchard, those who have watched her star ascend knew it would be only a matter of time before all of her true talent would be showcased.  Her performance in Tallulah is only to be rivaled by that of Oscar winner Cate Blanchett in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Ellen Page is a task master at portraying young woman with no real moral compass.  She's brilliant at it actually!  Her presence brings the much-needed comic element to Tallulah and she never disappoints.  Ellen Page is the only actress I can think of that makes you want to slap her and hug her all at the same time.  This is certainly the gift of skills she bring s to the role of Tallulah.

Allison Janney is better and better with each film she appears in.  As an awkward, socially inept woman on the verge of divorcing her gay husband. Janney conveys all the colors and layers necessary to pull off the character of Margo.  Her attempt to seduce the doorman is hysterical and incredibly sad all at once, as well as, her anger burst toward her future ex-husband are outstanding moments.

It was nice to see David Zayas and Uzo Aduba, as well as, John Benjamin Hickey and Zachary Quinto on-screen in one film.  Each of them spectacular in their respective roles.

Director/Writer Sian Heder has honed his skills in the world of dramedy on such hits as Orange Is The New Black and Men of a Certain Age, but it's safe to say that Tallulah will be the breakout film garnering major attention for him and Blanchard this awards season.

Tallulah debuted on Netflix July 29th and is available for streaming now.

The Secret Life of Pets

Have you often wondered what your pet does to occupy his/her time while you are away?  I have often envisioned my Maltese having a card party complete with cocktails and snacks while I'm away.  Why?  He just seems way to chill when I walk through the door and it always leaves me with the feeling that he has definitely been up to something.

Nothing makes me happier than films with talking pets and babies.  As silly as it is, it just brings a big, fat smile to my face and let's me escape the reality of this troubled world we find ourselves having to navigate through on a daily basis.

The Secret Life of Pets takes us on the journey of how Max (Louis C.K.) was adopted, which is quite sweet.  however, when Max's owner feels that he might be a little lonely and buys Duke, things go awry.  Not only is Max NOT lonely, but is on a personal mission to make sure that Duke (Eric Stonestreet) get put out  is out - pronto!

However, Max's plans are thwarted when he accidentally hooks up with some street dogs led by tough top dog Snowball (Kevin Hart).  Snowball is proud of being a street thug and despises "domestics".  Of course, Max's secret lady-love Gidget (JennySlate) is on a mission to find her man and that's when things become even more hilarious.

My favorite scenes are the dog's rocking out while the owners are gone, spending the entire film running from the dog-catcher and  finding out that Snowball is just a softie at the end of the day.

For those of you who have a child's heart, you will adore this film.  It tugs at every heart string you might have and then some.  My Mom and I had a great time, as we likened a lot of what we witnessed to why my little Spanky behaves the way he does sometime.  I swear, if he could talk he might be speaking a little foul French (if you know what I mean).

The Secret Life of Pets has already grossed 261 million dollars in the US and is in theaters now!

HOPSCOTCH: An Opera For the 21st Century

If someone gave you  the gift of choosing what moments of your life would best represent who you are today...which ones would you choose?

KCET's ARTBOUND episode, Hopscotch,  examines that very question through a series of operas performed live in 24 cars driven all around Los Angeles.  Six composers, six writers, 126 performers and a team of  behind the scenes stage managers, designers, technicians and drivers all helped in bringing this ground-breaking avant-garde piece to life.

In November 2015, tickets were sold and each buyer would experience a different chapter of the story for 10 minutes.  How?  The vocalists and musicians helped weave the story of one woman from her childhood to becoming elderly in the intimacy and confined space of a car.

This team thought of everything!  They even created a hub in Downtown LA with tv screens numbered by chapters to the ticket buyers could see what chapter they would be joining in on.

Hopscotch gave it creators, participants and ticket holders a perspective of Los Angeles never seen...through the eyes of one woman's journey in a series of chapters in a car.

Watching the piece unfold before your eyes can be a little dizzying at first, but then you are totally sucked and longing for what happens next.  Director Yuval Sharon described Hopscotch as a piece in which "time is happening all at once".

Earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival, I screened a feature film starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Maryann Plunkett and Christopher Walken  called The Family Fang.  Kidman and Bateman were the now grown-up children of a couple that became world-famous for performance art.  I couldn't help think of this film while watching this doc.  It was absolutely fascinating and the performances were stellar.  The voices on some of these vocalists was unreal and their commitment to the artistry was admirable.

It goes without saying that Yuval Sharon deserves a standing ovation for taking on such an ambitious project and pulled it off with flying colors. It was heartwarming and inspiring to hear Sharon speak of all the tragedies in the world over recent months.  Nice had not occurred yet, however, Paris, Dallas, Minnesota and so many others had happened.  I think his quote from Brecht sums it all up perfectly...

Hopscotch debts tonight as part of KCET's ARTBOUND series, which airs on Direct TV Channel 375, Dish Network 9410, and of course at 9pm on KCET in Southern California.

Check out the making of this interesting, avant-garde fascinating piece of art and the interviews I did with Kate Walsh and director Yuval Sharon.

[embed]https://youtu.be/fuhvn1Eo3-w[/embed]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LivzsddPn-Q

Are you a OG Ghostbuster Fan or a Newbie?

I don't know about you, but I'm an OG Ghostbuster fan!!!  I remember seeing the film back in  the day and was scared to death.  Baby, when those lions on the NYC library steps turned into monsters...I was done! Not to mention my beloved Stay Puff marshmallow dude taking people out on the streets of Manhattan!  However, I was a die-hard Saturday Night Live fan and this film came out at the height  of the show's popularity starring Bill Murray, the late Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, Annie Potts, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis.  It was ridiculously funny and every kid wanted to be a "ghostbuster"...including me and my little brother.

We were treated to a wonderful tour of the Sony Pictures lot, GhostCorps headquarters with Ghostbusters creator Ivan Reitman and a fantabulous lunch.  Our tour guide Maryann (hope I spelled her name correctly)  was absolutely amazing!!   Here are some highlights and inside scoop on it all!!!

Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled when Sony Pictures invited me and a very impressive group of "mommy bloggers" to screen the Ghostbusters reboot at The Grove compete with 3d glasses and movie snacks!

Day 2 was the Ghostcorps tour with the film's creator Ivan Reitman.  The original script was done with Reitman, Murray and Ramis when the film was unleashed to the masses on July 8, 1984.  Reitman shared that now having three kids and four grandchildren he realizes that Ghostbusters helped make the "scary "ghost issue" more reasonable for kids" because now "there were "busters" who could capture and retain the ghosts".  These guys became role models and with the reboot release on July 15th, the role models have now become women with the casting of Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and bringing in screenwriter Katie Leopold for an extra special touch.

Ever wonder why there has never been a sequel to the original?  I wondered that too!!!  Ivan Reitman told us that he, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray have owned the rights to the franchise all these  years!  I know right!!  Clearly, there were and are some very smart cookies.  With the recent passing of Ramis, it forced the other two to think about what would happen to the franchise should they depart this realm.  It was mutually agreed that they would transfer the rights to Sony Pictures.

Thus, the set up and launch of GhostCorps on the Sony Lot.  Ghostcorps houses ALL things ghostbusters, including massive memorabilia from the 1984 version, but all the merchandising set to be released with this summer's reboot.  Along every wall of the building are posters from all of Ivan Reitman's films.  In the conference room, there is a gas case featuring patches from some of the 500 charity-based Ghostbuster groups around the world  Can you believe most them build their on Ecto Mobiles and have even requested the dimensions for the proton packs the "buster" wear to make their experience completely authentic.

After taking a group photo with Ivan, it was off to tour the Sony lot.  Did  you know that Sony Pictures is the home of one of the most iconic movies studios in film history?  I know...I didn't know that either!  Sony Pictures was formerly name MGM Studios where my favorite film of all time was created...The Wizard of Oz.  Below is the rainbow from the original film that had to be included on the lot when Sony took over to commemorate that it was formerly MGM Studios.

Maryann took us to the Barbra Streisand Sound Stage, where I couldn't resist busting out a little "I Will Always Love You" after being told that Whitney, Barbra and Judy sang on that very stage!  Hopefully, the good vibes will rub off!

There is folklore that the stage where the Wizard of Oz was filmed...Stage 15 is haunted by someone named Charlie.  Apparently, Charlie worked with MGM for years and just can't tear himself away!  A very important bit of contract trivia involves the Wicked Witch of the West - Margaret Hamilton being burned when she is melted and was unable to be sent to the hospital due to the fact that she was not a MGM contract player.  I know!!!

After stalking Adam Sandler's Happy Madison offices, we make our way over to the home of Wheel of Fortune on Stage 11.  Over 500 contestants are brought on to the show yearly to play "wheel"with former weatherman Pat Sajak and letter turner/model Vanna White.  That wheel, by the way, weighs 2400 pounds and has over 200 lights!  You better make sure you get our workout on before hitting that show...lol.

We surely worked up an appetite and were treated to a nice lunch outside and then sent on our way to rest up for Day 3...the press conference.  Details to follow and thank you of the opportunity to share  a lifelong dream!

Check out the video I made when you get a moment.  It's pretty funny...

https://youtu.be/p_R5nfaN978

Life, Animated

The very time I became aware of autism, what it was and how it manifests was when I was in rehearsal for the 1st National tour of "The Who's Tommy".  You see the character of "Tommy" was a high functioning autistic child who becomes a rock star.  The creative team had professionals come in and tell us all about it, so that onstage our relationship with Tommy would be authentic and real.

About a year ago, I was chatting with my old friend Jonathan Freeman.  He began telling me about a book by Ron Suskind called Life Animated and about his kid named Owen who was autistic.  He revealed that Owen broke out of his autistic prison through watching Disney animated films. Now, this was fascinating, because both Jonathan and myself have a Disney connection.  I played Shenzi in Los Angeles production of "The Lion King" for three years and Jonathan is the voice of "Jafar" in the Disney animated feature "Aladdin" and performs this role eight times a week currently on Broadway.

BROADWAY'S JAFAR IN ALADDIN AND CARLA RENATA

As life works, while at Sundance 2016,  I found out Owen Suskind is now the subject of a documentary directed by Roger Ross Williams.  When I tell you, I spent 90 minutes doing the ugly cry while trying to laugh...I really do not exaggerate!

At three-years old, Owen Suskind began speaking gibberish.  After taking him to numerous medical professionals, he was diagnosed autistic.  For those of you who don't know what that means, it simply means that these kids have a brain that is overly stimulated.  They are brutally honest and don't know what lying or being polite is.  They simply live in the moment...whatever that moment happens to be.

After one year of complete silence while watching "The Little Mermaid", Owen uttered what his parents Cornelia and Ron understood as "juicer voss".  Owen was trying to say "just your voice" ( a line from the character Ursula). Now, as a 23-year old adult, Owen has transitioned into adult assisted living, had his heart-broken for the first time and secured employment at a local movie theater.

Life, Animated is one of the most inspiring, heartwarming and heartbreaking films I have seen in quite some time.  It was truly a reality check.  It reminded me that just when you think your life sucks, there is always someone else who has it just a little harder.

I wonder what Walt Disney would think about his films being the catalyst for a child who most people wrote off and were ready to throw in the towel on.  Ron and Cornelia Suskind  and their other son Walter NEVER gave up on Owen and continue to make his life as normal and easy-going as possible.

While saying goodbye to Jonathan, Owen and his family popped by and when we asked if he was tired of being a movie star, he simply replied "Yes, it will be nice to get back to me".  One of my favorite moments of the film was having Gilbert Godfried pop by Owens' Disney Club and do a live reading of Aladdin for all the members along with Jonathan.

Thank you Jonathan for bringing Owen and his beautiful family to my attention.  You and them have TRULY changed my life and mindset forever.

Life Animated opened in theaters on July 1st and remember you heard it here first...it will definitely be on the short list for the Oscars in 2017.

#Flashback: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

I am obsessed with Meryl Streep!  Then again who isn't.  She is one of the best actresses in our industry.  I am also obsessed with Anne Hathaway.  Who doesn't love The Princess Diaries with her and Julie Andrews?  Don't even get me started on her Oscar turn as Fantine is Les Miserables.

Who knew when The Devil Wears Prada opened in theaters ten years ago that it would clobber Superman Returns at the box office in 2006.  Miranda Priestly, fashion and a good old-fashioned love story would prevail in the end.

The film focused on a young woman, who while on the quest to find a job as a journalist ends up at a fashion magazine.  She ultimately becomes the assistant to the most powerful fashion editor in the world and that job changes her forever.

It kinda reminded me of a more up to date version of another one of my favorite films Working Girl.  i even had the pleasure of Guest Starring on an ABC monster hit Ugly Betty, which although was an American reboot of a Spanish show, still had that  'Devil Wears Prada' motif going on...not to mention they had Tony and Emmy nominee Vanessa Williams to pull in those viewers.

Not only did the film mark the film debut of Emily Blunt, but it catapulted her and Anne Hathaway into superstardom.  Stanley Tucci was no slouch either.

So for those who are all too familiar with this classic...here are some things  you may not know about The Devil Wears Prada...

1.  Meryl Streep was ready to walk over her the low salary offer. When it was doubled, she found a way grab that silver hair and keep it moving.  Can you even imagine anyone else as Miranda?   I think not
2. As badly as Anne Hathaway wanted this role, the first choice was Rachel McAdams.  I love Rachel, but Andy was meant for Anne
3. Meryl changed what would become one of the best lines of the Film.  During their table read, Meryl said, "Everybody wants to be us," instead of  "Everybody wants to be me."
4. Emily was supposed to be American.  The director loved Blunt's accent so much, they made her character British
5. Stanley Tucci met his real-life wife at Emily Blunt's wedding.  Isn't that fantabulous!!!
6. There was NO second choice considered for Miranda Priestly.  How you even gonna let second choice fall from you lips when you have freaking Meryl Streep!!!  I'm just saying!

Take a look back at the trailer for The Devil Wears Prada...

AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM

Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Steve Aoki, Daft Punk are some of tho most famous DJ's on the dance scene EVER!   Until the emergence of DJ AM.

DJ AM  aka Adam Goldstein was the first to command a million bucks to spin.  The phrase 'mash up" is famously aligned with his name and his spin crafting skills made him one of the most famously sought after DJ's  for such celebrities as Robert Downey, Jr,, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Madonna and many more.

As accomplished as he was at being a DJ, the one thing he couldn't quite a grab a handle of was his sobriety after a harrowing survival of a tragic plane crash.

Adam had the deck stacked against him from conception.  His Dad wanted nothing to do with  him, weight was an issue and self-love.  All these factors had a number in line with his ultimate addiction.  A habit that he kicked and would ultimately become his demise.

He was found dead -  shirtless in  sweatpants, a crack pipe and pills inside his New York City apartment at age 36. He tried desperately to kick a disease wont' let you run away if your will is weak...it just doesn't work that way.  At the end of the day, he would still always be a chubby, insecure boy that nobody liked.

For DJ's everywhere...he changed the game forever. Thanks to Director/Producer for putting this struggle on film.  In light of recent overdoses like Prince, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse...let us hope that if watching this saves just one life DJ AM's life was a life worth living.

AS I AM:  THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM is playing at Arclight Cinemas  in Los Angeles as of June 3rd and various theaters in the New York area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv7WmrSDhk8

BLACK GIRL

  In 2015, Cannes Film Festival screened and re-released a digitally restored version of Ousmane Sembene’s first feature film from 1966 -  Black Girl.  Black Girls single-handedly opened the way for African cinema in the West.

Diounna is a girl from Senegal.  Diounna is stylish, classy, sophisticated and a woman on a mission to help her family have a better life.  That opportunity presents itself when she is invited by her mistress to leave Dakar and move to France.  However, the "glamourous life" Diounna envisioned becomes a cruel form of modern-day slavery.  Diounna's dreams are never realized and depression becomes her daily existence.

While African-Americans here in the America were fighting for equal "civil" rights, our brothers and sisters across the ocean were fighting undercover modern-day slavery.  How could this be allowed to happen and why?  Who thought this was a good idea and why was this considered Ok?Why were white people so fascinated by people of color in terms of our women and how we cook, but then afraid to go to Africa for fear of being caught up in a "civil war"?

Not much has changed, only now the fascination is with our style and our music.

Yes, I was fascinated and infuriated at such behavior.  When will folks learn that we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS!!!!  We are not property to be coveted and bragged about.  We have families, feelings and want the best for our loved ones like anyone else.

Can we really say that this behavior has changed much from 1969 to 2016?  Yes and No...the answer is totally subjective depending on who you are and what your experience in life has turned out to be.

Black Girl recently screened at BAMcinematek during May in New York and can now be streamed online via YouTube and purchased on DVD.

ROOTS 2016: Slavery Saga or History Lesson

There is a lot of talk about Roots today and will be for the rest of the week and the other episodes hit the airwaves  For those of you who are not award, please let me educate you and make you think.

Alex Haley's Roots inspired millions of Americans (not just people of color) to look into their ancestry as a means to discover the origins of their family history.

In my own personal quest, I connected with  and remain close with a cousin who now lives in Japan, discovered some historic info about my family and learned that some of my relatives made their living as bee keepers.  All as a result of searching my own "roots".

Historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. even had a show on NBC called "Who Do You Think You Are", in which numerous celebrities had their ancestry researched and aired on national television.  Some results were downright stunning.

Genealogy is the origin from which Roots was born and inspired from, so it is very difficult to listen to masses of people complain about it being a story about slaves.  Slavery is definitely at the forefront of the story, but NOT the main subject.  Roots is a story about how despite the odds, Kunte Kinte, a Mandinka warrior snatched from his homeland, rose above adversity to create a positive legacy for his family.  A family that included Alex Haley.

So, on the subject of slavery, Ima need folks to calm down!!!

Do you hear people of Jewish descent complaining about a holocaust film every other year?  No. Why?  They understand that for history NOT to be repeated one needs to be aware and remember its existence.  There are actually some schools in this country that are trying to rewrite slavery in America calling it a "migration of Africans to America seeking a better life". Really???!!!  I think not!  This is simply a bold-faced lie.  A migration would suggest Africans were NOT chained like animals on a ship, branded and sold as property.  Let there be no mistake about it...Slavery was anything BUT a migration.

I was one of the 130 million that watched Roots the when it aired on ABC all those years ago.  Back then, you couldn't re-watch it on a DVR, live-stream or even catch it on the internet.  If you didn't see it in real time...you simply missed out.  When I tell you,  going to school the next day was one of the most uncomfortable days in my life...is NO exaggeration.  Roots was the talk of every workplace, school and social settings, just as it is now.

The only difference now is simply the internet.  After the first episode aired last evening, the "twitterers" and internet were buzzing with opinionated reviews of Roots.  Here's my opinion and before you get you pants in a wad...remember this is just that..an opinion.

Roots, which aired its first episode last night simultaneously on A&E, Lifetime and the History Channel pulled in 8.5 million viewers.  The original, which aired on ABC pulled in 130 million viewers.  Not only that, but Roots single-handedly birthed a new genre of television in the 70's (Lonesome Dove, The Thornbirds, Rich Man - Poor Man).

The new look at Roots, which begins with the abduction in Africa of Kunta Kinte (Malachi Kirby) and spans decades to include the American Civil War, is unfolded over four consecutive nights, with a different director helming each night, including Phillip Noyce, Mario Van Peebles, Thomas Carter and Bruce Beresford.

In an era dealing with young black men randomly being gunned down, Black Lives Matter and Donald J. Trump promising to build a wall to "keep the Mexicans/illegals" out  of American, films like Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation,  WGN America's Underground and the reboot of Roots are more timely than ever.

Shot in various locations including South Africa and Louisiana, you heart can't help but break when Kunta Kinte is being whipped for refusing to abandon his Mandinka name for the slave name "Toby".  That one scene clocks in at four minutes.  Four minutes of watching  blood splatter to the ground, skin being burst like over ripe fruit, others slaves, overseers, etc... looking on yet turning away in horror and in silence.  Seeing this scene now, with so much life experience behind me than when I watched as a teenager, stirred up feelings that had been suppressed for decades.  I pray that this generation of people watch and watch intently to learn of a history that is slowly disappearing from America.  A history that should never be forgotten.

The first episode felt a little slow in some spots, but was still compelling mostly due to the performances of Malachi Kirby and Forrest Whittaker.  The producers (Mark Wolper, LeVar Burton and Will Packer) make a point in stating a disclaimer reminded viewers that there is "intense language of the time period" involved.

I trust that LeVar Burton (the original "Kunte Kinte" actor who was an unknown when shooting the 1977 miniseries) will treat the legacy Alex Haley left with the dignity, honor and respect it deserves.  Will 85% of households be watching this time? No, but this time around Roots will have a different impact.  Roots is not just about slavery, the "N-word" or pain.  It's about the courage and survival of a group of people who are resilient.

Please watch with your family, friends and every young person you can gather.  Make sure they know now that slavery, just like the holocaust and Pearl Harbor are events that should always be remembered.  If you missed last night, no worries...each episode will re-air right before the current one

Keep your eyes peeled for Emayatzy Corinealdi and Anika Noni Rose in the future installments. These young women are forces to be reckoned with and will no doubt re recognized for their brilliance along with their co-stars Malachi Kirby and Forest Whitaker.

Don't be silent on this one.  Le me hear from you and what  you feel.  Let's keep the conversation going for the next generation.  Remember I will respect and honor your opinion in the same manner in which you have allowed me to express mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxmw4gccqnA

Tribeca Film Festival 2016: Audience Award - The Return

[embed]https://youtu.be/zcXTs4EYuI0[/embed] Many of us know someone, have a relative or have accidentally met an individual who has been incarcerated.  There are fewer of us who know someone who has had "three strikes" and even fewer who have had someone released as a result of the passing of Prop 36.

In 2012, California voters passed Prop 36 to reform Three Strikes - the first time in American history that citizens shortened sentences of the currently incarcerated. Overnight, thousand of lifers became eligible for release

The Return gives a bird's-eye view of two newly released lifers as they attempt to avoid the usual pitfalls of released prisoners back into a society and familial relationships that are drastically different.  Their struggle not to succumb to old triggers, insecurities and restoring the relationships is real, raw and heartbreaking.

Bilal Chatman and Kenneth Anderson were both lifers.  Chatman wanted a second chance to turn his life around and spend more time with his ailing mother.  Anderson wanted a second chance at being a business person, father, grandfather, husband and drug free.

Chatman was freed  by the people who fought for Proposition 36, which requires eligible non-violent drug offenders to serve their time in a drug treatment program instead of in prison. After The Return's screening at Tribeca, Bilal (who recently celebrated 33 years clean and sober) spoke of not allowing mistakes nor the people who hurt him in his past, to define his present life.

Kenneth Anderson was released and moved back in with his family after well over a decade. With a 25-to-life sentence over a purse snatching,  Anderson's last blunder included a struggle with drug abuse brought on by stress over his failed janitorial business.

Welcomed back by his ex-wife, now-adult children and several grandchildren he’s never met, he’s fortunate — but still encounters insurmountable hurdles.

Bilal Chatman had no spouse or children to return to. After 11 years’ (his “third strike” was selling $200 in drugs to an undercover agent), he headed straight from prison to Home of the Loving Father Re-Entry Facility, a halfway house in San Jose.

Their "second chance" journey is different - yet similar.  Both have no desire to return to the life conditions of their former selves, yet both men face a fate in society that will never let them forget their past.

The filmmakers also follow the release petitioning for Lester Wallace, a diagnosed schizophrenic who became California’s very first “Three Strikes” conviction after an attempted car-stereo theft. We never actually hear from Wallace, only a  glimpse him in court as his case is being  argued. Wallace's case was argued as him being raised in a frequently homeless, drug-addled family, which made him the perfect candidate for what Director Michael Romano says was too often “the solution for a generation” to problems of poverty, addiction and mental illness: Lock ’em up and throw away the key.

Prop 36 gave men like Chapman, Wallace and Anderson a new lease on life and allowed them all an opportunity to be placed in rehab programs to kickstart their new life.  Often times, these men, regardless of their crimes, are released from prison with a paper jumpsuit, $200 dollars in their pocket and no real plan for the future.  This is the major reason so many of them find themselves back behind bars.  They are released into a society that has no empathy for ex-cons and many of them spend the rest of their lives trying to prove they are changed and reformed men or women.

The Return is a lesson for all that everyone is capable of making a mistake, but should that mistake be thrown up in your face  and follow you for the rest of your life?

For more information of drug rehab services through Prop 36, click on  http://www.caldrug.org.

The Return won the Audience Award at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival and will make its debut on PBS.

Remember Our Troops: Memorial Day Flicks To Watch

Memorial Day is often confused with Veteran's Day.  Many of you are probably wondering what the difference is?  Memorial Day is to honor those slain in the line of duty or as a result of wounds sustained in battle while serving their country.  Veteran's Day is the day in which we take time to thank ALL veterans for their service to our country. Now, if your plans to commemorate those who lost their lives include a picnic, cookout or some type of party - BE SAFE.  However, if you choose to do so quietly at home with loved ones or friends, here some flick you might want to check out...

STRIPES

While on a USO/DOD tour, having just performed for the troops, we were invited to attend a screening of Stripes.  It was hilarious!!!  The guys would laugh at stuff that clearly was an inside joke and when they shared it with us we chuckled too!  Baby, when Bill Murray says "Razzle Dazzle" we would howl!!!  If you haven't seen it, the film kinda makes fun of all the serious things one identifies with regarding the military.  Unlike some of the other films, I mention, this one will really bring a smile to your face.

THE MESSENGER

Having several members of the military in my family, but never having lost any of them to war - this film was probably the hardest for me to watch.  I can't even imagine being the family that receives this type of news, however, have you ever thought of the anguish and sorrow that comes along with the person delivering the news.  Woody Harrelson gives one of his many stellar performances in this film.

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

Steven Spielberg, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks and the storming of Normandie...that is all

PLATOON

Before Charlie Sheen's shenanigans and being known for "winning", he gave an award worthy performance in Oliver Stone's war masterpiece...

GLORY

Denzel Washington earned his first of two Oscar wins alongside Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman in this unforgettable flick about the first all-black company to fight in the Civil War

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, affects almost 30 percent of the 834,467 Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans treated through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Consumed by anger and traumatic memories long after their return, soldiers often resort to drugs or suicide to end their suffering.

Filmmaker Laurent Bécue-Renard provides a searing account of how the disorder has affected veterans and their families in Of Men and War. The film offers an unparalleled look at the enduring consequences of PTSD and the role treatment can play in helping soldiers reclaim their lives. An Official Selection of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, the documentary has its national broadcast premiere during the 29th season of POV(Point of View)on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2016 at 10 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.)

Of Men and War is a production of Alice Films.

Of Men and War Trailer

THE UNKNOWNS

THE UNKNOWNS reveals the training of the elite group of soldiers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. These Sentinel's guard the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through snow, heat, and rain to honor those that have fallen in the line of duty to grant us the freedoms that we enjoy today.

THE UNKNOWNS is produced by Army Veterans Ethan Morse and Neal Schrodetzki. Because they both had the honor of serving at the Tomb, they were given an unprecedented level of access from the US Army, allowing them to bring a unique perspective to the rigorous and intricate training process that soldiers must endure to be stationed there. The film is also produced by Matthew Little and executive produced by Mark Joseph (Reagan, The Vessel, America: Imagine the World Without Her).