Beyonce, Drake and Bryson Tiller Lead 2016 BET Awards

Sunday Night Was #LIT as Beyoncé, Drake and Bryson Tiller Win Big at the 2016 “BET Awards”

In an Epic All Night Celebration, Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Erykah Badu, Tori Kelly, Janelle Monae and the Roots Honor Prince with Powerful Renditions of His Greatest Hits

#BETAWARDS

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last night, BET lived up to their promise “We Got You” and delivered a show filled with epic surprises and captivating moments. BEYONCÉ shocked the packed house when she opened the show with KENDRICK LAMAR in a first-ever LIVE television performance of “Freedom.” The night continued with heartfelt high-energy performances in honor of the artistry, legend and soul that is PRINCE at the 16th annual BET Awards, which aired live from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Sunday, June 26, 2016.

2016 “BET AWARDS” show highlights include:

Returning hosts ANTHONY ANDERSON and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS had the crowd in hysterics with their hilarious opening spoof of the Tony award-winning musical “Hamilton” infusing some of today’s hottest songs including “Panda,” “Cut It” and “Down in the DM.”

In one of the evening’s homages to Prince, STEVIE WONDER sang alongside TORI KELLY to “Take Me With U.” The audience stayed on their feet as JENNIFER HUDSON came out directly following, blowing the crowd away with an emotional and breathtaking performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

Actor and civil rights activist JESSE WILLIAMS was presented this year’s Humanitarian Award by BET Chairman and CEO DEBRA LEE and gave a moving speech dedicating his award to “the real organizers all over the country.” He closed to a standing ovation as he reminded the audience that “Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real.”

A perfect ending to an evening of celebratory tributes, SHEILA E. shut the house down with an electrifying performance, featuring a medley of Prince classics including “Erotic City,” “Let’s Work,” “U Got the Look,” “A Love Bizarre,” “Glamorous Life,” and “Baby I’m A Star.”

In addition to all of these unforgettable moments, the complete list of 2016 “BET AWARDS” winners is:

Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
Beyoncé

Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
Bryson Tiller

Best Group
Drake & Future

Best Collaboration
Rihanna Ft. Drake – Work

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Video of the Year
Beyoncé

Video Director of the Year
Director X

Best New Artist
Bryson Tiller

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Kirk Franklin

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson

Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan

YoungStars Award
Amandla Stenberg

Best Movie
Straight Outta Compton

Sportswoman of the Year Award
Serena Williams

Sportsman of the Year Award
Stephen Curry

Centric Award
Beyoncé

Best International Act: Africa
Black Coffee (South Africa)

Best International Act: UK
Skepta

BET Global Good Award Honoree:
Akon (Senegal)

Viewer’s Choice “Best International” Artist:
Falz (Nigeria)

For select clips of the 2016 “BET AWARDS,” head to www.bet.com.

BET.com/Awards is the official site for the 2016 “BET AWARDS” and features all the incredible content from this year’s show. Join the conversation on social media by following BET Awards on the following platforms:

    Twitter & Instagram: @BETAwards, Use hashtag: #BETAwards
    Facebook: facebook.com/TheBETAwards
    Tumblr: betawards.tumblr.com

The 2016 “BET Awards” will premiere around the world on BET’s international network. It will air in the UK on Tuesday, June 28th, 2016, at 9:00pm BST, in Africa on Tuesday, June 28th, 2016, at 7:00pm CAT, and in France on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016, at 9:00pm CEST.

Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment served as Executive Producer. Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming; Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, and Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials served as Executive Producers for BET Networks.


ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, the leading world’s leading sports and live entertainment companies and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 23 - 26, 2016 presented by Coca-Cola®. This four-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at The Novo by Microsoft and STAPLES Center; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Microsoft Theater.

ABOUT AEG
AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, owns, operates or consults with a collection of companies including over 100 of the world’s preeminent facilities such as STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, CA), StubHub Center (Carson, CA), PlayStation Theater (Times Square, New York), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney, Australia), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin, Germany), and The O2 arena and entertainment district (London, England). Developed by AEG, L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports, & entertainment district featuring Microsoft Theater and a 54-story, 1001-room convention "headquarters" destination. In addition to overseeing privately held management shares of the Los Angeles Lakers, assets of AEG Sports include franchises such as the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and the Amgen Tour of California cycling stage race. Along with AEG Facilities, other global divisions include AEG Live, the world’s second largest concert promotion and touring companies comprised of touring, festival, exhibition, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions and AEG Global Partnerships, responsible for worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships, naming rights and other strategic partnerships. In 2010, AEG launched its AEG 1EARTH environmental program featuring the industry's first sustainability report while in 2011, AEG introduced AXS a comprehensive entertainment platform serving as the company’s primary consumer brand including AXS Ticketing which provides fans the opportunity to purchase tickets directly from their favorite venues via a user-friendly ticketing interface, Examiner.com and the AXS TV network, a linear cable channel focusing on live entertainment and lifestyle programming available in nearly 40 million homes. AEG’s European headquarters are located in London. Global headquarters are in Los Angeles. For more information, visit: www.aegworldwide.com

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars, ABFF Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of the hit TV series, Real Husbands of Hollywood starring Kevin Hart and the upcoming original miniseries based on the iconic music group New Edition that will debut on BET in 2017. He has worked with a myriad of superstar talent including Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince and Mariah Carey. Follow Jesse Collins Entertainment @JesseCollinsEnt on Twitter and Instagram and go to http://www.jessecollinsent.com/ for more information on the company.

Follow us @BET_PR AND @BETAWARDS

---------------------

2016 Dorian Award Winnters Announced; "Carol" Dominates

The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA) is an organization that is comprised of critics and entertainment journalists who write on television and film for noteworthy media outlets easily accessible in the U.S.  According to its website, most members identify as a member of the LGBTQ-munity:  lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, but the organization has non-gay “ally” journalists in its ranks, members who tend to work for LGBTQ-targeted outlets).

Through its annual Dorian Awards, GALECA toasts the finest in movies and television, from mainstream to LGBTQ-centric.  Oscar Wilde is the group's patron saint.

2016 Dorian Award winners (for the year in film and television 2015):

Film of the Year
“Carol”

Director of the Year
Todd Haynes, “Carol”

Film Actor of the Year
Leonardo Dicaprio, “The Revenant”

Film Actress of the Year
Cate Blanchett, “Carol”

LGBTQ Film of the Year
“Carol”

Foreign Language Film of the Year
“Son of Saul” (Hungary)

Screenplay of the Year
“Carol”

Documentary of the Year
“Amy”

Visually Striking Film of the Year
“Mad Max: Fury Road”

Unsung Film of the Year
“Tangerine”

Campy Flick of the Year
“Magic Mike XXL”

TV Drama of the Year
(TIE) “Fargo” & “Orange is the New Black”

TV Comedy of the Year
“Transparent”

TV Actor of the Year
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

TV Actress of the Year
Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”

LGBTQ Show of the Year
“Transparent”

Unsung TV Show of the Year
“Looking”

TV Current Affairs Show of the Year
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”

Campy TV Show of the Year
“Empire”

TV Musical Performance of the Year
Aretha Franklin

The ‘We’re Wilde About You’ Rising Star Award
Alicia Vikander

Wilde Wit of the Year
Amy Schumer

Wilde Artist of the Year
Todd Haynes

Timeless Award
Jane Fonda (previously announced)

-------------------

2016 Golden Globe Award Winners - Complete List

The Golden Globe Award is a movie accolade bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).  The award recognizes excellence in both film and television.  The annual awards ceremony is a major part of the film industry’s award season.

The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards winners were announced on Sunday, January 10, 2016.  The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards were hosted by Ricky Gervais.  The ceremony aired on NBC, from 8:00 (EST) and 5:00 (PST).  Denzel Washington was presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

2016 / 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards winners:

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• THE REVENANT -Regency Enterprises; Twentieth Century Fox

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• BRIE LARSON, ROOM

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

• LEONARDO DICAPRIO, THE REVENANT

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• THE MARTIAN - Twentieth Century Fox; Twentieth Century Fox

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• JENNIFER LAWRENCE, JOY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• MATT DAMON, THE MARTIAN

BEST MOTION PICTURE – ANIMATED

• INSIDE OUT - Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

BEST MOTION PICTURE – FOREIGN LANGUAGE

• SON OF SAUL (HUNGARY) - Laokoon Filmgroup; Sony Pictures Classics

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

• KATE WINSLET, STEVE JOBS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

• SYLVESTER STALLONE, CREED

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

• ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ IÑÁRRITU, THE REVENANT

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE

• AARON SORKIN, STEVE JOBS

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE

• ENNIO MORRICONE, THE HATEFUL EIGHT

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE

• “WRITING’S ON THE WALL” — SPECTRE: Music by: Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes; Lyrics by: Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

• MR. ROBOT (USA NETWORK) - Universal Cable Productions

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

• TARAJI P. HENSON, EMPIRE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

• JON HAMM, MAD MEN

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• MOZART IN THE JUNGLE (AMAZON VIDEO)- Amazon Studios

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• RACHEL BLOOM, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

• GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL, MOZART IN THE JUNGLE

BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• WOLF HALL PBS - A Playground Entertainment and Company Pictures production for BBC and MASTERPIECE in association with BBC Worldwide, Atlus Media and Prescience

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• LADY GAGA, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• OSCAR ISAAC, SHOW ME A HERO

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• MAURA TIERNEY, THE AFFAIR

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• CHRISTIAN SLATER, MR. ROBOT

Cecil B. DeMille Award:  Denzel Washington

-------------------------------

Complete List of Winners at the 2015 BET Awards

Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj Win Big at the Annual “BET AWARDS” 2015

Janet Jackson Receives Inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award

Epic Evening Featured Performances by Puff Daddy & The Family, Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Tinashe, Tyga and More

#BETAWARDS

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From JANET JACKSON and PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY to SMOKEY ROBINSON and KENDRICK LAMAR, it was a night full of electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches and unforgettable moments at the 15th annual “BET AWARDS" hosted by ANTHONY ANDERSON and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, which aired live from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Sunday, June 28, 2015.

Hosts ANTHONY ANDERSON and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS surprised the audience with a hilarious original opening song complete with Tracee flying over the stage in a money suit. The two captivated the crowd the entire night, thanks to their riffs on a range of hot topics, from Rachel Dolezal to Tyler Perry and impersonating celebrities from Sam Smith to Cookie and Lucius from “Empire.”

KENDRICK LAMAR kicked off the show with an explosive performance of his latest single “Alright” and graced the stage again after winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist. BEYONCÉ and CHRIS BROWN tied with 3 awards, followed by Oscar-winning film “Selma” and FOX’s “Empire,” which each took home two awards.

One of the most attention-grabbing moments of the evening was JANET JACKSON taking the stage to receive the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award, presented by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The pop icon was honored with a tantalizing, high-energy dance tribute highlighting a mix of some of the most memorable and successful performances of her storied career, as told by a star-studded roster of a few of the hottest names in the 2015 class of pop music. It included a pulsating rendition of “Pleasure Principle” by TINASHE, followed by “All for You” by JASON DERULO and CIARA’s hard-hitting delivery of “If.” All three stars joined forces for an unforgettable dance-off to “Rhythm Nation,” which had the entire crowd on their feet and cheering. A humbled Jackson shyly thanked God and her fans for her 25 plus year career, along with BET for the honor, all while smiling brightly and clutching her trophy in hand.

ALICIA KEYS made a surprise appearance joining THE WEEKND on the “BET AWARDS” stage for a stunning performance of "Earned It" that drew a standing ovation. The ultra-talented JANELLE MONAE delivered an incredible performance of "Yoga,” which was amped up even more with an appearance by JIDENNA, who took over the stage to perform his own hit “Classic Man.”

Always one to keep the party going, NICKI MINAJ got the crowd popping when she joined MEEK MILL on stage with CHRIS BROWN to perform their brand new single “All Eyes on Us.” Then, today's hottest rising stars, AVERY WILSON and ANDRA DAY both had impressive performances during the evening as a part of Music Matters presented by Nissan.

Earlier in the night CHRIS BROWN had the audience moving to his latest hit with TYGA “Ayo,” then the crowd got on their feet when OMARION joined the stage to jump on “Post To Be” for a hot dance routine with Brown.

YAZZ, JUSSIE SMOLLETT and SERAYAH from the cast of “Empire” had the entire room dancing to “No Apologies,” “You're So Beautiful,” and “Drip Drop,” which JUICY J joined for on stage.

BIG SEAN got the crowd on its feet to “One Man Can Change the World,” “Blessings,” and “IDFWU” with special guest E-40.

Presenter LAVERNE COX got in on the night's fun with co-presenter GABRIELLE UNION, who played a round of “hip-hop trivia” to determine who would have to change after wearing matching dresses.

One of the nights top highlights was a surprise reunion performance from PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY who brought out original members of Bad Boy Records including LIL’ KIM, MA$E, FAITH EVANS, THE LOX, 112 and a projection of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. as well as special guests FRENCH MONTANA and PHARRELL to perform classic records including “Peaches & Cream,””Feel So Good,” “Hypnotize,’” and “All About The Benjamins” as well as Diddy and Pharrell’s newest collaboration “Finna Get Loose.”

Following the performance, Diddy presented legendary recording artist and Motown executive SMOKEY ROBINSON with the Lifetime Achievement Award. TORI KELLY blew the audience away during the tribute performance for Robinson with her powerful vocals to a rendition of “Who’s Loving You,” followed by soulful performances from ROBIN THICKE and NE-YO, before Smokey himself took the stage to perform “Tracks of My Tears,” “Cruisin’,” and a crowd sing-along to “My Girl,” for which Kelly, Thicke and Ne-Yo returned to the stage.

PATTI LABELLE proved she hasn’t missed a beat joining TAMAR BRAXTON and K.MICHELLE who put their differences aside as they performed “If Only You Knew.”

FETTY WAP capped the epic night with smash hit “Trap Queen”, which delivered on its promise to be the hottest ticket in town. The "BET AWARDS" 2015 drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, with appearances by Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Janet Jackson, Brandy, DeSean Jackson, Donald Glover, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Rowland, Laverne Cox, Michael B Jordan, Michael Ealy, Nicole Ari Parker, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard, Tia Mowry-Hardict and Zendaya.

NICOLE ARI PARKER and BORIS KODJOE presented Bivian “Sonny” Lee lll (Founder and President of Son of a Saint) as a recipient of the 2015 Shine-A-Light. Michael B. Jordan also presented the honor to the #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement.

RIHANNA made an appearance to give BET the first look at her music video for “Bitch Better Have My Money” before its Thursday, July 2 release, which had the audience yelling “give her her money.”

In addition to all of these incredible moments, the complete list of “BET AWARDS” 2015 winners is:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown

Best Group
Rae Sremmurd

Best Collaboration
Common & John Legend, “Glory” from the Motion Picture Selma

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Video of the Year
Beyoncé, “7/11”

Video Director of the Year
Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Todd Tourso

Best New Artist
Sam Smith

Best Gospel Artist
Lecrae

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson, “No Good Deed/Think Like a Man Too/From the Rough”

Best Actor
Terrence Howard, “St. Vincent/Lullaby/Sabotage”

YoungStars Award
Mo'ne Davis

Best Movie
Selma

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Stephen Curry

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Nicki Minaj ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown “Only”

McDonald’s I’m Lovin’ It Award
Nicki Minaj

Fandemonium Award
Chris Brown

Centric Award
The Weeknd

Best International Act: Africa
Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Best International Act: UK
Stormzy

For performance clips of the “BET AWARDS” 2015, please visit: http://www.epklink.com/2015BETAwards

BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET AWARDS” 2015, and features all the incredible content from this year’s show. Join the conversation on social media by following BET’s multiple social media platforms dedicated to the BET Awards:

    On Twitter & Instagram: @BETAwards, Use hashtag: #BETAwards
    On Facebook: facebook.com/TheBETAwards
    On Tumblr: betawards.tumblr.com

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

Encore viewings of the show will air on BET on:

    Sunday, June 28 at 12:30 a.m.* (immediately following LIVE post show)
    Monday, June 29 at 8:00 p.m.*
    Tuesday, June 30 at 4:30 p.m.*

*ALL TIMES ARE EST

Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, served as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

---------------------

2015 "BET Award" Nominees Announced; Winners Announced June 28th

BET Networks Announces Official Nominees for The “BET Awards” 2015

Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj Lead with Six Nominations Followed by Beyoncé and Lil Wayne with Four

Sam Smith Receives Two Nods, and Newcomer FKA Twigs is Nominated for Best International Artist: UK

“BET Awards” to Air Live on Sunday, June 28 from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA at 8 P.M. ET

#BETAWARDS

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), today announced the nominations for the "BET Awards" 2015. Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lead with an impressive six nominations. Chris Brown is nominated for ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ two separate nods in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category, two nominations in the ‘Video of the Year’ category and the ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’ Nicki Minaj is nominated ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ two nominations for ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money.

Beyoncé and Lil Wayne round it out with four nominations each. Beyoncé is nominated for ‘Best Female R&B / Pop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Video Director of the Year,’ and the coveted ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’ Lil Wayne is nominated for ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award,’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money. This year also marks a special milestone for the "BET Awards" as it celebrates its 15th anniversary live from the Nokia Theatre, Sunday, June 28, 2015.

    “This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes”

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the "BET Awards" 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

“This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “We congratulate all of the talent on their remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment and look forward to them joining us in celebrating 15 years of the BET Awards.”

The complete list of nominees for the "BET Awards" 2015 are:

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
CIARA
JANELLE MONÁE
JHENÉ AIKO
K. MICHELLE
RIHANNA

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
AUGUST ALSINA
CHRIS BROWN
JOHN LEGEND
THE WEEKND
TREY SONGZ
USHER

BEST GROUP
A$AP MOB
JODECI
MIGOS
RAE SREMMURD
RICH GANG
YOUNG MONEY

BEST COLLABORATION
AUGUST ALSINA F/ NICKI MINAJ – NO LOVE (REMIX)
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
BIG SEAN
COMMON
DRAKE
J. COLE
KENDRICK LAMAR
WALE

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
AZEALIA BANKS
DEJ LOAF
IGGY AZALEA
NICKI MINAJ
TINK
TRINA

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - 7/11
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
NICKI MINAJ - ANACONDA

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
CHRIS ROBINSON
FATIMA ROBINSON
HYPE WILLIAMS

BEST NEW ARTIST
BOBBY SHMURDA
DEJ LOAF
FETTY WAP
RAE SREMMURD
SAM SMITH
TINASHE

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
DEITRICK HADDON
ERICA CAMPBELL
FRED HAMMOND
LECRAE
MALI MUSIC
MICHELLE WILLIAMS

BEST ACTRESS
GABRIELLE UNION
KERRY WASHINGTON
TARAJI P. HENSON
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
VIOLA DAVIS

BEST ACTOR
ANTHONY ANDERSON
IDRIS ELBA
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
KEVIN HART
TERRENCE HOWARD

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
JACOB LATIMORE
JADEN SMITH
MO'NE DAVIS
QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
ZENDAYA

BEST MOVIE
ANNIE
BEYOND THE LIGHTS
SELMA
THINK LIKE A MAN TOO
TOP FIVE

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
BRITTNEY GRINER
CANDACE PARKER
SERENA WILLIAMS
SKYLAR DIGGINS
VENUS WILLIAMS

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
CHRIS PAUL
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR.
LEBRON JAMES
MARSHAWN LYNCH
STEPHEN CURRY

COCA-COLA VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
BEYONCÉ – 7/11
DEJ LOAF – TRY ME
KENDRICK LAMAR – i
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN - ONLY
RAE SREMMURD F/ NICKI MINAJ & YOUNG THUG – THROW SUM MO
THE WEEKND – EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

CENTRIC AWARD
AVERY SUNSHINE – CALL MY NAME
JAZMINE SULLIVAN F/ MEEK MILL – DUMB
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK
SAM SMITH F/ MARY J. BLIGE – STAY WITH ME
THE WEEKND - EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: AFRICA
AKA (SOUTH AFRICA)
FALLY IPUPA (DR CONGO)
SARKODIE (GHANA)
SAUTI SOL (KENYA)
STONEBWOY (GHANA)
THE SOIL (SOUTH AFRICA)
WIZKID (NIGERIA)
YEMI ALADE (NIGERIA)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
FKA TWIGS
FUSE ODG
LETHAL BIZZLE
LITTLE SIMZ
MNEK
STORMZY

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network at 8:00pm GMT (check local listings).

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com. The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.


ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of Real Husbands of Hollywood, (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 - 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®. This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

Follow us @BET_PR AND @BETAWARDS

---------------

Review: "Top Five" is Chris Rock's Woody Allen Thing

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 15 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Top Five (2014)
Running time:  102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Chris Rock
PRODUCERS:  Eli Bush, Barry Diller, and Scott Rudin
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Manuel Alberto Claro
EDITOR:  Anne McCabe
COMPOSERS:  Ludwig Göransson and Ahmir-Khalib “Questlove” Thompson
Black Reel Award winner

COMEDY/DRAMA/ROMANCE   

Starring:  Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, Cedric the Entertainer, Ben Vereen, Sherri Shepherd, Jay Pharoah, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Hassan Johnson, Tichina Arnold, Luis Guzman, Kevin Hart, Olga Merediz, Laurissa Romain, Miriam Colon, Charlie Rose, Bruce Bruce, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, DMX, Jim Norton, and Jerry Seinfeld

Top Five is a 2014 comedy-drama and romance from writer-director Chris Rock.  Rock stars as a comedian who is trying to make it as a serious actor, while his fiancée is turning their upcoming wedding into a reality-television event.  Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Jay-Z, is a co-producer on this film.

Top Five focuses on Andre Allen (Chris Rock).  He had a successful career as a stand-up comedian, and later became a box office star with his hit movie franchise, Hammy The Bear, which yielded three films.  Now, Allen is trying to become a serious actor with a new film, Uprize, in which he portrays Dutty Boukman, a prominent figure in the Haitian Revolution.

Allen is also engaged to marry reality-TV star, Erica Long (Gabrielle Union).  The wedding planning, the bachelor party, the wedding itself, and even the honeymoon are going to be reality-television programming on the cable network, Bravo.  While dealing with the headache of a big wedding, Allen is also busy promoting Uprize, so he grudgingly agrees to a probing interview with The New York Times.  Allen is surprised to find himself opening up to Times reporter, Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), but Brown isn't quite being upfront about her intentions.

In Top Five, Chris Rock has delivered a film that recalls the films of Woody Allen.  Like Allen, Rock uses comedy to probe the inner recesses of the lead character's mind, faults, shortcomings, and foibles.  Also like Allen, Rock uses romance to bring together two conflicted people, whose motivations and yearnings are similar to one another, but are also in conflict with one another.

The drama comes into Top Five because, even with the crazy scenarios and embarrassing moments and revelations, the story takes everything seriously.  The sublime and the ridiculous cannot exist without each other, and stupidity does not absolve one of being honest with oneself.

Rock delivers a solid performance, and he only plays himself half the time in the film.  Rosario Dawson shows both dramatic and romance-comedy chops.  Wow, she is good, and I can't help but think that if she were a white girl that she would have headlined big-time romantic comedies ages ago.  Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson aren't better than Dawson.

J.B. Smoove is smooth, and Cedric the Entertainer kills it and then some in a cameo role.  Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, and Jerry Seinfeld appear together near the end of the film and are a treat, especially Seinfeld, who is a riot.  In fact, a number of comic actors and comedians (including Tracy Morgan) make cameo appearances or have bit parts in this movie, and they do their best to make Top Five a must-see movie.

The Hollywood trade press is reporting that producer Scott Rudin wants Chris Rock to quickly make a non-sequel follow-up to Top Five, bringing back some of the cast of this film.  This movie is going to be a hard act to follow.  Top Five is Rock's best directorial effort to date, and it is one of the best films of 2014.  Rock should have received an Oscar nomination for Top Five's screenplay.

9 of 10
A+

Saturday, April 11, 2015

NOTES:
2015 Black Reel Awards:  1 win: “Outstanding Screenplay (Original or Adapted), Motion Picture” (Chris Rock);  6 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Scott Rudin and Eli Bush), “Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture” (Chris Rock), “Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture” (Rosario Dawson), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Chris Rock), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Victoria Thomas), and “Outstanding Original Song (Ahmir-Khalib Thompson-performer and writer and Eliza Colby-performer and writer for the song, “It Ain't Easy”)

2015 Image Awards:  2 nominations: “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (Cedric the Entertainer) and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture” (Chris Rock)


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

"Selma," "black-ish" Dominate 2015 NAACP Image Awards - Complete Winners List

The NAACP Image Award is an award bestowed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  The award honors outstanding achievements by people of color in film, television, music, and literature.  The awards are voted on by members of the NAACP.

The nominations for the 46th NAACP Image Awards were announced with the categories divided into eight groups:  Television, Recording (Music), Literary (Books), Motion Picture, Documentary (film and television), Writing (for film and television), Directing (for film and television), and Animated/CGI (for film and television).

The 2015 NAACP Image Awards were presented Friday, February 6, 2015.

Entertainer of the Year: Taraji P. Henson

NAACP President’s Award: Spike Lee

2015 / 46TH NAACP Image Awards winners:

TELEVISION

Outstanding Comedy Series
• "black-ish" (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• Anthony Anderson - "'black-ish" (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
• Tracee Ellis Ross - "black-ish" (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
• Laurence Fishburne - "black-ish" (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
• Yara Shahidi - "black-ish" (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series
• "How to Get Away with Murder" (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
• Shemar Moore - "Criminal Minds" (CBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
• Viola Davis - "How to Get Away with Murder" (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Joe Morton - "Scandal" (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Khandi Alexander - "Scandal" (ABC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• "The Trip to Bountiful" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Blair Underwood - "The Trip to Bountiful" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
• Cicely Tyson - "The Trip to Bountiful" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding News/ Information - (Series or Special)
• "Unsung" (TV One)

Outstanding Talk Series
• "Steve Harvey" (Syndicated)

Outstanding Reality Series
• "Iyanla: Fix My Life" (OWN)

Outstanding Variety Series or Special
• "Oprah's Master Class" (OWN)

Outstanding Children’s Program
• "Doc McStuffins" (Disney Junior)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Youth/ Children’s Program - (Series or Special)
• Fatima Ptacek - "Dora and Friends: Into The City!" (Nickelodeon)

Outstanding Host in a Talk, Reality, News/ Information or Variety
• Steve Harvey - "Steve Harvey" (Syndicated)


RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist
• 3 Winans Brothers (BMG)

Outstanding Male Artist
• Pharrell Williams (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Female Artist
• Beyoncé (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
• "Stay with Me" - Sam Smith feat. Mary J Blige (Capitol)

Outstanding Jazz Album
• "My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke" - Al Jarreau (Concord)

Outstanding Gospel Album - (Traditional or Contemporary)
• "Where My Heart Belongs" - Gladys Knight (Shadow Mountain Records)

Outstanding Music Video
• "You & I (Nobody in the World)" - John Legend (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Song
• "We Are Here" - Alicia Keys (RCA Records)

Outstanding Album
• "Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics" - Aretha Franklin (RCA Records)

LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction
• "A Wanted Woman" - Eric Jerome Dickey (Penguin Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work - Non-Fiction
• "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" - Bryan Stevenson (Spiegel & Grau)

Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author
• "Forty Acres" - Dwayne Alexander Smith (Atria Books)

Outstanding Literary Work - Biography/ Auto-Biography
• "Breaking Ground: My Life in Medicine" - Louis Sullivan with David Chanoff (University of Georgia Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Instructional
• "Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life" - Joe Brewster, Michele Stephenson, Hilary Beard (Spiegel & Grau)

Outstanding Literary Work - Poetry
• "Citizen: An American Lyric" - Claudia Rankine (Graywolf Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Children
• "Dork Diaries 8: Tales From A Note-So-Happily Ever After" - Rachel Renee Russell with Nikki Russell and Erin Russell (Simon & Schuster)

Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens
• "Brown Girl Dreaming" - Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books)


MOTION PICTURE

Outstanding Motion Picture
• "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• David Oyelowo - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Taraji P. Henson - "No Good Deed" (Screen Gems)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
• Common - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
• Carmen Ejogo - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
• "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)


DOCUMENTARY

Outstanding Documentary - (Film)
• "Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People" (Chimpanzee Productions, Inc.)

Outstanding Documentary - (Television)
• "Bad Boys" (ESPN)

WRITING

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
• Sara Hess - "Orange is the New Black" - It Was the Change (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
• Erika Green Swafford - "How to Get Away with Murder" - Let's Get To Scooping (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie
• Shernold Edwards - "A Day Late and a Dollar Short" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
• Misan Sagay - "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)


DIRECTING

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
• Ken Whittingham - "Parks and Recreation" - Prom (NBC)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
• Carl Franklin - "House of Cards" - Chapter 14 (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie
• Reggie Bythewood - "Gun Hill" (BET)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
• Antoine Fuqua - "The Equalizer" (Columbia Pictures)


ANIMATED/CGI

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance - (Television or Film)
• Loretta Devine - "Doc McStuffins" (Disney Junior)

----------------------

Review: "Smokin' Aces" is Not Quite Smokin' (Happy B;day, Ray Liotta)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 117 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux

Smokin’ Aces (2006)
Running time:  109 minutes (1 hour, 49 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, some nudity, and drug use
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Joe Carnahan
PRODUCERS:  Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Joe Carnahan, and Liza Chasin
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Mauro Fiore (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Robert Frazen
COMPOSER:  Clint Mansell

CRIME/ACTION with elements of comedy and drama

Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta, Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Alicia Keys, Common, Taraji Henson, Martin Henderson, Peter Berg, Christopher Michael Holley, Nestor Carbonell, Chris Pine, Kevin Durand, Maury Sterling, Tommy Flanagan, Curtis Armstrong, Jason Batman, Mike Falkow Joseph Ruskin, Alex Rocco, Joel Edgerton, and Matthew Fox

The subject of this movie review is Smokin’ Aces, a 2007 crime and action film from director Joe Carnahan.  The movie focuses on a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch and the large number of people trying to kill him.  The film was released theatrically in January 2007.

Smokin’ Aces is the first film from writer/director Joe Carnahan since his gritty crime flick, Narc, which premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and went onto receive rave reviews (including praise from Harrison Ford).  The attention even earned him a deal to direct Mission: Impossible 3 before Carnahan departed the project over creative differences with Tom Cruise.

Buddy “Aces” Israel (Jeremy Piven) grew up amongst card sharks, gamblers, killers, and thugs.  By the time he was 21, Buddy was a wildly popular magician in Las Vegas, a celebrity who also got to hang out with the most dangerous criminals.  But Buddy wanted more.  He wanted to be gangster and became one before the law caught up with him.  After the sleazy Las Vegas illusionist agrees to testify against his former mob partners, he embarks on one last hurrah in Lake Tahoe before entering witness protective custody.

His one-time benefactor, Primo Sparazza (Joseph Ruskin), a mob power broker, isn’t about to let that happen.  Rumors are that Sparazza is willing to pay up to $1,000,000 for Buddy dead and his heart delivered back to Sparazza.  When word hits the street, a rogues gallery of degenerate assassins, killers, and psychopaths head for Lake Tahoe and the Nomad Casino where Buddy is hiding to claim the prize.  FBI Deputy Director Stanley Locke (Andy Garcia) sends his top agent, Richard Messner (Ryan Reynolds) and Messner’s veteran partner, Donald Carruthers (Ray Liotta), to keep Buddy safe, but can a few agents protect the seedy magician from a slew of would-be assassins?

Although the film has a delightful and wildly diverse cast, Smokin’ Aces is mostly a Pulp Fiction clone except that it has an even weirder cast of characters.  Defined by action movie frivolity, Smokin’ Aces attempts to make slime look glamorous.  Carnahan raises the crass display of bloodletting to new faux art heights.  The film has its moments, and its violence is as much cartoonish as it is nightmarish.  In a sense, it’s like some crazy, hyperactive crime comic book.  The film’s narrative is itself a card trick – an illusion in which the viewer keeps seeing what he expects to see and misses the obvious.  So the ending may come as a shock because it is something of a commentary on the dishonest and sometimes illegal means by which law enforcement goes after a large quarry.

Before that ending, there are some exceptional characters brought to life by actors giving rich performances.  Ryan Reynolds is the best of the lot, but Common as Sir Ivy and Alicia Keys and Taraji Henson as the badass assassin duo, Georgia Sykes and Sharice Watters, are fun to watch.

5 of 10
B-

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Updated:  Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

"Think Like a Man" a Frothy Battle of the Sexes

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 72 (of 2012) by Leroy Douresseaux


Think Like a Man (2012)
Running time: 122 minutes (2 hours, 2 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sexual content, some crude humor, and brief drug use
DIRECTOR: Tim Story
WRITERS: Keith Merryman and David A. Newman (based on the book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, by Steve Harvey)
PRODUCER: William Packer
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Larry Blanford
EDITOR: Peter S. Elliot
COMPOSER: Christopher Lennertz

ROMANCE/COMEDY

Starring: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union, La La Anthony, Chris Brown, Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Caleel Harris, Arielle Kebbel, Steve Harvey, Tony Rock, and Luenell with Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown, Rasual Butler, Darren Collison, Lisa Leslie, and Metta World Peace

Think Like a Man is a 2012 ensemble romantic comedy from director Tim Story (Fantastic Four). The film is based on comedian and actor Steve Harvey’s 2009 advice book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. The film follows four male friends who conspire to turn the tables on the women in their lives when they discover that their ladies have been using Steve Harvey’s relationship advice against them.

Cedric (Kevin Hart), Dominic (Michael Ealy), Zeke (Romany Malco), Michael (Terrence J), Jeremy (Jerry Ferrara), and Bennett (Gary Owen) are friends who like to get together and talk about their relationships with women. Cedric is going through a divorce, and Bennett is happily married. Jeremy’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Kristen (Gabrielle Union), is frayed, although he doesn’t seem to notice it. Dominic uses deception to begin a relationship with Lauren (Taraji P. Henson), a successful businesswoman.

Zeke meets Mya (Meagan Good), a young woman who has just decided that before she has sex with a new boyfriend, he has to wait 90 days. Zeke, however, always wants to “hit it” right away. Michael begins a relationship with Candace (Regina Hall), a single mother, but Michael is a mama’s boy, and that creates strife in the new relationship.

However, Kristen, Lauren, Mya, and Candace decide to take the advice of Steve Harvey (playing himself) as presented in his book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, to help them get the upper hand in their relationships. When the guys discover what their ladies are doing, they decide to get familiar with the same book. Game on!

The first thing I want to say is that Kevin Hart is a pure scene-stealer. Hart not only plays a character, Cedric, but he is also the film’s narrator. As the narrator, he practically owns half this movie. He’s good; he’s funny.

The other half of the ownership goes to director Tim Story. I think that Story’s talent as a director is largely untapped. His two Fantastic Four films for 20th Century Fox were underserved by uneven screenwriting. Story shows his skills in Think Like a Man, because there are so many characters and so many actors playing them that the director has to get a handle on them. Handle them Story does, which is quite a feat, as there are way too many characters in this movie. Still, Story gives every actor the opportunity to make the most of his or her character, and most of the actors take advantage of the opportunities. That is why Think Like a Man movie works.

Think Like a Man is a frothy, romantic comedy, and it has the same cinematic bubbles and fizz to tickle the nose that movie audiences find in frivolous romantic comedies featuring predominately white casts. Tim Story delivers the same feel-good charm which directors of those other films do, but with a way-too large cast.

Think Like a Man may be the best romantic comedy starring a predominately African-American cast to date. It’s sweet and filled with empty calories, but they feel good going down. They’re so good that you might want more… later.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, September 08, 2012

The 43rd NAACP Image Awards Winners: Television Categories

The 2012 NAACP Image Awards winners:

Television:

Comedy series: "Tyler Perry's House of Payne"

Actor in a comedy series: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "Reed Between the Lines"

Actress in a comedy series: Tracee Ellis Ross, "Reed Between the Lines"

Supporting actor in a comedy series: Nick Cannon, "Up All Night"

Supporting actress in a comedy series: Keshia Knight Pulliam, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne"

Drama series: "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

Actor in a drama series: LL Cool J, "NCIS: Los Angeles"

Actress in a drama series: Regina King, "SouthLAnd"

Supporting actor in a drama series: James Pickens, Jr., "Grey's Anatomy"

Supporting actress in a drama series: Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife"

TV movie, mini-series or dramatic special: "Thurgood"

Actor in a TV movie, mini-series or dramatic special: Laurence Fishburne, "Thurgood"

Actress in a TV movie, mini-series or dramatic special: Taraji P. Henson, "Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story"

Actor in a daytime drama series: Emerson Brooks, "All My Children"

Actress in a daytime drama series: Tatyana Ali, "The Young and the Restless"

News/information, series or special: "Unsung"

Talk series: "Oprah's Lifeclass"

Reality series: "Dancing With the Stars"

Variety series or special: "Oprah Presents: Master Class"

Children's program: "I Can Be President: A Kid's-Eye View"

Performance in a children's program, series or special: Keke Palmer, "True Jackson, VP"

Writing:
Comedy series: Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil, "The Game"
Dramatic series: Lolis Eric Elie, "Treme"

Directing:
Comedy series: Leonard R. Garner, Jr., "Rules of Engagement"
Dramatic series: Ernest Dickerson, "Treme"

"The Help" Sweeps Up at the 2012 Black Reel Awards

My favorite Negro-American film awards organization (and my favorite film critics awards, for that matter) is The Black Reel Awards.  The Black Reel Awards annually honors African-Americans in feature, independent and television film. The awards were launched in 2000, and this is the 12th year the awards will be handed out. The Black Reel Awards are now given out by the Foundation for the Advancement of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF).

More 50 film critics from television, radio, print and the Internet comprise the voting members of the Black Reel Awards. Winners were announced on Friday, February 10, 2012 in ceremony held in Washington D.C.  The Help dominated this year's awards winning six, including "Best Film."

2012 Black Reel Award Winners:

Theatrical
Outstanding Film – The Help

Outstanding Director – Steve McQueen / Shame

Outstanding Actor – John Boyega / Attack the Block

Outstanding Actress – Viola Davis / The Help

Outstanding Supporting Actor - Don Cheadle / The Guard

Outstanding Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer / The Help

Outstanding Screenplay, Original or Adapted – Steve McQueen / Shame

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance – Adepero Oduye / Pariah

Outstanding Ensemble – The Help

Outstanding Original Song – “The Living Proof” / Mary J. Blige (The Help)

Outstanding Score – Thomas Newman / The Help

Outstanding Foreign Film – Attack the Block

Outstanding Feature Documentary – Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest / Michael Rapaport

Independent
Outstanding Independent Feature Film – My Last Day Without You / Stefan C. Schaefer

Outstanding Independent Short Film – Wake / Bree Newsome

Outstanding Independent Documentary – Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat By the Door / Christine Acham and Clifford Ward

Television
Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Performance, Male – Idris Elba / Luther

Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Performance, Female – Taraji P. Henson / Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story

Outstanding Television Documentary – Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation / VH1 (Richard Low and Martin Torgoff)

Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Film – Thurgood / HBO (Michael Stevens)

http://blackreelawards.wordpress.com/

Hanks and Roberts Shine in Winning "Larry Crowne"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 107 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux


Larry Crowne (2011)
Running time: 98 minutes (1 hour, 38 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual content
DIRECTOR: Tom Hanks
WRITERS: Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Philippe Rousselot (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Alan Cody
COMPOSER: James Newton Howard

COMEDY/DRAMA/ROMANCE

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wilmer Valderrama, Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Rami Malek, Maria Canals Barrera, Rita Wilson, George Takei, Ian Gomez, and Rob Riggle

Larry Crowne is a 2011 romantic comedy and college film directed by Tom Hanks and is the first film Hanks has directed since That Thing You Do! (1996). The film focuses on a middle-aged man, downsized from a big-box company, who decides to attend college for the first time. In a landscape full of movies that are full of unbelievable things, Larry Crowne is level-headed, real, and, for me, a great !@#$%& movie.

Larry Crowe (Tom Hanks) has just been fired from his job at the retail giant, UMart. The divorced, middle-aged man is drowning in a six-figure mortgage and suddenly cannot find another job. His neighbors, Lamar (Cedric the Entertainer) and B’Ella (Taraji P. Henson), suggest that he attend college, so Larry enrolls at East Valley Community College where he even joins a scooter club.

One of the members, the free-spirited Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), befriends Larry, renames him “Lance Corona,” and turns him into her makeover project. Larry thrives in an economics class with a peculiar instructor, Dr. Ed Matsutani (George Takei). In a public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher, the taciturn Mercedes “Mercy” Tainot (Julia Roberts), who has lost her passion for teaching and is in the midst of a personal crisis. Both are about to discover a new reason for living.

I saw a quote from a review of Larry Crowne that described it as bland and conventional. On the surface, Larry Crowne may seem so, but it actually isn’t. Ostensibly a romantic comedy, this film is really about two people, Larry Crowne and Mercedes Tainot, in full midlife crisis. In those roles, Hanks and Roberts, respectively, give their best performances of recent years. The shock and grief Hanks portrays early in the film when Larry is fired is palatable, so much so that I nearly burst into tears (having undergone a similar experience).

Roberts’ turn as the burnt-out professor, Tainot, is equally inspired. She fashions Mercy as a sarcasm addict whose suffer-no-fools attitude actually hides a generous soul. Roberts does what Hanks does – uses every moment of screen time to build her character into something a bit deeper than what can be described in 20 words or less. Crowne and Tainot are more than my brief descriptions imply.

The supporting characters are mostly types and are not fully realized characters. They are in this movie to add laughs and to give the film some zest and odd flavors. Why else have Cedric the Entertainer, Wilmer Valderrama, Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, George Takei, Ian Gomez, and Rob Riggle in throw-away parts if not to give the film different essences from unique characters?

However, it is the relaxed chemistry between Hanks and Roberts and also their robust performances that make Larry Crowne surprisingly not conventional and certainly not bland. It’s one of the best romantic comedies of the year, if not the best.

8 of 10
A

Monday, December 26, 2011

"Hustle & Flow" Finds a Real Groove

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 122 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux


Hustle & Flow (2005)
Running time: 116 minutes (1 hour, 56 minutes)
MPAA – R for sex and drug content, pervasive language, and some violence
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Craig Brewer
PRODUCERS: Stephanie Allain and John Singleton
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Amy Vincent
EDITOR: Billy Fox
Academy Award winner

DRAMA/MUSIC

Starring: Terrence Dashon Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, DJ Qualls, Ludacris, and Isaac Hayes

DJay (Terrence Dashon Howard) seems like the typical philosopher-hustler – misusing his gift for words as a streetwise pimp living a dead end life on the fringes of Memphis society. Hearing that a former Memphis deejay named Skinny Black (Ludacris) has an album that went platinum makes DJay wonder what happened to all the big dreams he had for his life.

DJay has a chance encounter with Key (Anthony Anderson), an old friend who is a sound engineer. Key also has dreams of being in the music business, and that spurs DJay, who realizes that if he’s going to make his mark, this might be his last chance. He begins writing freestyle raps, and Shelby (DJ Qualls), a church musician with a beat machine, joins DJay and Key to lay down some bass crunching tracks. His housemates, Shug (Taraji P. Henson), an expectant mother, and Nola (Taryn Manning), a young woman DJay pimps out of his car to johns, join him in the creative process as DJay works this new hustle to create the flow that will take him to a better life.

Craig Brewer’s Hustle & Flow feels so real that the Memphis heat radiates off the screen and made me feel uncomfortable. Simply put, Hustle & Flow is a gritty and grimy drama that captures the desperate essence of hustlers, would-be artists, and struggling artists. Brewer who won the Sundance Film Festival Award in the category “Dramatic” for this film that recreates the real world of low level street pimps and drug dealers; this isn’t the prettified, “super fly,” rap version of pimping and dealing. Brewer’s film is so authentic that it, at times, seems like a documentary that has overdone keeping things real. Still, Brewer uses the first scene in which DJay, Key, and Shelby create a musical track to shock the film into a vibrant life that forces us to focus on this creative trio.

Terence Dashon Howard is a star on the rise, and this performance affirms that. His DJay is an earthy guy who is so common that he barely registers to anyone outside the few women in his life. Howard creates a character that is desperate and hungry, but even more resigned to a life that will soon finish him. Watch Howard bring him to new life as DJay realizes he has a goal; Howard modulates the performance so that neither DJay nor the story every come across as inauthentic to the audience.

Howard and Brewer aren’t alone in their efforts at make this a winning film. Taraji P. Henson’s Shug is so genuinely needy, and as Nola, Taryn Manning molds her performance to give it a contour that perfectly fits the ebbs and flows of Howard’s DJay. Anthony Anderson gives a quiet, but surprisingly nimble dramatic turn that tells us that Hollywood has barely tapped his talents. DJ Qualls also adds a small, but different flavor as the beat maker who is uncannily in sync with everyone else.

Hustle & Flow is not only one of the best dramas set amongst the black folks who live in squalor and deep poverty in a long time, but it rings with truth as few urban dramas have since Boyz N’ the Hood, the directorial debut of John Singleton, who is this film’s co-producer and the man who self-financed the film. I can only hope that Craig Brewer keeps bringing us back to this kind of real thing.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2006 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song” (Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman, and Paul Beauregard for the song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp"); 1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Terrence Howard)

2006 Black Reel Awards: 3 wins: “Best Actor” (Terrence Howard), “Best Original Soundtrack,” and “Best Supporting Actress” (Taraji P. Henson); 3 nominations: “Best Ensemble” (Ludacris, Terrence Howard, DJ Qualls, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Anderson, Paula Jai Parker, Taryn Manning, and Elise Neal), “Best Film,” and “Best Supporting Actor” (Anthony Anderson)

2006 Golden Globes: 1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Terrence Howard)

Review: John Singleton Shepherds "Four Brothers"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 144 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

Four Brothers (2005)
Running time: 105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong violence, pervasive language, and some sexual content
DIRECTOR: John Singleton
WRITERS: David Elliot & Paul Lovett
PRODUCER: Lorenzo De Bonaventura
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Menzier, Jr. A.C.S.
EDITOR: Bruce Cannon, A.C.E. and Billy Fox, A.C.E.

DRAMA/ACTION/CRIME/MYSTERY

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André Benjamin, Garrett Hedlund, Terrence Howard, Josh Charles, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sofia Vergara, Fionnula Flanagan, Taraji P. Henson, Barry Shabaka Henley, and Jernard Burks

The Mercer Brothers – hotheaded ex-con Bobby (Mark Wahlberg), ladies’ man Angel (Tyrese Gibson), family man and businessman Jeremiah (André Benjamin), and rock musician Jack (Garrett Hedlund) – return to the mean streets of Detroit after their adoptive mother Evelyn Mercer (Fionnula Flanagan) is murdered during the holdup of a corner grocery store. They take the matter of her murder into their own hands in spite of assurances from police Lt. Green (Terrence Howard) and Detective Fowler (Josh Charles) that they are working on the case.

Soon the Mercer boys realize that their mother’s death wasn’t just the tragic result of a simple store holdup. Bobby and Angel use their rough old ways of handling business to track their mother’s killers, but these aren’t the same Detroit neighborhoods they left and their old ways have new consequences. Whatever the result of their own private investigation, the Mercer brothers discover that their brotherly bonds, first forged by adoption, are as thick as those of brothers by birth.

I expected John Singleton’s new film, Four Brothers, to be a very well made action drama, but it turned out to be one of the best films I have seen thus far this year. It has the cool intensity of a 70’s action movie or blaxtiploitation film. While Four Brothers is certainly a straight genre piece, it is also a character-driven film with a lot of action and drama. First credit should go to the script by screenwriters David Elliot & Paul Lovett, long time collaborators. They not only pounded on story structure, but they made very engaging characters out of the protagonists for the most part.

The villains, however, come out on the short end. Some are very interesting, like Chwetel Ejiofor’s Victor Sweet, but in the end he emerges as nothing more than a really evil dude; there’s no The Godfather-like examination of evil here. All the “bad guys” seem to be interesting characters worth developing, but the script never gets that far. That’s one of the things here that keeps Four Brothers just short of being a truly great film.

On the other hand, Singleton’s intense, block-by-block building of this film’s narrative and the frenetic pace he gives it glosses over any script and performance shortcomings (I found Fionnula Flanagan’s Evelyn Mercer to be as creepy as she was sympathetic.), and John Singleton’s masterful directorial performance makes Four Brothers as good as the kind of memorable crime films like Out of Sight. Four Brothers doesn’t miss a beat, and this is one of the year’s best directing jobs.

The four leads really drive this film. All are good: Andre Benjamin, known to many as Andre 3000 of the Grammy-winning musical act OutKast, is a natural acting talent, and here, he doesn’t come across like a fish out of water as is the problem with so many something-else’s-turned-actor. Garrett Hedlund, barely out of high school when he captured the juicy role of Patroclus opposite Brad Pitt’s Achilles in Troy (a film by Wolfgang Peterson), comes across as an affable and energetic co-star. He’s sort of the odd-man-out, but he makes do with the lesser part the story hands him.

The driving force of the brotherly quartet is Mark Wahlberg and Tyrese Gibson. Wahlberg is a very good actor who is rushing towards greatness. He’s a movie star, and his presence can make you want to see the movies in which he stars, regardless of genre. He’s got Hollywood star cool, yet there is a bit of an edge to him – part tough guy, but loner/rebel. Hey, it works on the big screen. Who’d a thunk it? Tyrese Gibson is a damn good actor, and has movie star appeal. He’s the other piece in a matching set with Wahlberg, being every bit the handsome tough guy, but with a bit of softie in him. In this film, he doesn’t come across at all as a supporting player. He plays Angel Mercer so naturally that you’d think he’d been doing the acting thing for at least twice as long as he actually has.

The cast, writers, directors, and crew come together to make this urban action/exploitation film into the consummate gritty Hollywood action drama. Four Brothers might come across at first glance as junk, but it’s really a hamburger recipe turned into a fine steak. Enjoy it on the big screen or make a must-keep date for it on home video and DVD.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2006 Black Reel Awards: 4 nominations: “Black Reel Best Director” (John Singleton), “Best Ensemble” (André Benjamin, Tyrese Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Sofía Vergara, Garrett Hedlund, Terrence Howard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Taraji P. Henson), “Best Film,” and “Best Original Soundtrack”

2006 Image Awards: 1 win: “Outstanding Directing in a Feature Film/Television Movie” (John Singleton)

----------------------------

Review: "I Can Do Bad All by Myself" Does All Good for Itself

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 10 (of 2009) by Leroy Douresseaux

I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)
Running time: 113 minutes (1 hour, 53 minutes)
MPAA- PG-13 for mature thematic material involving a sexual assault on a minor, violence, drug references and smoking
DIRECTOR: Tyler Perry
WRITER: Tyler Perry (based upon his play)
PRODUCERS: Tyler Perry and Reuben Cannon
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Alexander Gruszynski
EDITOR: Maysie Hoy
Image Award winner

DRAMA/MUSIC with elements of comedy and romance

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodrigeuz, Brian J. White, Hope Olaide Wilson, Kwesi Boakye, Frederick Siglar, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Marvin Winans, and Tyler Perry

One could make the argument that every Tyler Perry movie seems to be made from the same stencil or template. There are the good women and the bad men they love (Madea’s Family Reunion). There are also the good men and the troubled women they try to save (Madea Goes to Jail). And there are always those who need to go back to church because they don’t know which way is up (Daddy’s Little Girls). Of course, there is usually room for the unsinkable matriarch Madea, and her brother and housemate, the un-politically correct, Joe. Perry’s new film, I Can Do Bad All by Myself (based upon his play) distills the essence of Perry’s oeuvre into its most perfect form to date.

After the pistol-packing Madea (Tyler Perry) catches three siblings breaking into her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Madea marches 16-year-old Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers, Manny (Kwesi Boakye) and Byron (Frederick Siglar), to the only relative she can find – their Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson), a hard-living, heavy-drinking nightclub singer. April lives off her married boyfriend, Randy (Brian J. White). Already having several children of his own, Randy doesn’t want April’s niece and nephews around, and April certainly doesn’t think her dead crackhead sister’s children are her problem.

Fate, however, brings Sandino (Adam Rodriguez) into April’s life. The handsome Mexican immigrant is looking for work, so the local Pastor Brian (Marvin Winans) asks April to allow Sandino to move into her basement room in exchange for doing handiwork. The hard-luck immigrant challenges April to open her heart, which forces her to make the biggest choice of her life. Will she keep Randy and her old ways or will she choose the new possibilities for life that taking in her niece and nephew offer?

Why do I think that I Can Do Bad All by Myself is the best Tyler Perry movie? I think this film’s strength is based on the performances of its cast. The script isn’t anything particularly special, at least in the context of Perry’s other writing. The motivations for their actions and explanations for what ails the characters in this film are the usual ingredients for a Tyler Perry psychodrama: alcohol, childhood sexual abuse, drug use, and not going to church.

It is a performance like the one given by Taraji P. Henson that allows I Can Do Bad All by Myself to soar as a film about triumph and redemption. Henson is such a natural that whatever character she plays comes across as honest and authentic. In her performance, the audience can buy April, in spite of whatever contrivances Perry fashions for that character’s past. Henson also deftly executes her skills so that she can amplify the comedic moments even in the midst of the intense drama of this film. For instance, there is pathos and merriment in the scene in which Madea first confronts April with her niece and nephews. This scene defines I Can Do Bad All by Myself’s attitude that there is joy even the darkest times in life. Using laughter, Perry and his star give the audience a chance to step back and take a different look at this pivotal moment in the film.

There are other good performances. Brian J. White as the philandering husband and boyfriend, Randy, is exquisite, and Adam Rodriguez alternately simmers and shines as Sandino, the do-the-right-thing handyman. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Hope Olaide Wilson as April’s fierce and stubborn niece, Jennifer, a character that is essentially a younger version of her aunt. It is a testament to young Miss Wilson’s talent that she could present Jennifer as being destined to follow April’s sad path in life without it seeming contrived.

It also doesn’t hurt to have two of the best ever rhythm and blues and soul singers, Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige, belting out a few songs, giving the kind of vocal performances that will raise the roof and then knock down the walls. It is these performances that make I Can Do Bad All by Myself the standout drama, thus far, in Tyler Perry’s filmography and a movie not to be missed.

8 of 10
A

Sunday, October 04, 2009

NOTES:
2010 Black Reel Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Actress” (Taraji P. Henson) and “Best Song, Original or Adapted” (Mary J. Blige for the song "I Can Do Bad All By Myself")

2010 Image Awards: 1 win: “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (Adam Rodriguez); 2 nominations: “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” (Taraji P. Henson) and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture-Theatrical or Television” (Tyler Perry)

-----------------------

2011 Primetime Emmy Award Nominations Announced

The Emmy Award is a television production award that is considered the television equivalent of the Academy Awards in film and the Grammy Awards in music. My focus is usually on the Primetime Emmy Awards.  The nominations for the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards were recently announced.  The following is a list of nominees in the major categories:

2011 Emmy Awards Nominees:


Outstanding Comedy Series
"The Big Bang Theory" (2007)
"Glee" (2009)
"Modern Family" (2009)
"The Office" (2005)
"Parks and Recreation" (2009)
"30 Rock" (2006)

Outstanding Drama Series
"Boardwalk Empire" (2010)
"Dexter" (2006)
"Friday Night Lights" (2006)
"Game of Thrones" (2011)
"The Good Wife" (2009)
"Mad Men" (2007)

Outstanding Miniseries or Made for Television Movie
Cinema Verite (2011) (TV)
"Downton Abbey" (2010)
"The Kennedys" (2011)
"Mildred Pierce" (2011)
"The Pillars of the Earth" (2010)
Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" (2006)
Steve Carell for "The Office" (2005)
Louis C.K. for "Louie" (2010)
Johnny Galecki for "The Big Bang Theory" (2007)
Matt LeBlanc for "Episodes" (2011)
Jim Parsons for "The Big Bang Theory" (2007)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire" (2010)
Kyle Chandler for "Friday Night Lights" (2006)
Michael C. Hall for "Dexter" (2006)
Jon Hamm for "Mad Men" (2007)
Hugh Laurie for "House M.D." (2004)
Timothy Olyphant for "Justified" (2010)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Idris Elba for "Luther" (2010)
Laurence Fishburne for Thurgood (2011) (TV)
William Hurt for Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV)
Greg Kinnear for "The Kennedys" (2011)
Barry Pepper for "The Kennedys" (2011)
Édgar Ramírez for "Carlos" (2010)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie" (2009)
Tina Fey for "30 Rock" (2006)
Laura Linney for "The Big C" (2010)
Melissa McCarthy for "Mike & Molly" (2010)
Martha Plimpton for "Raising Hope" (2010)
Amy Poehler for "Parks and Recreation" (2009)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates for "Harry's Law" (2011)
Connie Britton for "Friday Night Lights" (2006)
Mireille Enos for "The Killing" (2011)
Mariska Hargitay for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999)
Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife" (2009)
Elisabeth Moss for "Mad Men" (2007)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Taraji P. Henson for Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story (2011) (TV)
Diane Lane for Cinema Verite (2011) (TV)
Jean Marsh for "Upstairs Downstairs" (2010)
Elizabeth McGovern for "Downton Abbey" (2010)
Kate Winslet for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell for "Modern Family" (2009)
Chris Colfer for "Glee" (2009)
Jon Cryer for "Two and a Half Men" (2003)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson for "Modern Family" (2009)
Ed O'Neill for "Modern Family" (2009)
Eric Stonestreet for "Modern Family" (2009)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Andre Braugher for "Men of a Certain Age" (2009)
Josh Charles for "The Good Wife" (2009)
Alan Cumming for "The Good Wife" (2009)
Peter Dinklage for "Game of Thrones" (2011)
Walton Goggins for "Justified" (2010)
John Slattery for "Mad Men" (2007)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Paul Giamatti for Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV)
Brían F. O'Byrne for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)
Guy Pearce for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)
Tom Wilkinson for "The Kennedys" (2011)
James Woods for Too Big to Fail (2011) (TV)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen for "Modern Family" (2009)
Jane Krakowski for "30 Rock" (2006)
Jane Lynch for "Glee" (2009)
Sofía Vergara for "Modern Family" (2009)
Betty White for "Hot in Cleveland" (2010)
Kristen Wiig for "Saturday Night Live" (1975)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christine Baranski for "The Good Wife" (2009)
Michelle Forbes for "The Killing" (2011)
Christina Hendricks for "Mad Men" (2007)
Kelly Macdonald for "Boardwalk Empire" (2010)
Margo Martindale for "Justified" (2010)
Archie Panjabi for "The Good Wife" (2009)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Eileen Atkins for "Upstairs Downstairs" (2010)
Melissa Leo for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)
Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey" (2010)
Mare Winningham for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)
Evan Rachel Wood for "Mildred Pierce" (2011)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
"The Colbert Report" (2005)
"Conan" (2010)
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (1996)
"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (2009)
"Real Time with Bill Maher" (2003)
"Saturday Night Live" (1975)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"The Amazing Race" (2001)
"American Idol" (2002)
"Dancing with the Stars" (2005)
"Project Runway" (2004)
"So You Think You Can Dance" (2005)
"Top Chef" (2006)

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality - Competition Program
Tom Bergeron for "Dancing with the Stars" (2005)
Cat Deeley for "So You Think You Can Dance" (2005)
Phil Keoghan for "The Amazing Race" (2001)
Jeff Probst for "Survivor" (2000)
Ryan Seacrest for "American Idol" (2002)

Outstanding Reality Program
"Antiques Roadshow" (1997)
"Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska" (2005)
"Hoarders" (2009)
"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" (2005)
"MythBusters" (2003)
"Undercover Boss" (2010)

Winners will be announced on Sunday, September 18th.

"The Karate Kid" is Still a Winner

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 47 (of 2010) by Leroy Douresseaux


The Karate Kid (2010)
Running time: 140 minutes (2 hours, 20 minutes)
MPAA – PG for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language
DIRECTOR: Harald Zwart
WRITERS: Christopher Murphey; from a story by Robert Mark Kamen
PRODUCERS: James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Ken Stovitz, and Jerry Weintraub
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Roger Pratt
EDITOR: Joel Negron
COMPOSER: James Horner

DRAMA/MARTIAL ARTS

Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, Wen Wen Han, Zhenwei Wang Rongguang Yu, Zhensu Wu, Zhiheng Wang, and Luke Carberry

The Karate Kid 2010 is, of course, a remake of the 1984 film of the same name. The new film stars Jaden Smith (son of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) and international martial artist and actor, Jackie Chan. The new film is an absolutely lovable, well-made film that stands on its on and does the original proud. This time, however, kung fu, not karate, is the martial art of choice.

Twelve-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) moves to Beijing from Detroit with his mother, Sherry Parker (Taraji P. Henson), because of her new job. Dre experiences love-at-first-sight when he sees a young violinist named Mei Ying (Wen Wen Han), practicing in the park, and the feeling is mutual. However, Dre’s feelings for Mei Ying make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), a kung fu prodigy and rival for Mei Ying’s affections.

Dre knows a little karate, but it is not enough to help this karate kid from America safely navigate his new home. Cheng uses kung fu to beat the crap out of him. Dre finds a friend and mentor in Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), the maintenance man of Dre’s apartment complex, after he rescues Dre from a beating. After a futile attempt to settle the dispute between Dre and Cheng peaceably, Mr. Han enters Dre in the “Open Kung Fu Tournament” where Dre may face off against his nemesis. Han begins to teach Dre real kung fu, but although he is being trained by a master, Dre realizes that surviving the tournament will be the fight of his life.

At its heart, The Karate Kid is a wonderful story about a teacher-student relationship that develops into a surrogate father-son bond. It is a superbly written (by screenwriter Christopher Murphey) example of a bond between two people in which each not only helps the other heal, but also soar to new heights of achievement and happiness.

The relationship between Dre and Mr. Han works so well because of the strong screen chemistry between Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Their performances make the characters’ actions and emotions seem authentic and sincere. They not only ground the story’s more fantastical moments, but they also give it a touch of goofy charm, which lightens the movie’s overall dark and sometimes edgy and grim atmosphere. Jaden has inherited his father, Will Smith’s cheeky cockiness, but the young actor seems like more of a natural talent, as if he doesn’t have to try as hard as his father.

In this film, Jackie Chan gives what is by far his best performance in an American production. Perhaps, I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. Chan gives a complex, layered performance to create in Han, a complicated and inscrutable man. This is best exemplified in the scene in which Cheng’s Master Li (Rongguang Yu) and Mr. Han have a tense confrontation. Chan plays the scene with barely checked but mostly concealed fury. It is difficult to figure out what is going on in Mr. Han’s mind at that moment, and that’s the way Chan probably wanted it because it adds another layer of mystery to Han.

Fresh of the maligned Pink Panther 2, director Harald Swart has delivered a winner. This film, however, is as much a Chinese and American take on Rocky as it is a remake of The Karate Kid 1984, itself a teen, martial arts spin on 1976 Oscar winner for “Best Picture.” It is unsettling to see 12-year-olds beating each other up, as they do here, but The Karate Kid 2010 is excellent family entertainment. Its messages about setting goals and being open-minded and resilient make it even more of a winner.

8 of 10
A

Saturday, June 26, 2010