Surveying Hollywood’s alternate lens in a free-form ranking, we profile the Top 20 movies embraced by the industry and moviegoers in some special way–and signaled diversity in 2007 narrative filmmaking.
Namesake
Genre: Adaptation, Drama
Director: Mira Nair
Cast: Kal Penn, Zuleikha Robinson, Irfan Khan, Tabu, Jacinda Barrett
Released: March 9, 2007
DVD Released: November 27, 2007
Box Office: $13,569,248
The Plot: The Gangulis family comes to the U.S. from India in order to experience a world of limitless opportunities–only to be confronted with the perils and confusion of trying to build a meaningful life in a baffling new society. Following their arranged marriage, Ashoke and Ashima jet off from sweltering Calcutta to a wintry NYC where they begin their new life together.
Why It Fits: This multi-generational story introduces audiences to a finely, and poetically, drawn world of two Calcutta natives who head to New York to begin a new life, fraught with issues of assimilation for themselves and their kids. Using diverse locations, cynical humor, Indian-inspired production design and refreshing characters, the film pulled in mainstream audiences.
The Buzz: With awards season here, we’ll see if Mira Nair‘s sweeping epic portrait of a family stays in the memory of voters who should be thanking her for adding a keener, more universal vision of otherness to their lives.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Irfan Khan plays Gogol’s father, Ashoke–nearly in silence–to an inch within his life, complemented by Tabu‘s Ashima. We wish more American movies could feature these stalwarts. Also, Kal Penn (of Harold & Kumar fame) hands in some of his finest work.
Favorite Interview Quote: “I went up to Yale for a week and a half and visited this dorm and I knocked on the door of this random dorm room that was listed in the book, and it actually exists, I probably should have gone through the university because I just knocked on the door and I forgot I was an actor and this kid opens the door and is like, “Oh! [You!]” I thought, ‘Oh, why did I just do that?'” —Kal Penn to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Rush Hour 3
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Sequel
Director: Brett Ratner
Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max Von Sydow, Zhang Jingchu, Roman Polanski
Released: August 10, 2007
DVD Release: December 26, 2007
Box Office: $140,080,850
The Plot: The Triads will go to any lengths to make sure their secrets stay buried, and there’s only one hope for stopping them–a secret held in Los Angeles by Ambassador Han. In walks LAPD Detective Carter and Chinese Inspector Lee who are back–back where they don’t belong! And the unlikely duo is headed to Paris to stop a global criminal conspiracy and save the life of an old friend, Ambassador Han’s now-grown daughter, Soo Yung.
Why It Fits: Weaving in and out of stereotype the Afro-Asiatic cop comedy, never fails to make you laugh and wince about ‘otherness’, in equal measure.
The Buzz: He may still be considered a criminal suspect in this country, but in in the City of Lights, director Roman Polanski plays an obnoxious crime inspector, working at odds against Detective Carter and Inspector Lee to crack the case of the murderous triads.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Jackie Chan, in his mid-50s, is still drop-kickin’ thugs, in one full swoop; Chris Tucker, meanwhile, less the gangly young cop swing punches in the air–and more the mature copper who’s beefed-up his look–still pulls off afro-karate, physical comedy with aplomb. Although often awkward and predictable, the random magic, somehow, continues.
Favorite Interview Quote: “He got hurt this time, which was different. He never got hurt really [on previous Rush Hours]. He kicked a table up, and it hit him in the chest and cracked his sternum. And he got a lot of little injuries. Otherwise, I didn’t notice any slow downs. I didn’t notice that anything had changed [at 53]. He was still the great Jackie Chan.” —Brett Ratner to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 2.5 out of 5 flashes! [PAGEBREAK]
El Cantante
Genre: Biopic, Music, Drama
Director: Leon Ichaso
Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Federico Castelluccio, John Ortiz
Released: August 3, 2007
DVD Released: October 30, 2007
Box Office: $7,556,004
The Plot: The dramatic-biography of Puerto Rican salsa pioneer Hector Lavoe, one of the biggest Spanish-language singers in the 1970s. The tale follows Lavoe‘s passionate relationship with his soulmate, Puchi, and his skyrocket to international fame. But even when he has it all, Lavoe is unable to escape the allure of drugs and his personal pain.
Why It Fits: Pop culture’s powerhouse Latino couple, incidentally Puerto Rican-American, dispense this compelling and controversial love letter to their heritage and music history in general, exposing audiences to the thunderous impact that Afro-Latino musicality, art and salsa has left on the map, by way of Hector Lavoe and his contemporaries.
The Buzz: Lopez and Anthony continue the spread their legacy’s beats and Lavoe‘s music, interpreted through Anthony, following the biopic’s’ release, as they countinue to do the rounds on a highly-publicized tour with a new, additional family member on board–as baby makes three! How exciting to be on tour before teething!
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Marc Anthony has clearly more within him than those dominating pipes; a refreshing acting turn for a musician, perhaps the role was underwritten, or the scenes over-directed, but Anthony was finely attuned to his real-life inspiration, salsero Hector Lavoe. Refreshing to see J-Lo work to put the “r” back in risky performance in her portrayal of Hector‘s life-long, tough-gal love Puchi.
Favorite Interview Quote: “In the second take, I decided I was just going–to get him [Marc playing Hector] out of the house! So, I started pushing him and pushing him…and he wasn’t expecting it. He starts shoving me and grabs my arm–and I was like, ‘Let go of my arm right now!’ We start getting into it, and all of a sudden he’s like, “Jennifer [stop it!]!!” The whole set just breaks-up [into laughter] ‘cause it’s all so intense. They’re like, “Do you guys get into fights like this at home?!” [Laughs hard] ‘Noo–not like this!'” —Jennifer Lopez to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 3 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Talk To Me
Genre: Biopic, Drama, Historical, Period
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Cast: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Taraji Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Sheen, Mike Epps, Vondie Curtis Hall
Released: July 13, 2007
DVD Release: October 30, 2007
Box Office: $4,469,799
The Plot: Turbulent, mid-1960s, Washington D.C., Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene Jr. “tells it like it is” to all who will listen. The newly minted ex-con talks his way into an on-air radio gig, and forges a friendship/partnership with Dewey Hughes, who runs interference at WOL-AM, where he’s the program director. Petey becomes an iconic radio personality–although he can’t overcome his addiction.
Why It Fits: This compelling tale visits an interesting place, often left off the menu in Hollywood films–the area called the ‘workplace’, where spoken and unspoken racial dynamics play out, in pursuit of equality. Just turn the clock back thirtysomething years, and imagine the tensions brewing. Lemmons and her talented cast embrace the very special ‘moment’ in time that Petey and Dewey inhabited, and bridge both worlds through searing humor.
The Buzz: Don Cheadle and industry beloved who charts a fine cross-over career, should still be giving the critics something to talk about with his kinetic portrayal of Petey Greene. Actress-turned-director Kasi Lemmons [Eve’s Bayou] Lemmons brings some magic to the table and allows us to find a studio-backed, black female filmmaker this year in the fold–“outrageous” as the concept is (yes, that’s sarcasm you hear)!
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Don Cheadle‘s chameleon-like work shines brightly ricocheting off of Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s Dewey, in a tale that finally charts two ambitious black men, employing very different means as they navigate their way through a system, barely willing to embrace them.
Favorite Interview Quote: “I think Petey embodied the kind of spirit that would be a reflection of people who just spoke their mind, whether you agree with him or not. I think people often walk around and smile in your face and you really don’t know what’s happening–especially in my town [Los Angeles].” —Don Cheadle to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Drama, Crime, Teen, Urban
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Justin Timberlake, Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Shawn Hatosy
Released: January 12, 2007
DVD Released: May 1, 2007
Box Office: $15,229,325
The Plot: They grew up together in the sprawling, privileged suburbs of L.A., living their own version of the American dream with every day a blur of partying and looking for the next thrill–doing suburban imitations of the thug life they idolize from the media. Johnny Truelove is the leader in their sordid world of drugs, greed, power and privilege. But when he is double-crossed by another dealer, things quickly begin to spiral out of control, and an impulsive kidnapping leads to a shocking conclusion.
Why It Fits: When was the last time you’ve seen a bunch of SoCal self-involved privileged, white teens get pulled into a world of crime, motivated not by a hunger to survive–but by the three deadly B’s: Boredom, Badassedness and Binge-pot-smoking.
The Buzz: Critics were fickle, although they shouldn’t have overlooked the stunning performances elicited from director Nick Cassavetes. Maybe, they’re used to seeing that type of slacker thuggish portrayal with other racial demographics. Likely, your average critic probably had a hard time opening the door into a universe so shockingly corrupt on the inside, yet eerily familiar on the outside.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Ben Foster‘s, hyper-tattooed, hard-headed, volatile Jake Mazursky comes head-to-head with Emile Hirsch‘s slyly foul Johnny Truelove, in searching for his younger brother, Anton Yelchin‘s Zack, whom Johnny has kidnapped. And yes, don’t fool yourself, Justin can act.
Favorite Interview Quote: “It’s a violent culture, and this is not a film about how rap is making white kids pull triggers. It’s a vacuum of culture. It’s prioritizing things that don’t actually have value. The idea of fast cars, and a fast lifestyle, and ‘bitches’ is not solely rap. It’s a hollowness of the culture.” —Ben Foster to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Comedy, Urban
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Thandie Newton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Eddie Griffin, Charlie Murphy, Katt Williams
Released: February 9, 2007
DVD Released: June 5, 2007
Box Office: $95,323,496
The Plot: Norbit has never had it easy. As a baby, he was abandoned on the steps of a Chinese restaurant/orphanage and raised by Mr. Wong. Things get worse when he’s forced into marriage by the mean, junk food-chugging queen, Rasputia. Just when Norbit’s hanging by his last thread, his childhood sweetheart, Kate, moves back to town.
Why It Fits: If you belong to one the ‘Big Three’ racial groups, you know that inevitably there will be a cringe-worthy, stereotype heavy comedy which will do well at the box office, and which you may even giggle at behind closed doors–until you really come to terms with the fact that the joke’s on you!
The Buzz: Yes it made money alright–but isn’t it clear? The film cost Eddie serious Oscar statue consideration. After months of Dreamgirls buzz and accolade, Eddie‘s Norbit served to deflate thespian’s ‘cred’. Please note, when posing in a scantily-clad, prosthetic, ginormous ass in drag, and you’re an Oscar nominee, make sure a building-sized poster isn’t hanging across the street from the ceremony’s Red Carpet walk.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Eddie Murphy‘s Mr. Wong and Rasputia, clearly purposeful stereotypes, catch your eyes as you try to avert a gaze; it would be funny–but for the fact that subversion is not at its heart–buffoonery is. Yes, we’ll admit, Eddie Murphy is a sort of master of disguise–but he really should’ve hidden out in a Alaska for a few, after signing the back of this paycheck.
Favorite Interview Quote: “Oh trust me, it [Norbit] was way over the PG-13 realm in its original state. That’s what the process was, to go from lightening it up, and lightening it up, and lightening it up, and lightening it up–until finally it was to that level where you could call it ‘PG-13.’ In the beginning, Norbit was very ‘Rated R’ because it was much more violent. The violence was more everywhere.” —Charlie Murphy to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 1.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
A Mighty Heart
Genre: Adaptation, Biopic, Drama, Political, War
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irfan Khan, Archie Panjabi, Gary Wilmes, Will Patton
Released: June 22, 2007
DVD Release: October 16, 2007
Box Office: $9,172,810
The Plot: On January 23, 2002, Mariane Pearl‘s world changed forever. Her husband Daniel, South Asia bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, was researching a story on shoe bomber Richard Reid–and went missing. This is the story, based on Mariane Pearl‘s memoirs, of her ill-fated search–while pregnant–for Danny.
Why It Fits: Set in Karachi, a tale about a Jewish reporter abducted by Taliban co-conspirators in Pakistan–that and brings his Afro-Cuban French journalist wife, portrayed seamlessly by a full-featured ‘white’, into the forefront of an international search–is certainly enough to make this film qualify on several levels.
The Buzz: Lots of awards buzz, including a Globe nomination for Ms. Jolie, the life partner of the film’s producer Mr. Pitt. Yet with its megawatt star, its acclaimed director, all of its obsessive buzz, press, critical raves and worldwide familiarity with the story–the piercing film earned only a modest share of the box office.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Angelina steadily erases her larger-than-life tabloid persona in this gripping performance that leads her right back to where she wants to reside most: as a seriously regarded actress whose star shines brightly enough to illuminate important international issues that may fall through the cracks in our apolitical, In Touch-obsessed celeb culture. As well, Namesake‘s Irfan Khan fully grounds the story in his breathless search for the kidnappers through Karachi.
Favorite Interview Quote: “When I first met Mariane I was struck by her ability to go to a place of love and tolerance so quickly after something so brutal happened. It’s a very common reaction in people, and my own, to immediately just be so angry and so lost and self-pitied and furious; [I can be] so horrific, even, to somebody I once cared about.” —Angelina Jolie to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Hairspray
Genre: Adaptation, Musical, Comedy
Director: Adam Shankman
Cast: John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelly, Michelle Pfeiffer, Britany Snow, Christopher Walken, James Marsden, and introducing Nikki Blonsky
Released: July 20, 2007
DVD Released: November 20, 2007
Box Office: $118,823,091
The Plot: Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion–dancing. Her dream is to appear on “The Corny Collins Show,” Baltimore’s hippest dance party on TV. Tracy seems a natural fit for the show except–she doesn’t fit in with the svelte cool crowd. That doesn’t stop Tracy because she knows she was born to dance. At school, however, a short stint in detention and the budding relationship between her best friend Penny and Seaweed opens Tracy’s eyes to a bigger issue than the latest dance craze or the coolest hairdo–racial inequality.
Why It Fits: From underground films to the stage to a mainstream studio film, John Waters‘s gem of a tale rooted in the tumult 1960s integration and change–through music and dance–has consistently tapped into the zeitgeist of diversification through representation. His tale remains light and heavy at once–tackling subjects with sugar-coated medicine.
The Buzz: With three recent Golden Globe nominations, a triple-threat cast, and a whopping box-office return for a movie of its off-beat subject, Hairspray may walk itself right to the Oscar ceremony with more than a technical nomination this year.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Nikki Blonsky‘s new star shines brightly as the effervescent Tracy Turnblad; as does Elijah Kelly‘s as Seaweed. There’s barely a performance not worthy of cooing over, in this ensemble musical powerhouse that witnesses some of the best work seen by John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken in quite some time. We think it’s safe to say: Divine is likely smiling down from up above!
Favorite Interview Quote: “Yes. I realize the power a woman has, because I was not a woman but I just had the illusion of a woman and yet I was treated differently. I was treated with a lot of flirtation.” —John Travolta to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Adaptation, Drama
Director: Susanne Bier
Cast: Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Alison Lohman
Released: October 19, 2007
DVD Release: February 12, 2008
Box Office: $3,241,832
The Plot: Audrey’s husband Brian, the father of their two children, has just been murdered. Once anchored by the love and comforts of their 11-year marriage, Audrey is now adrift. Impulsively, she turns to Jerry a down-and-out addict she detests, who has been her husband’s close friend since childhood. Desperate to fill the painful, sudden void caused by her husband’s death, Audrey invites Jerry to move into the room by their garage, hoping that he can help her and her children cope.
Why It Fits: Halle Berry and David Duchovny play opposite one another as husband and wife, in a marriage that gets struck by tragedy. While far from a rarity in real-life, quite often the representation of interracial relationships in studio movies is hard to find–and to prove it, Oscar-winning Halle still had to convince producers that she could be credible as Duchovny‘s wife–and that their children, who would be naturally mixed-race, would be just be normal kids–no biggie.
The Buzz: This role of Audrey was finally allowed Halle to see herself, realistically, as a mother and was–according to the actress–in part, her inspiration to muster-up the confidence to become a mom.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Halle rises again to her talent within, that sometimes gets subverted, pending on her project. As well, Benicio is a standout drug-addicted drifter.
Favorite Interview Quote: “We had a half an hour coffee and when I walked up, my first question for her [Susanne Bier, Director] was, “Do you care that I’m black and this wasn’t written for a black woman?” She said, “To hell with what color you are. Just tell me why you like this character. Tell me about Audrey. Let’s start there.” —Halle Berry to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Are We Done Yet?
Genre: Comedy, Sequel, [Sub]Urban
Director: Steve Carr
Cast: Ice Cube, Nia Long, Aleisha Allen, Philip Bolden, John C. McGinley
Released: April 4, 2007
DVD Release: August 7, 2007
Box Office: $49,968,665
The Plot: Now married to Suzanne, Nick Persons has bought a quiet suburban house to escape the rat race of the big city and to provide more space for his new wife and kids Lindsey and Kevin. But when his new home quickly becomes a costly “fixer upper” and he finds himself at the mercy of an eccentric contractor, Nick’s suburban dream becomes a riotous nightmare.
Why It Fits: Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away, rapper Ice Cube was dead-set on bringing urban street realness to the forefront of his tough-as-nails, urban entertainer image. Did he outgrow his persona, or was he always of two worlds to begin with? You decide. One thing for sure, audiences around the country have decided he’s one of their favorite (comedic) leads.
The Buzz: Perhaps the trend is now being set for Afro-suburban comedies–something more generally seen on TV, than appreciated in the movies, where urban and rural South-esque comedies often dominate humorous scripts concerning black livelihood.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Hmmm?
Favorite Interview Quote: “I feel good that I’m finally able to connect with my youngest audience, um, when you have a seven-year-old kid coming up to you saying how much they like Friday, and then you think about all the stuff that’s in Friday, you want to give them something they can really watch.” —Ice Cube to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 1.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Crime, Drama, Biopic, Period, Thriller, Urban
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Common, RZA, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ruby Dee, Lymari Nadal, Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Released: November 2, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: $127,582,340
The Plot: Unassuming Frank Lucas takes advantage the hole left in the power structure created by his crime boss’ death and builds his own empire. His ingenuity and strict business ethic gives him total control over the inner-city drug trade. Outcast cop Richie Roberts senses a shift of control in the drug underworld and suspects that a black power player has come from nowhere to dominate the Mafia families’ scene. Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that makes them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. Their destinies become intertwined as they approach a pivotal confrontation.
Why It Fits: While the gangster story remains predictable, the mastermind behind it is not the typical face of whom we’ve come accustomed to seeing ‘running things’. So while it’s a complex portrait that probably serves as a turn-off to many who can’t relate to finding racial pride in a gangster story, the rise and fall of Frank Lucas charts the untold tale of an African-American (criminal) entrepreneur, whose long-held dynasty with violence–dating back to experiencing severe police brutality in the south–was put to use by him in rising to the top of a corrupt business, surpassing his privileged, organized, white counterparts, through curiously code-like business practices.
The Buzz: The pre-Thanksgiving released film that’s still roaring in the theaters continues to make its way to critics’ lists, and may very well earn Washington another Oscar nomination. Already Gangster has earned two Golden Globe nominations: one for Best Picture (Drama) and the other for Best Actor for the powerful Mr.Washington.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): As Denzel and Russell–as Lucas and Roberts respectively–pore over photos at the police station in their first shared scene together (probably more than two hours into the movie), it hits you in once scene–these actors are considered two of our modern-day GREATS for a reason.
Favorite Interview Quote: “I think that’s what’s fascinating about the two characters and about the story itself; none of it’s clear, it’s not a clear singular morality. When you get the opportunity to play this sort of character, which is nothing more than reality and humanity as it exists, it’s just a bit of fun.” —Russell Crowe to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Adaptation, Animation
Director(s): Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud
Cast: Voices of Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Gena Rowlands, Sean Penn, Iggy Pop
Release Date: December 25, 2007
Box Office: TBD
The Plot: The coming-of-age story of a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution. We meet nine-year-old Marjane when the fundamentalists first take power–forcing the veil on women and imprisoning thousands. The story then follows her as she cleverly outsmarts the “social guardians” and discovers punk, ABBA and Iron Maiden, while living with the terror of government persecution and the Iran/Iraq war.
Why It Fits: An animated, autobiographical, black & white film that actually meditates, humorously and deeply, on subjects which include a chador/veil-wearing Iranian teen girl, listening secretly to Iron Maiden during the Islamic Revolution–what else do you need?
The Buzz: Already nominated for Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, Persepolis has already garnered wins for Best Animated Feature from the New York Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Critics Association and the New York Online Film Critics.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Dulcet-toned Catherine Deneuve voices the role of the main character’s, Marjane Satrapi’s, mom. Making the connection all the more compelling, Deneuve plays the mother to her real-life daughter, Chiara Mastroianni, who voices Marjane w/ utterly engaging conviction.
Favorite Interview Quote: “I am, of course, extremely egocentric like any artist is but I think my ego is placed in a good place as is my collaborator Vincent [Paronnaud]. The goal is to make a good movie, the movie is not there to serve me, I am there to serve the movie.” —Marjane Satrapi to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4.5 out of 5 flashes! [PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Adaptation, Drama, Political
Director: Franc Reyes
Cast: Rick Gonzalez, Wanda De Jesús , Tego Calderon, Zoe Saldana, Manny Perez
Released: August 24, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: $3,054,430
The Plot: A Latino college student, Wilson Jr., and his courageous mother, Millie De Leon, flee from the thugs that killed his father. After years of uncertainty about the true meaning behind their life on the run, Wilson Jr. and his love, Ana, find themselves in life-threatening danger. Wilson Jr. must return to Puerto Rico to unveil the dark secrets from his family’s past.
Why It Fits: Produced by John Singleton, this universal Nuyorican tale that spans from New York to Puerto Rico, in a dangerously thrilling coming-of-age odyssey marks, perhaps, the first Afro-Latino collaborative studio-backed effort of modern-day note.
The Buzz: Two years prior to the making of his film, director Franc Reyes met his producer John Singleton at a party held my Spike Lee–figuring nothing would come of it, until he bumped into and approached Singleton while leaving a coffeehouse; Singleton then gave Reyes the opportunity to pitch the story to him three weeks later. One never knows what comes out of a good party schmooze, huh?
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Although the acting comes off uneven at points, Illegal serves up a refreshing ensemble of faces to watch, working hard to deliver real-life grit to the screen. Reggeaton star Tego Calderon held his own, among his thespian trained fellow-actors.
Favorite Interview Quote: “Filmmakers are not speaking to what’s going on–filmmakers now, whether they be Black, Latino, Jewish, Asian–ethnic filmmakers are not speaking to what’s going on in America right now, and I think that’s what needs to happen. All the Sundance movies that are coming out are high concept and not talking about regular folks.” —John Singleton/Producer to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 2 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Action, Adaptation, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Director: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Charlie Tahan
Released: December 14, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: $137,490,000
The Plot: A mutated, manmade, incurable virus turns the world’s population into bloodthirsty carnivorous beings; everyone that is, apart from former military scientist Robert Neville, who’s now maybe the last human survivor in the world. Living in quarantine on Manhattan, Neville works day and night on finding a cure before the infected creatures devour him.
Why It Fits: Hello! The very same year that American pundits, naysayers, supporters and undecideds are forced to ponder the image–and possible reality–of being led by a black president is the same year they also pay a sizeable wad at the box office to learn if the last survivor on earth is truly a black man. Could be that black is the new black!
The Buzz: Based on the 1971 film The Omega Man, adapted from the 1954 novel I am Legend, the half-century old tale may very well continue to rake in high box office numbers well into 2008, as a week following its North American opening it snatched the top spot at the international box office. Perhaps the days are finally behind us, when an African-American lead would scare doubtful distributors, surveying the international market where the Will Smiths of the world didn’t always survive.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Mr. Will Smith–take him or leave him–is the one megastar besides Tom Hanks (and Sigourney Weaver during her moment) who charts his own characters’ journeys to the degree that no other humans are really needed to keep the action rolling!
Favorite Interview Quote:
Our Recommendation: 3.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
The Kite Runner
Genre: Adaptation, Drama, Political
Director: Marc Forster
Cast: Shaun Toub, Khalid Abdalla, Said Taghmaoui, Atossa Leoni, Nasser Memarzia
Released: December 14, 2007
Box Office: $471,713
The Scoop: Spanning from the final days of Afghanistan’s monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban reign, an epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal. An unlikely friendship develops between Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan businessman, and Hassan, a servant to Amir and his father. During a kite-flying tournament, an unspeakable event changes the nature of their relationship forever.
Why It Fits: The Kite Runner marks the first American studio released film ever to emerge from Afghanistan–enough said.
The Buzz: So far, this awards season has looked kindly upon the Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland) outing, scripted by David Benioff (The 25th Hour) from Khaled Hosseini‘s gripping novel, as the modest film has already picked up two Golden Globe noms for Best Foreign Picture and Best Score.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Shaun Toub and Khalid Abdalla‘s well-paced performances keep the tension tightly wound in this complicated story rooted in class difference and cultural sameness at once.
Favorite Interview Quote: “I share in this cultural project, I share in the fact that this is the first film in the history of Hollywood where the first point of contact in Afghanistan, the whole region, is a human family story and not political violence. I share in my love for that, my thirst for that, and my desire to give everything I can for that.” —Khalid Abdalla to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 3.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Biopic, Drama, Period
Director: Denzel Washington
Cast: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett , Justice Leak
Release: December 25, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: TBD
The Plot: Professor Melvin Tolson, a brilliant but volatile debate team coach, uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college in the Deep South into a historically elite debate team.
Why It Fits: In an of itself, the tale practically defines the category, as it presents audiences with a glimpse into a world not often seen onscreen: educated turn-of-the-century, middle-class African-Americans–articulate and powerful; white and black farmers working together in the underground to fight oppressive anti-unionist forces; and glimpses into the world of integration that would be fraught with angst, pain and exaltation on both sides of the color line.
The Buzz: Already entering the winner’s circles without any argument, The Great Debaters has picked up a Golden Globe nom for Best Motion Picture (Drama), and is co-winner of the 2007 Bvlgari Award for NBR Freedom of Expression by the National Board of Review (NBR).
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Denzel‘s debating students played by Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and Justice Leak infuse a fresh, kinetic energy into the period piece–forcing audience to share their onscreen focus that would’ve normally been spent wrapped-up in watching Denzel do his actor-ly magic; instead the youth subvert this, bringing folk back into the structure and power of debate.
Favorite Interview Quote: “Everybody has it inside them and I think what this movie does is that it hits that nerve for all of us–it opens a little window of life so when you see that happen it’s spiritual and emotional in a way and you believe ‘I can.’” —Oprah Winfrey/Producer to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 3.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Adaptation, Comedy, Drama, Urban
Director: Tyler Perry
Cast: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Sharon Leal, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Richard T. Jones
Released: October 12, 2007
DVD Release: TBA
Box Office: $55,184,721
The Plot: When eight married college friends reunite for their annual retreat in the snowcapped mountains of Colorado, they come expecting fun and relaxation, but get a completely unexpected surprise. Unlike any other year, this trip changes the dynamic of the group with two new additions.
Why It Fits: Finally, someone’s figured out that African-Americans go skiing too! And to boot, the film’s focus revolves around four unhinged, professional couples, dealing with the various curves balls that life is throwing their way–quite a universal concept, but usually told with white actors.
The Buzz: Topping the box office for its opening weekend, Why Did I Get Married pulled in $21.4 million on approximately 2,600 screens at 2,011 theaters, marking another highly successful launch for the Tyler Perry brand that seems to have no end in sight. And its box office figures were made more impressive by the fact that the urban comedy didn’t feature his popular fat-suited, granny character Madea.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): It’s a little hard not to mourn for even a cameo of rambunctious Madea, when seeing Tyler Perry, out-of-drag, onscreen–but alas, we’ll deal with him just being a plain, ol’ everyman–this time around!
Favorite Interview Quote: “A lot of my friends they call me ‘the therapist.’ They come to me looking for advice. I must be doing something right because they keep coming back, but I’m not very good at kind of looking into my own world and trying to pick apart what is really wrong and fix those things.” —Janet Jackson to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 2.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Adaptation, Period, Spy, Thriller
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Tang Wei, Joan Chen, Tony Leung
Released: September 28, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: $4,436,160
The Plot: An espionage thriller set in WWII-era Shanghai, centering on Mr. Yee, a powerful political figure and Wong Chia Chi, the young woman who gets swept up in a dangerous game of emotional intrigue with him.
Why It Fits: Following his thunderous Brokeback Mountain hit, Academy Award-winning Ang Lee’s focus traverses back overseas to Asia to reveal another period tension-laden film with his buzz 2007′ espionage thriller set in WWII-era Shanghai, during the Japanese occupation.
The Buzz: The sexy thriller has already garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, as well as three Independent Spirit nominations.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Displaying a limber actor’s range that will inevitably gain her a strong fan-base, newcomer Tang Wei–in a star-making performance–portrays Wong Chia-Chi, a drama student enlisted by the resistance to ensnare a married government minister, Mr. Yee, played boldly by Tony Leung.
Favorite Interview Quote: “When you have someone new [Tang Wei] playing a big part, let alone carry the movie, it’s very scary. Even though everything looks right to you, you don’t know the fate of the movie when you face the audience and whether they agree or not.” —Ang Lee to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 3.5 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: drama
Director: Mike Binder
Cast: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Saffron Burrows
Released: March 23, 2007
DVD Release: October 9, 2007
Box Office: $19,661,987
The Plot: Former college roommates Charlie and Alan meet up again by chance. Five years after losing his family on 9/11, Charlie–once a successful dentist–has retreated from his life, and Alan is stunned to see the changes in his formerly gregarious friend. At the same time, Alan–who should be enjoying his beautiful wife, children and career–is overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Their rekindled relationship becomes a lifeline for the two men, who are both in need of a trusted friend at this pivotal moment in their lives.
Why It Fits: Finally a film where a normal–though dysfunctional–relationship is had between friends who are black and white, without either of them falling into the stereotype of what Hollywood usually likes to promote: i.e., the cool, sage-like black advisor encircles to put the successful, but more vulnerable white friend back on track. In this film both men have their emotional “issues” and serve as mutual outreach posts.
The Buzz: While this received mixed critical buzz, a key factor may’ve been the fact that Reign marked the first studio film to address the human aftermath of 9/11 in a dramatic, fictionalized context.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Four words: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle
Favorite Interview Quote: “We just had a ball. Adam’s [Sandler] very musical, he plays guitar, he’s a really good guitar player. I mess around on about six or seven instruments. So we had a lot of fun and cross referencing talking about music and what we’ve done.” —Don Cheadle to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 4 out of 5 flashes![PAGEBREAK]
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Family, Holiday
Director: Preston Whitmore
Cast: Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Regina King, Chris Brown, Delroy Lindo, Sharon Leal, Laz Alonso, Mekhi Phifer, Columbus Short
Released: November 21, 2007
DVD Release: TBD
Box Office: $46,004,292
The Plot: As nourishing as it is dysfunctional, the holiday season is no different for the Whitfield family. And when the Whitfields gather together for their first Christmas dinner in four years, things begin to unravel. The six siblings who spend the holidays at the California home of family matriarch Ma’Dere all harbor a dark secret or a hidden agenda–as does Ma’Dere, herself.
Why It Fits: Every year the Yuletide season serves a few naughty diabetes inducing, seasonal family films, that sometimes enter the pantheon of classics–and c’mon, sooner or later we all end up watching them! This Christmas is no different, as it just adds that Soul Food-esque flavor to The Family Stone-meets-Deck the Halls.
The Buzz: Smokin’ hot in a new generation of dancing R&B/pop singers, the flexible Chris Brown more than likely brought in quite an audience to a modestly film that’s performed healthily at the box office since its opening–given its double niche focus.
Standout Character(s)/Performance(s): Though she may be holding a fist full of ham, Loretta Devine just can’t help but be good–and shines opposite Delroy Lindo.
Favorite Interview Quote: “We [my family] have the big Christmas dinners and it’s always, you know, three days in…and woooooh [whistle noise] you gotta get out, ’cause there’s too much drama, and you don’t want that–you want it to be good, and for there to be good spirits.” —Columbus Short to Hollywood.com
Our Recommendation: 3 out of 5 flashes!
