Time to talk a bit about movies. I’ve spoken about the upcoming remake 300 (300 Spartans at Thermoplye - 10.07.2006.1) which I hope will be good. Knowing that the backgrounds and much of the movie has been done via CGI effects is not the most motivating thought to me. But that does not preclude the film from being done well. We will see.
Going a bit forward there are a few that seem like interesting films. So far the previews look quite good for Reign Over Me, Pride, and Shooter. Going in order Reign Over Me seems the most powerful. The cast stars Mr. Don Cheadle, who I think is overlooked far too much. His performance in Hotel Rawanda was acclaimed though the film did not get the recognition it deserved. More likely most recall his supporting roles in movies such as Hamburger Hill, Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, Devil in a Blue Dress, Rosewood, Operation Swordfish and Out of Sight. You will also see him in Ocean’s Thirteen. I feel he is a rising star, and I have no doubt that his name will gain more attention in the near future. So that is a big positive for the film. The other leading star of the film is Mr. Adam Sandler in another dramatic performance. Mr. Sandler has made the transition to dramatic roles quite well and has had several solid performances in this genre.
Given the power of these two men, and Mrs. Jada Pinkett-Smith who is no mere window dressing, the stage is set. The storyline is one that many can relate to, this is especially true for those of us from NYC. It is the story of 2 old friends, one of which lost his family in a plane crash. As they reconnect they get a chance to see life from a different perspective and everything changes from there. This doesn’t appear to be a sappy movie, just a real story about the trial of life and what it takes and gives us each. Expect to hear a lot more about it.
The movie Pride stars another favorite of mine, Mr. Terence Howard. Mr. Bernie Mac is also in the film taking a more serious role than his previous films. This is another film in the growing trend of biopics, that touch on the past achievements made by various African Americans that have previously been given little recognition. I always enjoy a well-done story of an underdog surpassing expectations, as do most people. I also find it important to see films that remind us all that blatant racism is hardly a thing of the far past, and that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle.
There is no question that Mr. Howard is capable enough to perform the lead in this type of film, and that alone is enough for me. The fact that this is based on a true story, and it depicts the emergence of youths thought beyond hope to a point of self-awareness and self-respect that they did not think possible. This is a positive image that needs to be seen more. Counter to the media fueled images of Black Americans as criminals and drug dealers (I’m speaking of the music videos and cheaply made, poorly scripted, rap or hip hop starred ‘ghetto’ films) it’s important to see the true images of African Americans as regular people capable of surmounting obstacles. Perhaps this film will ring similar to Mr. Denzel Washington’s Remember The Titans, and in many ways that’s a good thing. We shall see.
As to the film Shooter, well it’s not a serious drama. At least the theatrical and television film clips don’t present it as such. It’s an action film starring Mr. Mark Wahlberg, with a supporting role by Mr. Danny Glover. Mr. Wahlberg has become a reliable and consistent action-based actor, his roles in The Italian Job and The Big Hit been obvious examples of his success. He’s picked his roles quite well, and had solid performances in each role, even in the badly done remake Planet of the Apes. While the theme of this movie has been done multiple times, recently by Mr. Wesley Snipes and Mr. Tommy Lee Jones in U.S. Marshals and Mr. Keenen Ivory Wayans in Most Wanted, it’s a good plotline. The trailer clips seem to show a film that is balanced with enough explosions and shoot-outs to entertain action fans, but enough of a plot to let it make sense.
Well those are my thoughts on the upcoming movies to hit theaters soon. I’m sure you will let me know how close to the mark I am.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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