ESPN definitely has a hit on their hands with the releasing of Playmakers. Whether you're a football fan or not, Playmakers will definitely have you hooked. The casting of Omar Gooding was genius. The characters are believable and mesh well together. With each passing week you find yourself drawn in and wanting more. I hope the series makes it. If it doesn't, maybe they'll put it on DVD. This is must a must see drama.
Reviews
8 Reviews
K-PAX
(2001)
Schizophrenia or Reality?
31 March 2002
When I saw the trailers for this movie I had no idea it would turn out to be one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
Kevin Spacey was pure genius as mental patient PROT, straight from K-PAX. I can't add anything else about the movie from other viewers who enjoyed it except to say that at it's conclusion you have to ask yourself "What is the Truth"?
This was one of the best movies of 2001. Worthy!!
Kevin Spacey was pure genius as mental patient PROT, straight from K-PAX. I can't add anything else about the movie from other viewers who enjoyed it except to say that at it's conclusion you have to ask yourself "What is the Truth"?
This was one of the best movies of 2001. Worthy!!
Ruby's Bucket of Blood
(2001 TV Movie)
Not a bad movie, but it falls
31 March 2002
I'm not a cable subscriber. This Showtime movie I rented strictly because of Angela Bassett and Executive Producer Whoopi Goldberg (One Ho Productions). Coming from Cajun roots, I was disappointed at the poor attempt at the Cajun dialogue. (If you can't do it right, leave it alone)
Angela Bassett plays a Juke Joint Owner in a small town in Louisiana. She's married to a man who has outgrown the marriage for whatever reason. The time is suppose to be the 60's. I was surprised to hear a customer asking Ruby (Angela Bassett) "Are you down with that"?? I was expecting the sexual tension that I read on the DVD cover. Instead, I felt the movie fell flat, especially towards the end. Angela delivers, as does Kevin Anderson.
Adapted from a stage play, I would have preferred to see the play.
Angela Bassett plays a Juke Joint Owner in a small town in Louisiana. She's married to a man who has outgrown the marriage for whatever reason. The time is suppose to be the 60's. I was surprised to hear a customer asking Ruby (Angela Bassett) "Are you down with that"?? I was expecting the sexual tension that I read on the DVD cover. Instead, I felt the movie fell flat, especially towards the end. Angela delivers, as does Kevin Anderson.
Adapted from a stage play, I would have preferred to see the play.
Hardball
(2001)
Definitely worth $23.00 on DVD
31 March 2002
I've loved Keanu Reeves for years. This movie showcased what I enjoy most about him, his sensitive side and his ability to create a memorable character. Hardball was extremely well written, directed and acted. The new talent in this movie was awesome to watch, especially "G-Baby" who let's face it, steals the entire movie.
Hardball is more than just "Showing up". It's a testament to the differences we all have in life. Keanu shows how the human spirit can affect positive change in an individual. Not only did he need the boys, they needed him as well. It's a movie that shows the reality of living in poverty and how that affects young boys in the inner cities. The trip to their first professional baseball game was monumental. Keanu Reeves expressions throughout the movie helped to shape it. Some times you don't need dialog. Emotional, funny, heartwarming. Hardball is all these things. It's a must have movie, one that you can watch over and over again.
Hardball is more than just "Showing up". It's a testament to the differences we all have in life. Keanu shows how the human spirit can affect positive change in an individual. Not only did he need the boys, they needed him as well. It's a movie that shows the reality of living in poverty and how that affects young boys in the inner cities. The trip to their first professional baseball game was monumental. Keanu Reeves expressions throughout the movie helped to shape it. Some times you don't need dialog. Emotional, funny, heartwarming. Hardball is all these things. It's a must have movie, one that you can watch over and over again.
Training Day
(2001)
Inner City Reality at it's Best
20 March 2002
Of the 43 or so movies that Denzel Washington has starred in, "Training Day" has got to be classified as one of the most memorable character's he has ever attempted. Antoine Fuqua's direction and David Ayer's writing tell the true story of police corruption in the mean streets of Los Angeles. Ethan Hawke's portrayal of Rookie Cop Jake Hoyt was convincing next to the larger than life stature of Denzel Washington. The movie is gripping from opening to close with sharp and realistic dialogue between Washington's character "Alonzo Harris" and Rookie Hoyt. The film is one that should be viewed twice. The second viewing helps to show the "mind games" that Alonzo plays with Hoyt throughout the movie, but also show what happens when manipulation fails. Ethan Hawke's supporting actor Oscar nod is rightfully deserved.
Nomatter how you may feel about Denzel when the movie ends, it's a performance worthy of the Best Actor Oscar. Living in Southern, California and growing up in the Inner City, this movie delivers the harsh realities of police corruption by not all, but many L.A.P.D. Detectives. Pay close attention to the dialogue. It rings true. This movie is real.
Snoop Dog (Blue)and Macy Gray (Sandman's wife)have small but worthy parts. Antoine Fuqua has come into his own as a Director with this movie. It only gets better from here. Training Day is a must see movie.
Nomatter how you may feel about Denzel when the movie ends, it's a performance worthy of the Best Actor Oscar. Living in Southern, California and growing up in the Inner City, this movie delivers the harsh realities of police corruption by not all, but many L.A.P.D. Detectives. Pay close attention to the dialogue. It rings true. This movie is real.
Snoop Dog (Blue)and Macy Gray (Sandman's wife)have small but worthy parts. Antoine Fuqua has come into his own as a Director with this movie. It only gets better from here. Training Day is a must see movie.
Bones
(2001)
The Soundtrack is Great
26 February 2002
What did anyone expect from this movie? I missed it when it played in theaters during Halloween and I showed up at Hollywood Video this morning to rent it. The casting was good. I particularly like the fact that Snoop is doing his "movie thing". He was scrumptious in his pimp daddy clothes and simplistic acting style.
Definitely a spin on the movies of the 70's. I thought the blood and effects were extremely weak, but again, I wasn't expecting this to be Nightmare on Elm Street. Actually, it was much better than I expected it to be. Let's face it, Snoop will never be an Oscar contender, but at least he's attempting to do something positive with his dollar- dollar bills.
The absolute best thing about the entire movie was the Soundtrack which the movie starts out with playing a smooth re-make by Snoop of James' Brown's "The Big Pay Back". That alone gets two thumbs up from this critic.
Definitely a spin on the movies of the 70's. I thought the blood and effects were extremely weak, but again, I wasn't expecting this to be Nightmare on Elm Street. Actually, it was much better than I expected it to be. Let's face it, Snoop will never be an Oscar contender, but at least he's attempting to do something positive with his dollar- dollar bills.
The absolute best thing about the entire movie was the Soundtrack which the movie starts out with playing a smooth re-make by Snoop of James' Brown's "The Big Pay Back". That alone gets two thumbs up from this critic.
Two Can Play That Game
(2001)
DISAPPOINTING MOVIE
21 February 2002
Two Can Play That Game Morris Chestnut/Vivica A. Fox/Anthony Anderson
I recently rented this disappointing movie from first time writer/director Mark Brown. I make it a general practice to rent on DVD. Once watching the movie, I then review the Director's commentary. I couldn't get through the second scene of the commentary. Mr. Brown is definitely new to the game of film making.
While the movie was well casted, Morris Chestnut, Anthony Anderson, Monique, Bobby Brown, Gabriella Union (who was miss-casted) and others, Anthony Anderson saved the movie. Keith (Morris Chestnut) is a successful Attorney and Anthony Anderson is his colleague and friend. Anthony's character coaches Keith in dealing with a `smarter than the average woman'.
The idea of a trimmed down and toned Vivica A. Fox speaking directly into the camera throughout the entire movie, turned me off. While the idea of this successful Black woman, living large and in charge, the epitome of respect from her girlfriends is appealing the character falls real short. She spends the entire movie giving advice as if it came from that stupid book, `The Rules' yet at the end (when she realizes the big plan may have backfired - she flips the script and punks out) To be honest I was very disappointed with the ending.
Mr. Brown's vision was to show the games we play in love. The games played in this movie are some of the oldest tricks in the book and ones I would think a professional woman wouldn't need to play. A disappointing first effort by Mr. Brown. I can say this much, it was much better than `How To Be a Player'.
I recently rented this disappointing movie from first time writer/director Mark Brown. I make it a general practice to rent on DVD. Once watching the movie, I then review the Director's commentary. I couldn't get through the second scene of the commentary. Mr. Brown is definitely new to the game of film making.
While the movie was well casted, Morris Chestnut, Anthony Anderson, Monique, Bobby Brown, Gabriella Union (who was miss-casted) and others, Anthony Anderson saved the movie. Keith (Morris Chestnut) is a successful Attorney and Anthony Anderson is his colleague and friend. Anthony's character coaches Keith in dealing with a `smarter than the average woman'.
The idea of a trimmed down and toned Vivica A. Fox speaking directly into the camera throughout the entire movie, turned me off. While the idea of this successful Black woman, living large and in charge, the epitome of respect from her girlfriends is appealing the character falls real short. She spends the entire movie giving advice as if it came from that stupid book, `The Rules' yet at the end (when she realizes the big plan may have backfired - she flips the script and punks out) To be honest I was very disappointed with the ending.
Mr. Brown's vision was to show the games we play in love. The games played in this movie are some of the oldest tricks in the book and ones I would think a professional woman wouldn't need to play. A disappointing first effort by Mr. Brown. I can say this much, it was much better than `How To Be a Player'.
John Q
(2002)
Denzel is believable as usual
21 February 2002
When Denzel Washington accepts a role, there's an unspoken guarantee of excellence. This is definitely the case with his role as John Quincy Archibald in New Line Cinema's release of `John Q'.
I was pleased to see Denzel in his usual true to life character. A plant worker trying to support his family in difficult times, working 20 hour weeks. The story is one the world is familiar with: Our failing healthcare system. Controlled medicine. What this Father is willing to do for the love of his son is what makes John Q another smash hit for Denzel and New Line Cinema.
Kimberly Elise, best known from Set if Off and Beloved was very convincing as a strong Black woman fearful not only of losing her child, but willing to stand by her man at any cost. Her scenes in the movie are worthy. Having worked in the Healthcare industry and understanding both sides of the dilemma, Anne Heche was the epitome of the heartless Hospital Administrator who can only think in terms of dollars and no sense. Other notable characters are James Woods as the Cardiologist in charge of the case and Daniel E. Smith, a young actor who I predict we'll be seeing on the big screen for many years to come.
John Q will make you laugh, and make you cry. I would hope that people walk away from this movie feeling more informed about the greed in medical practices in this country. The problem with HMO's is not new. Until and unless we start making waves, the problem will persist. I'm anticipating the DVD release. This is one you must definitely have in your Denzel Washington collection. Bravo to Director Nick Cassavetes. But how hard could it be to direct Denzel Washington?
I was pleased to see Denzel in his usual true to life character. A plant worker trying to support his family in difficult times, working 20 hour weeks. The story is one the world is familiar with: Our failing healthcare system. Controlled medicine. What this Father is willing to do for the love of his son is what makes John Q another smash hit for Denzel and New Line Cinema.
Kimberly Elise, best known from Set if Off and Beloved was very convincing as a strong Black woman fearful not only of losing her child, but willing to stand by her man at any cost. Her scenes in the movie are worthy. Having worked in the Healthcare industry and understanding both sides of the dilemma, Anne Heche was the epitome of the heartless Hospital Administrator who can only think in terms of dollars and no sense. Other notable characters are James Woods as the Cardiologist in charge of the case and Daniel E. Smith, a young actor who I predict we'll be seeing on the big screen for many years to come.
John Q will make you laugh, and make you cry. I would hope that people walk away from this movie feeling more informed about the greed in medical practices in this country. The problem with HMO's is not new. Until and unless we start making waves, the problem will persist. I'm anticipating the DVD release. This is one you must definitely have in your Denzel Washington collection. Bravo to Director Nick Cassavetes. But how hard could it be to direct Denzel Washington?
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