Honoring all actors who brought us everything from Blacula to Cabin in the Sky to Purple Rain to The Thing With Two Heads -- and everything in between!
Before Purple Rain and The Revolution, the fancy suits and hairdos, a young Prince Rogers Nelson - donning anything from gold spandex to a trench coat with leg warmers - could be seen on several music programs like Don Kirschner's Rock Concert and Midnight Special. On his left was a sometimes spiky-haired guitarist Dez Dickerson, whose attire was a mashup of New Wave/thrift store chic, playing his ax. When you saw bassist Andre Cymone to his right, you knew the string solo would rival that of Ernie Isley and the late Jimi Hendrix.
In the song "1999", Dickerson sang the most memorable line - "Life is just a party and parties weren't meant to last". Also, his guitar solo on Little Red Corvette (1983) was named in Guitar World's Top 100 that same year. That would be one of his last recordings with The Purple One. Yup, how time flies.
Shortly after, he was replaced by Wendy Melvoin, who would go on to write movie and TV scores with former keyboardist Lisa Coleman. While Dickerson made a brief musical appearance in Purple Rain, he's been mainly behind the music scenes for 40 years. At one point, he found his musical home in the Christian genre, where he was an A&R person for Starsong Communications. He also ran his own Christian rock label, Absolute Records.
Dez also wrote a book, a personal account of his time with Prince, which was published in 2003. Since his departure, he's remained active in the music scene and kept a low profile except for appearances at SXSW. When asked by journalists about his last conversation with Prince before his untimely passing, Dickerson wasn't about that life.
Today, he's suffering from a few ailments but has not yet publicly disclosed what or his reason for a Go Fund Me campaign. Reddit posters had some interesting takes on the subject, including money Dickerson rightfully deserved during Prince's peak musical period. Before his health took a turn, he also worked as a host for a Tennessee radio station.
Look at popular 70s flicks featuring Black actors. Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams. Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. Even Pam Grier and the late Sig Haig (yes, he was Armenian but still a person of color) worked on numerous films together spanning two decades.
But that was then. Now, we have this little thing called social media that allows us to share (and sometimes, overshare) our feelings and thoughts. Now, when a public figure has a camera on them to record every word, body gesture, and surrounding events, it takes PR to another level. And it either backfires or creates a new discussion for social media fans.
Recently, the black gossip universe got an earful from veteran actor Taraji P. Henson about her treatment on The Color Purple (2023) set. According to her, everything from catering to pay to transportation was below par for the entire cast until Oprah Winfrey (or possibly, other powers-that-be) made it right. With an all-star cast, this sounds really absurd but from looking at the business aspect, it may not be so far-fetched.
It's About the Bottom Line
When Taraji's career catapulted from sitcom guest spots like Half and Half to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) in less than a decade, we were happy...for a minute. While she received an Academy nod for Best Supporting Actress, the disappointment came when it was revealed that her pay was barely a fraction of what lead actor Brad Pitt received.
At the time, the community mostly knew her as "Yvette" from Baby Boy and some forgettable supporting roles in a few urban flicks. However, the crossover certainly paid off, as Henson would later star in a few prime-time shows, including the Fox network's Empire. While this seems like it would translate into long-term notoriety for a Black actor, like everything else, we have to work harder in order to be considered equal to non-Black actors. And let's not forget gender bias.
We Can't Help Who We Know But...
While I don't think an actor's work should be judged by their personal life, this is also an industry where reputation is everything. It's also who we admit to knowing...and standing up for. Late last year, a message board topic titled "The Problem with Taraji" detailed all of the men she worked with. This list includes disgraced former manager Vincent Cirroncione (he also managed Halle Berry before he was convicted of sexual assault by former clients) and Jussie Smollett.
Now, we have fellow actors Vivica A. Fox and Academy Award (c) Mo'Nique chiming in about their experiences. While the latter appears to show full support for any POC actor who may be the underdog, Ms. Fox claimed it never applied to her. So what's her secret outside of those Lifetime movies? Possibly producer credits along with acting in the occasional urban flick and those car "insurance" commercials with Ice-T.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of any recent Matt and Ben-type collaborations in the Black acting community. There was once a time when Ice Cube and Mike Epps starred in a few flicks outside of the Friday franchise. While not as memorable (but less buffoonish) esteemed actors Alfre Woodard and Sanaa Lathan have starred in several successful projects over the years.
My question is during a time when money is funnier than ever, should POC actors be obligated to share long-term success secrets? While Ms. Henson has a hair care line sold exclusively at most Target stores and has a net worth of $12 million, should she change more than her management team? An exit plan because she may have overshared how unfair the entertainment business can be?
During my last blog hibernation, I met a film buff and we're doing the damn thing. Problem is, he loves science fiction, thrillers, and anything violent. While I don't have a vast blaxploitation DVD collection, he was entertained by JD's Revenge and Willie Dynamite. Lightweight think pieces like Five on the Black Hand Side and Snowy Day in Oakland are like taking Nyquil in the afternoon for him.
So, in celebration of Dad's Day, we go to see The Blackening. While still getting over the reserved seating concept in addition to matinee prices being in the two digits, we find a relatively comfortable spot. And...it wasn't bad...but not that great either.
It kinda reminded me of if in Living Color were updated and made it to the silver screen but toned down to say what we're thinking...and then some. Problem with this formula is that it can be mediocre but brilliant with the right comedic timing. Some may disagree with me but I'd suggest this list for your horror flick bingeing pleasure.
In Cinnamon, Pam Grier has again resurged in her role as that bad ass woman that gonna make everything alright. Looking awesome for her years, she, along with Hailey Kilgore (Jukebox from Raising Kanan) star is this Tubi original movie about a young woman trying to make her way in the world.
Damon Wayans also star's as the titular character's shady boss, along with a host of newcomers. Released June 23, I'm surprised this film hasn't received more attention with it's mix of drama, comedy, and action. My assumption is that many still think of Tubi as "that channel" for hood flicks with bad acting and almost storyline.
It looks like today is a new day...and at the moment, you're getting quality entertainment at no charge outside of an internet connection. As budgeting has become a greater concern than ever, I know I'll be checking back more often.
Well folks, I know it's been a couple of minutes and I'm still getting my mental engine lubed up. If you're blessed to see a new day, make it the best you can! LATER
For years, there's been an online debate about the cast and storylines of this iconic sitcom from the 70s. Where did Carl go (or better, what was his purpose)? What did that kitchen door lead to? Were Willona and James more than friends? Many of us probably will never know the truth behind the scenes or why creator Norman Lear made these interesting choices.
You're probably like me where in the past few years you've probably had time to binge in front of the set and ponder a few things. I did when I was on bed rest a few years ago. While it seems like a Good Times series remake is out of the question for now, we can have a little fun with these facts about the popular show.
The J.J. Evans character was loaded with charm and talent, making him a somewhat unlikely match for a bevy of beauties during its run from 1974 to 1979. Have you ever noticed that women who were overly affectionate are still working actors today? Yup, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Debbie Allen, Debbie Morgan, Tina Andrews, and the late Rosalind Cash had success in front of and/or behind the camera.
But what about the others? Let's see what they're up to.
Beverleigh Banfield who played the original T. C. (Bookman's assistant), is still active in the business. After taking guest starring roles in the 80s and 90s, her last acting credit was as a voiceover artist in the cartoon Static Shock. Since the 2010s, she's parlayed her talents as a producer and director. She's alive and well at 69 years young.
Rosanne Katon was in an early episode where her snob parents wanted their teen daughter to date someone who wasn't from the PJs. From the mid-70s through the 80s, Katon starred in a number of guest roles and was also known for being one of the first Black Playmates. She quietly retired from acting by the early 90s to focus on family and humanitarian efforts.
Renee Brown didn't play a love interest but a painting student of J.J.'s who quietly forced him to eat a big piece of humble pie during a local art competition. After starring in a number of 70s sitcoms and light crime dramas like James at 16, Brown retired from acting in the early 80s to focus on family.
Ta Tanisha played one of J.J.'s early girlfriends that didn't exactly have his back yet he was so whipped. Anyway, her career goes back to 1969 when she guest-starred on an episode of Mod Squad and remained pretty busy from the 70s to the 80s with sporadic appearances. She also made an uncredited appearance on Alex Martin's (daughter of Whoopi Golberg) reality show in the 00s.
Rolanda Douglas is one of the few actresses who played different roles on the sitcom. First, it was the snobbish girlfriend who was ready to go and cared less about a burned Penny Gordon. Then she was the second T. C. who actually did make a move on the lean, chocolate, loving machine after undergoing a makeover. Her acting credits range from 1976 to 1987.
Brenda Sykes was J.J.'s chain-smoking date who proved an important lesson about the dangers of tobacco products. Besides an extensive list of acting credits for the small and silver screen, she's also known as the former wife of musician and poet Gil Scott Heron. This 1978 role was also her last, according to IMDB.
Fay Hauser played the married woman who wanted to have her cake and eat it at J.J.'s expense (or his developing ulcer). At 74 years young, she's still booked and busy with recent credits including Glee and Shameless. Hauser also has recent producer and director credits to round out her long list of roles that go back to 1978.
While it's nice to see the majority of these actresses are healthy and well, here are some other things that may have been overlooked.
Dap Sugar Willie (above), who played Lootin Lenny, got his start on the comedy circuit. Like Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor, he sold albums of his performances and this was also a promotional tool that landed him roles in a number of 1970s sitcoms. Sadly, he died in 1994 at the age of 55.
Penny (played by Miss Jackson, of course) is actually named Millicent, which is a clever but odd name choice for a Black child of the 70s.
If you think Bernadette Stanis (Thelma) has disappeared from the silver screen, you're mistaken. Since the show's end in 1979, she's made numerous appearances on sitcoms, done voiceovers, and also attended the prestigious Julliard to upgrade her thespian skills. Her last credit was on TV One's Family Business series which stars Ernie Hudson.
Well, it's good to be back y'all and I hope you can stop by every few weeks where we deliver something different.
No, he wasn't the typical Hollywood actor discussed on this blog but a unique presence he was. If you love straight-to-DVD movies or the comedy shows from the 90's to present, chances are this dude cracked you up at some point.
While May had the potential to be a household name, there were some obstacles that prevented this from happening. During one short career slump, May appeared on Celebrity Fit Club, where he appeared to be handling his morbid obesity. My favorite is the mailman from the early-2000s flick, For Da Love of Money starring Pierre (B.A.P.S.)
This song is not a personal favorite but the video is. However, I have to point out a small snafu. The theme is the celebration of Black beauty from a forgotten era but...the Pam Grier still is kind of an oxymoron. One (in the red outfit) is a publicity shot from the blaxploitation era. The second is from her small (but important) role in 1972's Hit Man. I won't give up the spoiler but right here, Ms. Grier was truly foul as a bottom chick/porn actress. Thank God for Bernie Casey and that lion!
It's about time huh? This was one of the first "gems" I got to see and On Bounce TV's Sugar streaming service ( did I mention there's a lot to choose from now). Anyway, this is another flick from the blaxploitation film era with dual titles, the alternate being Street Sisters. I don't understand the latter since only one hooker is the focus.
This 1974 indie flick is set in a mostly rural town (on yeah, there are no big names attached to this one) where a young lady who grew up on a farm gives birth to a biracial child. Instead of going with someone light skin and wavy hair, they did the Alan Willis (from the Jeffersons TV series) only they used some one who looked more like one of the Beach Boys.
The woman's religious parents are forced to raise the bar while she breezed in every so often pushing some vintage whip, dragging on a cigarette. While the boy loves his family, he would rather hang out with Mom father than work on the farm. Since no farm means no place to stay, the young man ventures out into the city. Along with his grandparents, he leaves behind someone special.
With a few twists and turns, this isn't a complete waste of 90 minutes. However, if you plan to make this a couch surfing session, I'd recommend something of substance like Five on the Black Hand Side or The Landlord.
I'm not talking about the early days when viewers had a nice mix that included news, international culture, real entertainment, a blaxploitation movie, and a couple of throwback sitcoms (at least not in marathon format). Those were truly their glory days and I won't dwell on the past since it can't be changed. Personally, I still can't forgive them for changing the popular sitcom. The Game, for Seasons 4 and 5 and then making it watchable in the last 1-2 seasons. BOO!
However, things seem backwards as one of the top TV writers, Shonda Rimes, shocked many when she decided to terminate her long-relationship with ABC for Netflix earlier this month. While I'd been a fan of many streaming services, it's just in recent I've realized that we still have the power when it comes to consumer numbers.
Perusing the channel, I see many straight-to-DVD titles, indie flicks and projects by veterans like Marlon Wayans. Last night I realized that 2016's biographic, I Called Him Morgan is not something anyone can just boost from YouTube. Either pay one of the big names $3-5 to stream for the next day or so, or cough up a couple more dollars and get set for several budgeted date nights (shout out to you cheap asses, I co-sign 100%).
So between streaming services like Netflix, Hulu (which shows older episodes of my new fav, Power), and Bounce TV's Brown Sugar (BTW. I'm back and they finally got their act together), there's almost no need for cable. Most reality shows are monotonous and predictable, even when they call themselves being shocking. The truth is that they are more degrading than anything (though I'm not mad at those who capitalize).
In short, if you want to save some money, fire your cable provider!
According to at least one commenter, I give Bounce TV a hard time. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I mean, the station comes on digital and cable, they edit movie titles that contain the N word and their original programming , from what I've seen, depicts us in a positive (but sometimes dull) light.
However, I must say that they do listen to their critics. Not long ago, I signed up for the Bounce streaming service and gave what I thought was an honest review. This was due to the fact that commercials gave little information about the then-new product.
So several corny (and non-informative) TV commercials later, I have to say that the inventory has greatly improved. They've added hard-to-find joints like The Spook that Sat by the Door and I believe I even saw Pipe Dreams and Mean Johnny Barrows. I mean, a person can scroll for hours ....if there using the right device.
Now my problem is not the selection but the service itself. They've fluctuated from a one-month trial to a one-week trial. Ordering from the website or Google/Amazon. One time, I had a movie load perfectly and play with no buffering on my smartphone but I couldn't get that on my Chromebook to save my life. Then there's billing.
According to their customer service, there is no continuous billing protocol. Without giving away too much information, Google can only do so much in terms of choosing the right card? In reading through the reviews, I wasn't the only person not getting service beyond the initial billing period (maybe this is why they stopped airing commercials with Pam Grier and Fred Williamson - as they're two examples of blaxploitation actors that do receive residuals from their work).
But like I said their customer service does come through. I dealt with a charming (no sarcasm) person named Foxy Yazmin, it took time to find out that the system may still have a bug or two. At one time, you could access a personal account via the website to see payment methods but going through a 3rd party seems to be more hassle than it's worth. Yet, I stand true by my promise to return sometime in the future.
On 7/4/17, we lost veteran actor Ji Tu Cumbuka to causes not yet determined. Cumbuka, whose acting credits date back to 1968's Uptight (starring actor/ screenwriter Max Julian), make a remarkable presence on the stage, television, and the silver screen. Update: It's been reported that he was suffering from a number of ailments, including vascular disease.
While major mediums mention Roots and Harlem Nights as his most notable roles, blaxploitation movie fans remember him as Skillet from 1972's Blacula. With Cumbuka's stand out, gap-toothed smile, he was THAT dude in the club. Rest in heaven bro.
If the summer heat is too much to deal with, Brown Sugar Saturday night has you covered with a blaxploitation triple threat. Starting with Black Gunn (1972), Take a Hard Ride (1975 with Fred Williamson), and I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973). Jim Brown has a lot in common with my favorite, Bernie Casey, as they always played solid characters on screen and got their start playing professional ball. Of tonight's trifecta, I recommend Black Gunn. It's filmed in L.A.'s west side, has an interesting plot, and the leading lady is the late Teresa Graves of Get Christie Love. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the little bonus I threw in at the top, 1967's Riot.
You've most likely seen the commercials and wondered what's up, as there's not much to be found online. Is is really like Netflix for black folks? Being the blaxploitation movie junkie that I am, I decided to give the free trial a shot.
Will this rare movie ever make it Bounce TV's new streaming service?
So the sign-up process is pretty cut and dry. I load this onto my Chromebook mainly because the memory won't have to fight with Adobe CC on my laptop for space. Plus the device is less than a year old and because it's so finicky about what a person can download, there's room for a streaming service. At four dollars a month, it's half the price of Hulu (with commercials) but in viewing the inventory, it takes a moment to see if it's worth THAT much. Brown Sugar has the standards (the Superfly and Shaft trilogies), along with some flicks that are seeing new life like ABAR, the Black Superman and my favorites Willie Dynamite and Hit Man with Bernie Casey. Upon second glance, I notice a few that aren't familiar but I remember that movies like Black Starlet have alternate titles (Black Gauntlet). This was the case in one of my favorites that I don't own, Black Sister's Revenge, also titled 'Emma Mae' in the Brown Sugar catalog. So what is my conclusion? Basically, if you like to collect (VHS tapes included), this might be a waste of money. Or, if you have a great relationship (as in you don't mind the interruptions) with YouTube, you can take a chance on movies that may be there one day and gone the following week. If you're Amazon friendly, I've always had good service with Gateway Cosmetics and other vendors that specialize in Black movie sales. Brown Sugar streaming is great for the binge watcher with no space for a bunch of discs or watches in the peak hours. As far as the experience itself goes....it was Saturday and its me with the Chromebook. I look up a movie from 1968 with Max Julien that I think I saw but not 100% sure. It takes a moment to load, so I go get snacks (3-5 mins). Upon return, I recognize the opening theme but sit for the first 5 minutes. Not even into opening scene, there's buffering. Okay, things take time and this movie is as old as I am so let's refresh. Ten minutes in, there's no semblance of a plot and the thing is buffering when I remember that I never saw Charleston Blue. It's not in Brown Sugar's inventory so off to YouTube I go where I get a clean picture with few interruptions and it costs...ZERO. Not condoning bootlegging but if someone knows of a standing store in the L.A. where legit blaxploitation movies are sold, hit me up! Anyway, I do have a suggestion. Why not add the indie flicks that Bounce used to air before they got 90-early 2000s sitcom fever. Seriously, I love Half and Half too but remember the show only aired for three seasons and was definitely affected by the writer's strike near the end. Fine @ss Lamman Rucker made those episodes watchable before its unfortunate demise. Okay, digressing here. I'm really digging indie movie like the ones Aspire shows in the afternoon but my favorite from the early days of Bounce are Drop Squad, The Stick Up Kids, and the one where a pre-nose job Kerri Washington was a window dresser/booster. Sorry (hangs head but snickering). So Bounce, what's up? Can we get something different since you don't quite have 100 movies in your catalog (more like 75 as of Feb 2017)? About a third of those are shown on network and basic cable from time to time, so maybe faster load times. I've had a similar experience with Google so I'm not knocking your efforts, just suggesting a little fine tuning for the long run.
If you're tired of dealing with crazy holiday traffic and looking for something different to get into...the 1973 blaxploitation classic Blackenstein is here to the rescue. In case you didn't know Bounce is now available on Spectrum/Time Warner.
Truth...I've never seen this one in its entirety but I think the trailer is pretty enticing. Get yourself a bag of Chicago-style popcorn, a little something to drink or whatever will make you forget about Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
Many remember Rae'Ven Kelly as a young Anna Mae Bullock (long before she became Tina Turner) in the 1993 biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It?" These days, the married 31-year-old actress has enjoyed a career that includes "A Time to Kill", " Hannah Montana", "Preacher's Kid" and many other credits. However, it's her personal life that has experienced turmoil in recent.
Over the summer, she and her husband experienced abuse from law enforcement. Before this, the veteran actress and her preacher husband Sean Dinwoodie filed a $1Million dollar lawsuit against her parents on the grounds of fraud, defamation, and breach of fiduciary duty. Courtesy of Maya Hotblaze and Courthouse News Service.
As you know, Southside with You (the Barack and Michelle love story) is now in nationwide release. Its Executive Producer is recording artist/emerging media mogul John Legend and the reviews have been decent. However, this is not his first foray into screen, as he is also one of three EPs behind the WGN smash series Underground. This period piece about slavery has also been renewed for a second season. So after years of Tyler Perry and Wayans Bros entertainment styles waning (slightly), does this mean that America gets to see more uplifting content in regard to black history with emphasis on triumphant moments? I hope so. I still appreciate the simplicity of straight-to-DVD/Aspire/BET/TVOne movies with a small budget and new faces, or those that were once popular (I see you, Robin Givens) but now are more humbled, I want to see something new. Will John Legend come to the rescue again? According to Rhymes with Snitch, a series about Black Wall Street is currently in development. Here are some more facts, for those who are unaware of this period in history.
If Kevin Hart does this remake, I will jump off the Library Tower!
Since the shop has been open, I've heard rumors about TV show remakes (Good Times, Girlfriends) into movies, as well as classics that decided to take a dip in the chocolate pool (Uncle Buck, the Honeymooners). According to Variety, Megan Good, along with husband Devon Franklin have joined forces with MGM to remake Cooley High. As of recent, Common has gotten on board to star and produce...wonder which obviously-out-of-high-school character he will play. While I'm glad to see mine going to work regularly, I could care less. Or better, why not give more attention to indie flicks? If you have Aspire, some of the shorts (and some not-so-short) are worthy of a wider release. I'm only a fan and not a pro but if someone could take time to explain the process, I'd appreciate it. And I don't mean what works for other folks, either.
Now, for those of you not familiar, Cooley High was not really a blaxploitation movie. It was more like American Graffiti with a 'hood twist and it was just as cherished by the community as the original Sparkle. I didn't mind the 2012 remake of the latter...if it had been called something else. But I digress. What I want to know is if the Cooley High remake goes into production, how much will creator Eric Monte receive? If that name sounds familiar, he and Cooley High are listed in the closing credits (see above at 1:15) of the 70s sitcom What's Happening. The show, which rand from 1976-79 was loosely based on Cooley High, with a slightly lighter tone and the setting moved from Chicago to L.A. Monte real-life persona, as a teen from the 'hood wanting to become a Hollywood writer,has been portrayed on screen twice but real life has had its ups and downs. Although he's managed to land some guest writing spots on the Wayans Bros., Monte lost the rights to his original creation. You can read a 2014 CNN interview here. Who knows how many other stories are out there or who can at least drop some knowledge about having a great idea but learning how to deal with the legal stuff and still get PAID! Once again, I don't know the technicalities of getting a movie made but I think this man deserves real acknowledgement (and a cut of the profits).
Hey, I hope you're not on vacation again! I like the tribute to you know who but I miss the reviews. Do you still watch old black flicks? You used to give Indies a little love but that was a long time ago. So what's up?
Going back to school when your old friends are becoming grandparents is rough but I would encourage anyone to do it😼. Truthfully, my pattern lately is to watch a whole bunch in a short period and then switch to 1990+. As far as indie flicks go, the only one I can recommend is The Man in 3b. Besides the magic that is Lamman Rucker, its a good story with better acting.
Tried some others in the past few months. 1983 with Hill Harper and Sharon Leal was a little intense. I like Aunjanue (or ingenue) Ellis and rented the Volunteer on her name only. The only reason why I understood it was that I have family dealing with mental illness (another Hill Harper movie, btw). I saw Divas with Rachel True and while the story was interesting, not even Vanessa bell Calloway could save it.
On the flip, I'm still watching the Mod Squad DVD collection and going further back with the black flicks. Check out a young Eartha Kitt below
Maybe not classics but movies that got some serious dust on them 'cause I ain't never heard of Mean Mother (1974) or The Murder Gang (I used to love the Brown Sugar on Saturday nights until Bounce got stuck on the same ol, same ol. So just on a whim, I decided to look at what was doing for Sat. (since I really have nowhere to go anyway) and got a nice little surprise. Truth, the plot didn't say much so I decided these trailers (with a crazy score playing in the background) would entice you to step away from cable for a few hours. Oh yeah, if the topic of professional women gets under your skin, this may not be your type of movie.
For years, I've been looking forward to the Miles Davis biopic starring Don Cheadle (who also directed). He is one of my favorites and I think it's about time that the public become educated on the music industry as well as the trumpeter, who succumbed to cancer in 1995. The timing seemed perfect until....we lost another genius on 4/21/16.
A day I'll never forget as long as I live but in getting back to regular life (and trying to ignore the speculative reports), I want to see Miles Ahead more than ever. It came to only a few L.A. theaters in early April, and if a person (like myself) lives south of the 10 Freeway, wait until 4/22 for wider release ...or deal with Hollyweird traffic.
So last weekend, I'm looking through the AMC website, where there are about 4 theaters within a 10-minute drive and all I see are the usual standards (an A-lister, sci-fi or really violent flick, and at least one cartoon) and Purple Rain.
I'm one of those people who saw the movie several times during its original release back in 1984. Despite having the DVD, I sometimes catch the heavily-edited musical on VH1 while doing chores. Although 1986's Under the Cherry Moon (P was a hoodrat gigolo looking for a quick comeup with a blue-blood type chick but meets an early demise instead) was more original and I liked the score better, I get it. Let's celebrate life but why can't two brothers be on screen at the same damn time?
Cheadle's been in the game forever and these days, I can't wait for him to take a load off of Samuel L.Jackson. Even if you've never heard of Petey Greene, Talk to Me is more than Taraji in pre-Cookie Lyons mode. Performances were beyond excellent and I hope that I live to see more flicks like this instead of domestic/slave movies that the masses like to shove down our throat.
This is not a slap for those who do this in real life. I realize that my degree, skills or contacts offer me no permanent guarantees in life. So in winding down, I don't want to wait to see Miles Ahead or see it at a Redbox next month.
