With help from his friends, a Memphis pimp (Terrence Howard)in a mid-life crisis attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.

Surprise, surprise, a film about a Memphis pimp turned hip-hop star is not as crass and unwatchable as one might expect. There are numerous films with hookers with a heart of gold, Hustle & Flow is the first pimp with a heart of gold I’ve ever seen. Terrence Howard’s “Djay” was poignant, believable and remarkably acted. Taraji P. Henson’s “Shug”, one of Djay’s prostitutes was also very moving and well acted. Howard was nominated for both a Golden Globe and Oscar, and though he didn’t win, it was well dserved.

Except for a couple of scenes that crossed the “cheesy” line, including that one where Djay and Shug kiss for the first time, Hustle and Flow was well written. The story was believable. The directing was solid. Definitely worth a rent.

January 29th, 2008 / Want to Comment?

“Mystery surrounded the death today in New York of the Australian-born actor Heath Ledger, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as one of two cowboys in the 2005 film, Brokeback Mountain. Friends and fans alike were shocked to hear of the 28-year-old’s death at a downtown Manhattan apartment.” Read entire article here. More details here.

I was absolutely shocked to hear about Heath Ledger’s death. It’s really a sad event and truly sad loss in Hollywood. Heath Ledger was truly a remarkable actor who had so much more ahead of him, career wise. I won’t speculate on his personal life. It’s none of anyone’s business. All I know is that he was brilliant in all the roles I’d seen him in. He had a special, natural and true talent as an actor that will be very badly missed, especially in a Hollywood seemed hell bent on churning out cookie-cutter “stars” rather than genuine, talented actors and actresses with star qualities. He was a rising star whose light was extinguish way, way, way too soon. Below is a list of some of Ledgers’ best known films. My favorites are in bold:

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January 22nd, 2008 / Want to Comment?

And the nominees for the 80th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) are….

Best motion picture of the year

• “Atonement” (Focus Features)
• “Juno” (Fox Searchlight)
• “Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.)
• “No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
• “There Will Be Blood” (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)

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January 22nd, 2008 / Want to Comment?

I don’t know what it is about film adaptations, but like period pieces and coming of age stories, I just love them and am willing to see just about any in that genre provided the acting is good. As an avid reader and a writer, I really enjoy seeing film adaptations of novels, short stories and plays. Where some people dislike film adaptations that don’t “stay true” to the original story, I am open to seeing a screenwriter’s or director’s screen adaption no matter the change. Plus, it’s rare that an adaptation of any kind can be completely faithful because creative minds don’t think alike. Anyway, some things in literature don’t translate well on screen. A novel is written from the point of view of the protagonist who moves us through the story using thoughts, descriptions, emotion, and other intangibles. Whereas, the screen play, the film is all about action. Besides, artistic license shouldn’t be censored. Although sometimes screen adaptations fall short and the true vein of a novel’s story line can be lost in translation, when a good screenwriter and/or director decides to detract from novel, short story or play one way or another, I’ve been delightfully surprised…and relieved.
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January 19th, 2008 / 2 comments

<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=IcTNIAWetRI">Click here to view video</a>

January 18th, 2008 / Want to Comment?

The winners are noted with a star and bolded:

Best Motion Picture - Drama

• American Gangster
• **Atonement
• Eastern Promises
• The Great Debaters
• Michael Clayton
• No Country For Old Men
• There Will Be Blood

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January 13th, 2008 / Want to Comment?

So the Golden Globes event has been canceled do the the continued writer’s strike. But, actors, directors, writers and so forth still need to get their awards. So, the recipients of the Globes will be announced at a Beverly Hilton press conference on January 13, 6pm EST. I’m not so bummed as I am disappointed. I like the red carpet part most of all. But, one missed night of extreme decadence in Hollywood won’t kill anyone. I guess the show mustn’t go on…if the writers are on strike.

January 10th, 2008 / Comments Off

January 10th, 2008 / Comments Off