Indian superstar Aamir Khan is known as a perfectionist, even when it comes to posters. When I lived in NYC, I used to regularly attend monthly meetings of SAWCC (South Asian Women’s Creative Collective); though I wasn’t an artist (like most of the women), I wanted to meet interesting desis. One night, we had a presentation by the young lady who’d worked as the main graphic artist on Lagaan (before moving to the U.S.)She was working late in her Mumbai studio, when Aamir Khan called her up re: a small change to one of the poster designs. Wow, talk about attention to detail!
Young Mahavir (Aamir Khan) gets ready for a wrestling match.
This film will definitely hold the viewers’ attention, even more so than Lagaan, thanks in part to its exciting/tense action sequences. But this isn’t a historical epic, it’s a (real-life) family story, which MAY be even more compelling to some of you who regularly read this blog. I didn’t know anything about the story before going to see it last week, aside from the fact that Aamir had gained and lost a LOT of weight for his role. I later learned that three out of the four (VERY natural) young actresses in the film hadn’t acted before! I esp. liked the chemistry between the two girls who played the sisters as pre-teens, as well as the charm of their older teen boy cousin.
Life is sink or swim- a lesson that Mahavir wants his daughters to learn.
Mahavir Singh Phogat (Aamir Khan), a former national wrestling champion, wins medals and respect in the ’80s. Unfortunately, he never gets the opportunity to prove himself on the world stage; there is NOT enough money/resources dedicated to his sport. He loves wresting, so he spends time training other men in the mud pits of his village. After a time, Mahavir settles into married life (w/ his wife Daya, played by Shakshi Tanwar) and a desk job in his home region of Hariyana. He has high hopes for a son, whom he plans to teach to be an even better wrestler than himself, and win gold for India.
Young Geeta is cheered by surprised locals after winning matches.
His wife gives birth to four daughters though the years. Mahavir’s family and his small community is disappointed, thinking that the dream for wrestling glory is dead. But after his two eldest girls, Geeta (Zaira Wasim) and Babita (Suhani Bhatnager), beat up two local boys who insulted them, Mahavir is spurred into action. His daughters will become wrestlers under his coaching! Gold is still gold, Mahavir is bold enough to think, and who’s to say that a girl can’t win one!? Watch the trailer below.
We know there are a set of Star Wars superfans who simply CANNOT take criticism of their beloved franchise. However, I’m NOT one of those viewers! This prequel has a female lead in Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) as we saw in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Jones does the best she can w/ the material given.There is a LOT of racial diversity among Jones’ male co-starts. However, this film sorely lacks character development! Sorry, BUT it’s rather tough to care about characters if we don’t get to know their much re: personalities, motivations, histories, etc.
The Death Star was built by a team of engineers headed by Galen Erso (Jyn’s father)
I wanted to see a BIT more of Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelson) and his wife; we don’t how/why they got on the wrong track of working for The Empire. Also, why does Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) have such a big chip on this shoulder? I wanted to know a LOT more re: his past, aside from the (obvious) fact that he’s been fighting for a long time. It was cool to see Luna after MANY years! He still has that youthful face and slim body. There is a new droid working w/ Andor, K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), who provides some snarky humor.
Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed)- the pilot who defects from The Empire
Social media (as well as a FEW people I personally know) were esp. excited to see Riz Ahmed, a British-Pakistani/Muslim actor on the big screen. Sure, he’s part of the rag-tag Rebel band, BUT doesn’t get to do much! Donnie Yen’s character (the blind/deeply spiritual warrior) was more effective, thanks in part to his badass martial arts skills. Guess we STILL have to wait for a desi brother to get a (bigger) break…
Orson Krennic (Ben Mendolsohn) oversaw the building of The Death Star
The new baddie, Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), is pretty interesting; I think it’s b/c the Aussie actor takes relish in being a villain (check him out on Season 1 of the Netflix drama Bloodline). I esp. liked the scene where he got called to meet w/ Darth Vader, then got (painfully) put in his place.
Darth Vader (still voiced by James Earl Jones) meets with Krennic
I was impressed by the scenery, action sequences, and the “bringing back to life” of several actors from George Lucas’ original Star Wars films (thanks to technology). Speaking of the original films… This film’s last scene (featuring the young Princess Leia) has taken on a special/poignant significance following the sudden death of actress Carrie Fisher.
What would you like young audiences, esp. young black men, to get from this story? -Sunny Hostin (CNN)
That your history did not begin with slavery.-Malachi Kirby, actor
You may be asking- WHY do we need a retelling of this story? MANY in the US (and worldwide) already read the book and watched the 1977 series. But once you start watching, you realize how important it is that Roots reaches a new generation of viewers.Faith (NOT necessarily religion), family (incl. marriage- “jumping the broom”), and traditions (from Africa) become even MORE important under slavery.
Mark Wolper, son of David Wolper (who developed the 1977 miniseries) decided on the remake after his kids couldn’t sit still to watch it. The main issue- it was TOO slow! NOT only does this show have more action, it’s much more colorful, richly detailed (thanks to technology and knowledge filmmakers didn’t have 40 yrs. ago), and very watchable (thanks to veteran and newcomer actors, as well as skilled directors). I was esp. happy to see that LeVar Burton (who played the original Kunta Kinte when he was only 19 y.o.) was an executive producer on the series; he also has a brief cameo in Part 1. The music is one of the BEST elements, thanks to Ahmir “Questlove” Johnson, a member of The Roots.
Part 1
Kunta Kinte (Malachi Kirby) rides his horse through the woods in West Africa.
This is (undoubtedly) the strongest 2 hrs. of the 8 hr. series! Time is given for us to know re: the West African city of Jufuree (which was NOT a little village, BUT had a pop. of nearly 10,000). The sets are quite intricate and large-scale. There is the gorgeous turquoise dyed cloth that is worn by many people. Women use dark color on BOTH their lips and around their eyes. Tribal practices are blended w/ the religion of Islam (a fact which was jarring to SOME viewers, from reviews I read). Yes, people do use the term “Allah” and prostrate themselves to pray! About 30% of the African slaves brought to “the New World” were Muslims.
The Kinte Family in Jufuree
Kunta Kinte (British newcomer Malachi Kirby in a standout role), the son of Binte Kinte and Omoro Kinte, is a bright, observant teenager who is training to be a warrior (w/ his male peers). He also has a crush on a local girl, and she seems to like him, too. But his parents say that they’ll arrange a marriage for him (when the time comes). Kunta has great respect for his parents, tradition, religion, yet he ALSO possesses a strong will (which will BOTH help and hurt him later in life). We will see things more from his eyes in MANY cases (thanks to camera-work). If great acting is in the eyes, then Kirby is definitely one to watch in the future.
The next segment of the story which impressed me was The Middle Passage; a huge ship was built to accommodate actors, cameras, and crew! If you saw 12 Years a Slave, then you can handle this part (maybe a BIT better than more sensitive viewers). We get a glimpse of JUST how cramped, crowded, and downright horrific conditions were for the men (and some boys)!
A slave is not bought; a slave has to be created! -The overseer explains to Kunta
When we get to America, it’s Revolutionary War era, and Kunta is purchased by a surly/middle-aged planter from Virginia, John Waller (British actor James Purefoy). He has a British wife, Elizabeth, who has settled easily into the life under slavery, though their marriage doesn’t look happy. His more sensitive and younger brother, Dr. William Waller (British actor Matthew Goode), lives in a neighboring plantation and is also the local physician. But the worst of this lot is the red-headed (and bearded) Irish overseer who REALLY enjoys his work!
Fiddler (Forrest Whitaker) and Kunta/Toby (Malachi Kirby) on the Waller plantation
Kunta (who is named Toby by Elizabeth) DOES find an (at first hesitant) ally in Fiddler (American veteran actor Forrest Whitaker), who has special role in the Waller household (thanks to his musical talent) and is a favorite slave of the mistress. Whitaker does a GREAT job in his role (as you’d expect); he also gets some of the BEST lines in the entire series! In one esp. poignant scene, Fiddler stops in his tracks, recognizing a lullaby that Kunta sings. He swears that HIS grandmother sang that song, too.
Belle is a female slave who feels sympathy for Kunta. She convinces Dr. Waller to get Kunta to care for his horses and drive him around to patients. Belle looks after him when he’s near death, and they grow to love each other (over the span of 10 yrs.) Belle (though still youthful) has a painful past, BUT decides to marry Kunta and start a new life. They have a daughter, who Kunta names “Kizzie.” Now he is firmly rooted in America, yet still VERY much an African in his heart and mind.
Part 2
Never let them take your mind. -Kunta tells his daughter
Kizzie becomes a companion to the Waller’s daughter, who insists on teaching her to read. BUT (of course) this is the SAME reason that she is sold “down the river” when she reaches adolescence. Kizzie ends ups at a small farm in South Carolina owned by an alcoholic, violent gambler- Tom Lea (British actor Jonathan Rhys Myers). The first time, Kizzie fights w/ ALL her strength to stop her new master, BUT to no avail.In time, she has a son, who Tom names “George” (after his father). Kizzie, who gathers up the strength of Kunta, Belle, and her ancestors, decides that she’ll endure for her son to have a better life.
Part 3
Kunta’s daughter, Kizzie (Anika Noni Rose), worries for the future of her son on Tom Lea’s farm.
In some odd way, Tom seeks to be closer to his (unclaimed) young son, which causes Kizzie (American theater/TV actress Anika Noni Rose) great pain. Tom announces that the older slave, Mingo (who handles the cocks and goes to fights w/ him), will teach George. It turns out that Chicken George (as he is called) has a natural gift w/ these animals!
Chicken George (Rege-Jean Page)
Chicken George (British newcomer Rege-Jean Page) grows up and falls in love w/ Matilda, a slave from a neighboring plantation. Her father is a no-nonsense minister (on his day off), while Kizzie doesn’t believe in the Christian god. Chicken George keeps making money for Tom, gets respect for his talent/hard work from the local cockfighters (of all colors), and eventually marries Matilda.
You have no honor, Tom Lea! -Chicken George shouts to his master/father
In time, the gentlemen planters even warm to the Leas, though they are from low birth and Tom is of Irish heritage. Kizzie fears that things can go wrong at ANY moment, b/c of Tom’s volatile temper. There is an explosive scene between Chicken George and Tom, where we realize how low a master can go (even when the matter at hand is his OWN blood). BOTH Page and Rhys Meyers shine in this scene; however, these men are eclipsed by Rose, who is a standout in this series.
Part 4
There’s no wrong way to be a slave.-Chicken George explains to his son, Tom
This is the weakest of the episodes, BUT does have some good moments. We see Chicken George join up w/ one of the “African” regiments of the Union army. One of his son’s, Tom, becomes a skilled blacksmith. Like his father, he earns money for his master, and raises a family w/ his part-Cherokee wife.
The free descendants of Kunta Kinte leave the Murray plantation in South Carolina to start their new lives.
Tom straddles that conflicting (yet exhilarating) time between slavery and Emancipation, working hard to keep his anger and resentment in check. The descendants of Kunta Kinte grow in number and take their place as free black Americans. There is a LOT more (which I haven’t discussed above)- check this show out for yourself!
This live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s sidekick; Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.
This is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. It is directed by Bill Condon from a screenplay based on the 1991 animated film. Composer Alan Menken is providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs (written by Menken and Howard Ashman), as well as several new songs (written by Menken and Tim Rice.)
Cast Interviews
Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad and Bill Condon talk about this new take on an old classic tale.
Saturday Night Live Sketch
Beauty (cast member Kristen Wiig) and the Beast (guest host Gerard Butler) realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is from the SNL episode that aired October 17, 2009.
Disney’s “MALEFICENT” Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) Photo Credit: Film Frame Disney 2014
If you liked Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959), then this may or may NOT be up your alley. In that animated movie, I liked the different personalities and caring displayed by the 3 good fairies (Flora, Fauna, and Meriweather). BUT in this tale, they are portrayed as clueless (esp. re taking care of a baby) and bickering among themselves- I didn’t enjoy that. These fairies are Flittle (Leslie Manville from BBC’s North & South), Knotgrass (veteran actress Imelda Staunton), and Thisletwit (Juno Temple, all grown-up from Atonement). These actresses are underused and in certain scenes- just annoying!
The first third of the story, which focuses on the child, then teenaged Maleficent, is VERY well-done. We see the fairy as happy, flying (she was born w/ wings), and becoming friends w/ Stefan, a human boy (who accidentally strays into her forest kingdom). Maleficent falls deeply in love w/ Stefan, and we think that he feels the same way. However, he betrays her trust in order to fulfill his ambition one night.
Angelina Jolie (who I haven’t seen in MANY things) does a really good job w/ the main role. And I can definitely see how little girls would think her costume was a cool choice for Halloween. Diaval (Sam Riley) is a refreshing new twist on the sidekick. However, Maleficent is NOT a black and white villain in this story.
Ghostbusters (2016)
I FINALLY saw this film, which was much talked about this Spring/Summer, last week On Demand! I esp. liked the special effects, as well as Melissa McCarthy and Kate McKinnon (BOTH ladies are SO naturally funny). The hate that was thrown toward the all-female lead cast is even addressed in one scene (clever move).
The cameos by the earlier Ghostbusters were pretty cool; wait for the end credits to see Sigourney Weaver. This is an alternate universe film, so it exists in a world of its own (NOT a sequel). Yet another reason that some fanboys were pissed off!
As MANY critics noted, Kristen Wiig’s outfits seem like out of another era (and NOT in a cool, retro way). Chris Hemsworth plays it straight as a Kevin, the himbo secretary. This actually makes him seem VERY natural and funny! Overall, it was an enjoyable film, and there is a sequel planned.
Knightleyemma 