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Written by John Ishmar
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Man on a Ledge is the kind of movie that will have you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. The movie can be compared to a roller coaster. Starting off slow to build up tension and suspense but once it has reached the peak, let the onslaught of action begin.
The movie starts off with Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) checking into a hotel and having an exquisite meal. Once complete with the meal he steps through the window and onto the ledge where he is spotted by a nearby pedestrian. The audience is then left with a cliffhanger as the story back tracks to explain the story that led up to that moment. As the movie goes back to explain things it may actually make a few people more confused. The hints and clues given are too few and far in between and by the time everything is caught up, you’re sitting in your seat scratching your head wondering if you just missed something important because you’re still lost.
Returning back to the ledge, we find out that the streets have been blocked off and a crowd of eager onlookers have gathered to see if Nick will really jump. When the initial officers who arrived on the scene fail to talk him off the ledge Nick makes a request for Lydia Anderson, (Elizabeth Banks) a professional negotiator. At first she seems inept and this idea is further continued when we discover that in her last case she was unable to talk the jumper down and they took their own life in the end. Lydia speaks to Nick gaining his trust and getting him to really tell her why he is out on that ledge. A good deal into the movie the full story is finally revealed to us. That also reveals some of the other power players of the movie, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell and Genesis Rodriguez.
Overall it was a good movie. There were many twists and even a handful of jokes that will surely keep the audience intrigued. If not for the delay in the beginning this could have been a highly successful movie. I would recommend people to go see it but if they are easily bored and give up on a movie after the first few minutes then this is not the one for you. However, once you do get hooked you’ll be wondering when it happened and what was it that finally got you to fall for this movie.
Man On The Ledge receives a PAR
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
Also Check Out:
Man on a Ledge is the kind of movie that will have you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. The movie can be compared to a roller coaster. Starting off slow to build up tension and suspense but once it has reached the peak, let the onslaught of action begin.
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Written by Varian Gatewood
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It takes the combined personalities of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton to wring entertainment value out of Joyful Noise, which they do to some degree, but it’s the lively choral music performances that partially salvage this kettle of corn. As longtime rivals in a small Georgia church choir, Latifah and Parton hurl insults and homilies back and forth with reckless abandon. The word “shameless” comes to mind after the fifth or sixth example sails by.
Fortunately, they are not the only characters in the film. Parton’s bad-boy grandson (Jeremy Jordan) comes to live with her, and is immediately smitten by Latifah’s daughter (Keke Palmer), who sings with the choir—and inspires him to join in. He urges the new choral director Latifah to adopt some modern ideas about her repertoire and performance style, especially since the group repeatedly comes in second in a national competition. Therein lays the crux of the plot.
Writer-director Todd Graff, whose mother (we learn in the closing credits) led a Hadassah choir for many years, has concocted a script that’s long and needlessly busy. He even incorporates a needless subplot about two choir members having sex that earns the otherwise squeaky-clean movie a PG-13 rating.
But musically, there is nothing to complain about: old-timey gospel numbers (including one composed by Parton) are contrasted with new material and compatible pop tunes like Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” All of this is under the direction of Mervyn Warren, formerly of the a cappella group Take 6. Keke Palmer, who came to my attention as the little girl in Akeelah and the Bee six years ago, is now a beautiful 18-year-old with an equally beautiful singing voice. She and Jordan harmonize well when they’re not engaged in puppy love.
Joyful Noise receives a PAR
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
Also Check Out:
It takes the combined personalities of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton to wring entertainment value out of Joyful Noise, which they are able to do to some degree, but it’s the lively choral music performances that partially salvage this kettle of corn. As longtime rivals in a small Georgia church choir, Latifah and Parton hurl insults and homilies back and forth with reckless abandon. The word “shameless” comes to mind after the fifth or sixth example sails by.
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Written by Varian Gatewood
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Starring Hollywood veterans Terrence Howard as Col. A.J. Bullard and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Major Emanuel Stance, alongside rising stars Nate Parker as Martin "Easy" Julian and David Oyelowo as Joe "Lightning" Little, the movie shows in its opening image the air squadron flying what is supposed to be a relatively low-key patrol over a serene Italian countryside. Led by their unflappable flight leader, Easy, they try to maintain a sense of dignity despite being relegated to what is considered mop-up duty in a war where white servicemen were assigned the most honorable missions and were recognized as the only real heroes.
During the errand run, the Red Tails (the name referred to the color of the tails on their planes) come across a moving train that appears to be carrying civilian cargo, only to realize that it's a heavily armed German convoy equipped with troops and artillery. Easy cautions the team to approach with prudence. But Lightning, the talented yet rebellious, hot-tempered pilot of the bunch, decides to engage the enemy in spite of Easy's orders and wages a vaunted assault on the German train, a battle that puts the Tails at risk and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
For its entertainment value, the movie appeals to a wide range of moviegoers. From history lovers to war-film fanatics, Red Tails will likely satisfy the appetite of anyone who enjoys a fast-moving adventure. More meaningfully, Red Tails is a film that reflects a critical juncture in African-American history.
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is one of sheer bravery and humanity, yet it's a narrative that almost never has been told because of Hollywood's unwillingness to promote big-budget black films with a predominantly black cast. Lucas began developing the movie in 1988 and tried to produce it in 1992. But it wasn't until nearly two decades later, after almost all of the established production companies passed on the project, that he decided to fund it himself and turn the film into a reality.
Opening nationwide on Jan. 20, Lucas' cinematic version of the Tuskegee Airmen's real-life experiences is but a CliffsNotes version of the real thing. But hopefully, the film will pry open the channels of discourse that will empower more African Americans' stories to be told in ways that aren't diminishing or compromising.
As with the journeys of all other black soldiers before them in all of the wars in which America has been a part, the harrowing story of the Red Tails is about African Americans overcoming injustice by upholding democracy, despite their realities as second-class citizens in America.
They were heroes not because they were finally recognized with Medals of Honor decades after they sacrificed their lives for America but because they prevailed over an enemy both in the sky and on land at home. But through it all, as Parker's character aptly shouts before the film's final battle: "From the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last man, we fight."
And they won every time.
Red Tails receives a PARL
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
Also Check Out:
In its opening sequence, the air squadron is flying in what is supposed to be a relatively low-key patrol over a serene Italian countryside. Led by their unflappable flight leader, "Easy" (Nate Parker), they try to maintain a sense of dignity despite being relegated to what is considered mop-up duty in a war where white servicemen were assigned the most honorable missions and were recognized as the only real heroes. During the errand run, the Red Tails (the name referred to the color of the tails on their planes) come across a moving train that appears to be carrying civilian cargo, only to realize that it's a heavily armed German convoy equipped with troops and artillery. Easy cautions the team to approach with prudence. But "Lightning" (David Oyelowo), the talented yet rebellious, hot-tempered pilot of the bunch, decides to engage the enemy in spite of Easy's orders and wages a vaunted assault on the German train, a battle that puts the Tails at risk and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
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Written by Kevin Benoit
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It's been a full 24 hours since I watched the screening of the film Pariah, and I'm still thinking about the movie and analyzing scenes. The Focus Features film, written and directed by Dee Rees is sure to have a similar impact on all audiences when it opens up for limited release in New York and California on --
Pariah features breakout performances by several new faces to the big screen including the star, (Alike) Adepero Oduye, her best friend, (Laura) Pernell Walker, her father (Charles Parnell) amonst several surprising supporting cast members. Kim Wayans, who plays the mother to the lead character is the movie's only well known face, which is just amazing considering how well all the actors performed.
The film is about a growing teenager, Alike, who is coming into her own, trying to express herself as the person she truly feels she has become. Just 17, years old, she has to deal with everything any other teen has to deal with in school--peer pressure, home work, making friends, family drama but, in addition she's also trying to accept her own sexuality. With a God fearing, unaccepting mother, this tasks becomes even more difficult.
The story line has probably been done before, but I've never experienced it. In fact, its been a while since I've watched a film that felt so real and true to life. It reminded me of girls I went to high school with and I have no doubt that young girls and boys deal with the same issues daily.
The film has already impressed at the Sundance Film Festival 2011. It also helps to be able to list Spike Lee among of list of Executive Producers. The soundtrack for the film is another highlight, spotlighting several new and upcoming artists. The last thing I'll highlight is the Director's decision to spotlight all the actresses with their natural hair. Of course the little tidbit was pointed out to me by my female co-worker about halfway through the film, but once noticing its hard not appreciate it, especially in an age many young women are struggling with trying to become natural. Pariah serves as a canvas of beautiful Black women of all ages, complexions, and hair styles.
Do yourself the favor and check out this film. Not just to support Black arts, but to support an all around great body of work.
Pariah receives a PARL
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
Also Check Out:
It's been a full 24 hours since I watched the screening of the film Pariah, and I'm still thinking about the movie and analyzing scenes in my mind. The Focus Features film, written and directed by Dee Rees is sure to have a similar impact on all audiences when it opens up for limited release in New York, San Francisco & LA on December 28th. Pariah features breakout performances by several new faces to the big screen including the star, (Alike) Adepero Oduye, her best friend, (Laura) Pernell Walker, her father (Charles Parnell) amonst several surprising supporting cast members. Kim Wayans, who plays the mother to the lead character is the movie's most well known face, which is just amazing considering how well all the actors performed.
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Written by Kevin Benoit
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David E. Talbert has perfected the art of inspired theater infused with music. Much like Tyler Perry he has developed a fan base of die hard fans and his audience loves and appreciates the work he continues to release. "What My Husband Doesn't Know" is his latest project which he is currently touring across the country. Michelle Willams and Brian White headline a list of notable actors who fill the cast of the movie version of the play.
Michelle plays a woman named, - who is involved in an extramarital affair. Unsurprisingly, her husband has no idea. The young and attractive Brian White (-) was able to lure her into her arms, but the twist comes when he begins to go above and beyond, making it clear that he doesn't want to live without her.
The supporting cast help make the play a joy to watch. Michelle's ability as a double threat with potent vocals and a looming stage presence make her a lovable lead, but its the humor of her best friend, her mother's booming voice and the craziness of her husband's friend that keeps What My Husband Doesn't Know interesting.
David E. Talbert has perfected the art of inspired theater infused with music. Much like Tyler Perry he has developed a fan base of die hard fans and his audiences loves and appreciate the work he continues to release. "What My Husband Doesn't Know" is his latest project which he is currently touring across the country. Michelle Willams and Brian White headline a list of notable actors who fill the cast of the DVD version of the play.
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Spotlight Feature
Sometimes, it must fall upon the journalist to ensure that what they are hearing in an interview is clear enough that they can truthfully and accurately present their subject's words as quotations. This may require asking for an answer repeatedly, admitting you missed something that could have been important, or actively picking and choosing which quotes should be completely captured in a form of verbal triage. Other times, it may simply require asking the subject to slow down because your cell phone's speaker is woefully inadequate. Such was the case with Kirko Bangz, and regrettably, I did not follow the advice laid out above. The following is what I can transcribe from my conversation with the Houston hopeful, whose Drake on promethazine approach has been reverberating within the scene.
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