Tag Archives: Black Actors

“Iron Man 3″ was number-one at the box office after the weekend results were all totaled.  According to boxofficemojo.com it took in an estimated $175.3 million dollars.  This ranks it the second all-time highest grossing movie opening behind last year’s “The Avengers”, which took in $207.4 million.  The movie is also doing well overseas, and is on its way to earning well over $1 billion worldwide.

This past February, I used a photo of a stamp with the face of Paul Robeson as my “Profile Photo” on Facebook.  Although his name is featured on the stamp, a few folks asked me who he was.  I had just took it for granted that most people knew him or were aware.  Growing up, I can remember seeing documentaries about him and hearing his name mentioned in multiple circles.  For years, randomly in a particular setting, one might sing the words “Ol’ man river…” as a means of setting an oppressive tone for the conversation.

The new movie “42” based on the life and sacrifices of Jackie Robinson, is looking like it will be tops at the box office this weekend.  Based on the book by Aaron Rosenberg and written directed by Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland, it opened with $9.1m at 3,003 venues on Friday, April 12th, according to studio estimates via Box Office Mojo.

As exemplified in an episode of Kevin Hart’s new series the “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” Richard Pryor is the all time “King of Comedy.”  Hart has a poster sized photograph of Pryor on his living room wall in the BET show.

Steve McQueen’s most recent work of art was a blue vision in Amsterdam’s largest public park, the Vondelpark.  For two weeks, from March 7–25, all 275 streetlamps that usually use a warm white light were replaced with a subdued blue toned light.  McQueen’s objective with “Blues Before Sunrise” was to stimulate the senses via an aspect of cinema.

Since I hit 100 blogs without realizing it, I figured I do something special for blog #105.  The following list of LPs/ CDs are the FUNKIEST Soundtracks of all time according to www.funkaliciousblog.com – while all albums may not be comprised of all FUNK music, they are unquestionably FUNKY!  Now, put on your favorite soundtrack, go ahead put it on…  Let’s take a ride down memory lane and reminisce about what made you feel good when you heard any of these musical FUNKY gems.

A brand new “Reality Show,” “Q’Viva! The Chosen” is produced and hosted by now divorced couple Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.  Apart from the enormous press, publicity, notoriety and money the two Latin icons stand to garner from the show, I gotta give them MAJOR PROPS!!!  Millions of people around the world will be able to witness Latin talent from places thousands will never travel to.  In a word, i think the concept of the show is AMAZING!

Seattle native TJ Martin is the first black man to win an Oscar as a Director for his documentary “Undefeated”!  Martin was just happy to be among some of his filmmaking heroes according to a recent article in the Seattle Times, now he’s made history.  Prior to Martin, the only non-caucassion to win an Oscar for their accomplishment as a Director, was Ang Lee for his film “Brokeback Mountain.”

Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Sean “P-Diddy” Combs have entered in to the world of television.  My initial reaction was “Great”, but we’ve been here before.  Don’t get me wrong I’m happy, ecstatic, overjoyed that two of our most successful moguls in entertainment are about to grow their existing respective empires – good for them.  However, we’ve had such a poor showing on a very short list of accomplishments thus far with Black Television.

Since Whitney Houston’s passing, there have been photos circulating of her engaging in activity the night before.  This evening being the precursor if you will to Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy bash, of which Whitney was sure to grace with her presence.  A gala attended by many, it’s invitation only, and always well attended.  The party still went on last night, Davis was quoted saying “She loved music and loved this night that celebrated music… Whitney would have asked that the music go on,” and so it did.  The annual gathering began with a performance by Tony Bennett, followed by Diana Krall, Diddy and Alicia Keys, who dedicated her song “No One” to Houston.  Some photos of Houston and Davis from previous years…

Whitney Houston was pronounced dead today at 3:43 pm Pacific time.  She was found at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, where she presently remains as her cause of death is under investigation with the Beverly Hills Police department.  ”I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney’s passing.  She was a true original and a talent beyond compare, I will miss her terribly.”  Quincy Jones…  Houston was a native of Newark, NJ. The daughter of Cissy Houston, a cousin to Dione Warwick and the God-daughter of Aretha Franklin, she was destined to be one of the best in music.

My mouth literally gaped open just now when I read the headline that television icon Don Cornelius was dead.  It then opened wider when I read that he had shot himself!!!  “Soul Train” hit the air in 1970 in Chicago, going national in 1971, I was eight.  It was uplifting programming, seeing people of color dancing and enjoying themselves while some of the greatest talent in music performed.

The nominees are in… this past Tuesday the annual Oscar nominations were announced.  A lover of movies, I was always impressed by a show that honored the best of the best in film as a youth.

 
 
It’s been almost a year since my blog entry on the rivalry between Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim.  Just when you thought it was over, Nicki’s back with a new track called “Stupid Hoe.”

 
 
The new movie “Red Tails” garnered the number-two spot among top box office grossing films in its first week of release. It’s the story about the Tuskegee Airman of World War II.

The history of the cinema is dotted with “a-star-is-born” films: James Cagney in “Public Enemy,” Boris Karloff in “Frankenstein,” Sylvester Stallone in “Rocky,” Robert De Niro in “Mean Streets.” But for Pam Grier, her star-making film is less auspicious.

One of the most charismatic action stars, Fred is known for coming at you hard in-your-face action. True to his image, you can find him presently doing exactly that in Down ‘N Dirty, his second in a series of films in which he stars as street-wise Dakota ‘Dak’ Smith (first starred as “Dak’ in Night Vision – which he received the Dallas Forth-Worth Film Critics Assoc. Award).

Need we say more!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2012 – Wow! Peace Love & Abundant Blessings to Everyone.  I hope and trust all are in great mind & spirit… Coldplay’s MYLO XYLOTO, a Christmas gift from my beautiful wonderful wife, rounds out my top-10 for favorite CDs in 2011.  To my brother Jeff Cornell I have no doubt I’ll love the new “Portugal The Man” once I get it, but in terms of stuff I’ve heard and enjoyed…

Who is this super hero?
Sarge? No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? Could Be!
Hong Kong Phooey, Number One Superguy
Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye
He’s got style…
He’s got style, a groovy style
And a car that just won’t stop.
When the going gets rough he’s super tough
With the Hong Kong Phooey Chop! Heeyaah!
Hong Kong Phooey, Number-one Super Guy
Hong Kong Phooey
Quicker than the human eye
Hong Kong Phooey, Fanriffic!