American Fiction-Fiction Is Complicated

    I must be honest with you; I really didn't know how I felt about this movie after seeing it. The friend I was with had viewed this movie at a film festival and was beyond excited to see it for the second time. He was equally excited about it after viewing it a second time. Unfortunately, my first reaction didn't meet his excitement.

 

    For me, I had to sit on it. I had to think about it. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Maybe I felt this way because some things in the movie hit too close to home. I didn't want to jump to a quick opinion about this film; I needed to take some time and think about it.

 

    This film is being labeled as a comedy/drama. It stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown. As I reflected on this, I have to admit that Sterling K. Brown was very entertaining in his role. It really is worth seeing this film just to see him work!

 

    American Fiction is written and directed by Cord Jefferson. This is the first film he has directed. It is based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett.

     As I took the time to reflect on the film, I realized I really didn't care for the beginning of the movie. Maybe I felt that way because of the tropes used and the jargon. I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but the more I sat on it and thought about it, the more I knew that's what it was.

    Once I got past that, I could actually relate to this family; the family dynamics and struggles struck a chord. They dealt with many things I have experienced in my own life. I have dealt with both terrible tragedies and the dynamics of my family. Has anyone else had a movie trigger a specific trauma in their life?

 

    The main character's name is Monk, who is played by Jeffrey Wright. Monk has some serious issues and things going on in his life. Things aren't going right in his life, and then he is thrown into an overwhelming situation he is not prepared for.

 

    Just as in the O'Jays song:

For The Love Of Money says:

Money, Money, Money, Money, Money

Some people got to have it

Some people really need it

 

    That is the name of the game. It is exactly what Monk needs: MONEY! He needs that “almighty dollar." He's “got to have it." He really needs it. He has to make a decision—will he forsake his principles? Be a hypocrite all for the sake of money? Or will he find another way?

 

    In this film, Monk deals with personal struggles, a tragedy, and a sudden switch in his priorities. His family is also dealing with personal struggles, tragedy, and a change in the norm. Experiences that many of us have dealt with ourselves.

    And let's not forget corporate America. What role do they play in the quest to make that “almighty dollar”? How willing are they to go against societal norms and principles to make that “lean mean, mean green”?

 

    Can we take a moment and talk about White America's fascination with Black culture? The love of Black culture; the music, the fashion, the food, the dances, and the slang. That is a central theme in this film.

 

    Although I had a mixed bag of emotions towards this film after initially watching it,

“Eh not sure if I liked it.”

 

Then, after some reflection, I thought, "It was OK.”

 

But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.

 

    In conclusion, I think this is a movie that most would find enjoyable and funny. Go see it. Let me know in the comments what you think!

 

    As for the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie, I would say this: “Hell to the no." Children will not find this movie entertaining. There is nothing in this movie that children would find enjoyable. It is a dialogue-driven movie. It is rated R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references, and brief violence. 

I give it 4/5 “Charms”

🍀🍀🍀🍀

 

“I'm rooting for everybody Black.”

 

Just A Mom Who Loves Movies

Wonka-Wonky Fun

We need to talk about musicals. I love musical plays! This girl has gone to Hamilton twice.  A few musicals I've seen either on a TV( as a child) or in a movie theater, are: the original Wiz, West Side Story (original and remake), The Wizard of Oz (I think there was some type of remake to this but I can't really remember it ), Mary Poppins (both the original and remake) and of course the original Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory ( I think the remake was OK, but not memorable). I absolutely love and adore several of these movies. They bring back cherished memories from my childhood, especially Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory.

Other than these feature films, I have seen a few more musical films, but not a whole lot. I have never seen LALA LAND. I can hear all your collective gasps! I just had no desire to see it, even with all the hoopla that surrounded it. 

To understand why I feel this way, I have to tell you why. Sometime around 2014 (in the beginning of my advance screening journey), a musical came out by the name of Into The Woods. At this point of my movie screening journey, I wanted to see as many free movies as I could manage in a week. So, I stepped into the Regal Theater in Winter Park FL to see this movie. Oh my goodness, “it was a no from me dawg." I did not like it at all. How many of you saw it and agree with me? After that experience, I was very picky about what musicals I went to see.

 On the other hand, Wonka is absolutely amazing! Seeing it in IMAX enhanced it even more. It is a work of “pure imagination." Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet who plays Willy Wonka, along with newcomer Calah Lane as Noodle and an incredible ensemble cast that includes Keegan-Michael Key, and Hugh Grant. This adventurous musical fantasy, which is full of comedy, is based on characters from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Evidently, the audience was really looking forward to this film because guess what happened when the opening titles began? They clapped! I've been to many screenings and movies; never have I experienced an audience clapping before the movie even started. That really shows how much they were looking forward to it.

Let's get into it. 

As the opening titles are appearing on screen, we hear a surprise song that was perfectly placed. I was intrigued. As the opening scene unfolds it just jumps out at you with such vibrant color, sights, and sounds; it was so alive!  I was loving what I was seeing so far!

 Another way this feature film was made enjoyable was by the music. If it affects you in the same way it did me, you will be dancing in your seat the whole time you're in the theater. It is so much fun!

Without a doubt this film is hilarious! It takes a lot to make me laugh, but this film had me rolling throughout the entire thing. This must have been a general consensus, because everyone was laughing right along with me.

As for the plot of the movie, there is greed (not only with money), cruelty, obsession, jealousy, deception, hopes dashed, sacrifice, compromise but also love, caring for others, teamwork, and friendship. 

 I really don't like to reveal ANYTHING about the movies written about in this blog but this line from the movie struck me: “The greedy beat the needy “. You will have to see the movie to know what that is all about! :)  I would be negligent if I didn't mention how much the cast was remarkable and did a great job playing their characters. 

 Lastly, as to the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie, I would say this: Yes! Yes! Yes! A resounding yes! This is a funny, fun, heartwarming film that has quite a few life lessons in it. It shows the importance of imagination and dreaming. This is most definitely a family film. It is rated PG for some violence, mild language, and thematic elements.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

I give it 5/5 “Charms”

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Just A Mom Who Loves Movies

Origin-An Emotional Masterpiece

     Okay, can I admit something to you? I enjoy movies that are based on real lives. There have been numerous docudramas that have allowed me to discover fascinating life stories, and Origin is a prime example of this.

    Origin is a biographical drama written and directed by Ava DuVernay. It is the story of Isabel Wilkerson. It centers around her research for her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. This biological drama stars Aunjanue Ellis as Isabel Wilkerson, along with Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman and Blair Underwood. The cast was phenomenal. 

    Ava DuVernay is an American filmmaker best known for her films and TV shows that explore experiences of African Americans, these include: Jim Crow-era racism, the civil rights movement, racial inequities of mass incarceration, and the history of hip-hop music. An interesting fact I found out by following Ava DuVernay on Instagram is how she funded this project. She needed to get creative with where she raised the funds for this film. She asked herself if the non-profits seen at the end of PBS documentaries would ever consider making a narrative film with actors. The answer was a definite yes! The contributors include:  Darren Walker of the Ford Foundation, Laurene Powell Jobs of Emerson Collective, Melinda Gates of Pivotal Ventures. Anne Wojcicki, Kimberly Steward, Agnes Gund, Chris and Jada Paul, among many others.

    Some of Ava DuVernay's previous works that I have enjoyed are:  the film Selma, and the series Colin in Black and White. While they have been on “My List” on Netflix, I have not been able to bring myself to watch 13th or When They See Us. I think February 2024 will be a good month for me to finally get them off my list. I just have to brace myself for the traumatic brutality of the content. 

    Furthermore, another name to watch out for is Aunjanue Ellis. She is becoming one of my favorite actresses. I find myself looking forward to watching her work. Some of my favorites are two movies based on true life stories: The Express: The Ernie Davis story and King Richard. Some of her series work I really enjoyed was in Lovecraft Country and the recently released, Justified: City Primeval.

    For the record, I have not read the book, nor had I heard of author Isabel Wilkerson, so ultimately, I had no preconceived ideas or expectations prior to watching this docudrama. This film is so deeeeeep! It is an extremely emotional piece of work. It is a powerful story that wrenches at your heart and makes you think!

    From the moment this story began to unfold, I was overcome with raw emotions. I immediately knew who was being depicted in the opening scene without a name being uttered. Instantly, I was put in a defensive mode. bracing for what was to come. As the storyline unfolded, I began sobbing uncontrollably. Realizing quickly that it would not be the last time I would openly sob during this film. It was such an emotional experience. 

    Without giving away the plot of the movie, we need to talk a little bit about the history of this country. In particular, Black history, which is extremely ugly, hurtful and painful. As I watched a particular scene, my thoughts went to the psychological warfare and treatment my mother and mother-in-law must have had to endure at times during their childhoods, having been born in 1939 and 1931, respectively.

Isabel Wilkerson's story is one of:

Success

Devastation 

Grief

Resilience 

Confidence 

Persistence and

Perseverance 

    You should definitely go see this heart wrenching film. In addition, read Ms. Isabel Wilkerson's book:  Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. I’m going to join you; it is now on my reading list.

    Lastly, as to the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie, I would say this: “hell to the no”. In all seriousness this is an excruciatingly painful movie to experience. Children would not find it entertaining in the least bit. If you have a teenager that is mature enough to handle hard emotional content, then you may want to take them. Personally, I would not have taken my children to see this movie at any age. It is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving racism, violence, some disturbing images, language, and smoking. 

     This is a very entertaining movie, but not in the traditional sense of the word. I think it is more intriguing. It is an eye opener. I do feel this melodrama deserves many awards when award season comes around. I hope you feel the same way. Let me know what you think.

I give it 5/5 “Charms”

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

“I'm rooting for everybody Black.”

Just A Mom Who Loves Movies

The Color Purple-A Musical Treasure

    I was fortunate enough to go to an advance screening of The Color Purple. I was so excited! Everyone at the screening was excited! There was a lot of buzz and chatter as we waited for the movie to start. 

    The film is based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel. The story is about the life of Celie from 1909 to 1947. There was already one film adaptation in 1985, so I had high expectations; and I must say — it was fantastic! And yes, I wore a purple shirt! I listen to Oprah! 

    Speaking of Oprah, she is a producer on this new version of The Color Purple, along with Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones.

    As the lights dimmed and the screen came to life, a hush fell over the audience. I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation, I couldn't wait to see what this remake of the 1985 masterpiece was going to offer me. I was not in the least bit disappointed; it offered me nothing but pure entertainment!

Why was this movie so good? 

#1 The cast. 

    I thought the casting was spot on. Each actor was perfectly cast. We all know the big stars in it; Fantasia Barrino as adult Celie, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, and Danielle Brooks as Sofia but the rest of the cast was on point! From Halle Bailey as young Nettie to Coleman Domingo as Mister and Tony winner David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery and so many more celebrities It was indeed a star-studded movie!

#2 The music. 

    Gospel, blues, jazz, you name it! It will have you dancing in your seat. The singing was remarkable. On top of that, there were also new songs that were written just for this movie. If you ask me, it’s pretty much a virtual concert too.

#3 The Choreography.

     As a dance mom, of a phenomenal dancer at that, I know of what I speak. (Is it former if your child is an adult? I say once a dance mom always a dance mom!). The choreography was modern and flawless. The Choreographer, Fatima Robinson, has worked with so many artists, from Michael Jackson to Mary J. Blige. She used hip-hop moves and TikTok dances that breathed life into the dance scenes. 

    With all that I loved about this movie, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about how hard some of the subject matter was. It was overbearing.

    If you've read the book or seen the original film, you are aware of the trauma that happens to Celie and Sofia. The abuse that Celie experiences throughout her lifetime is not an easy thing to watch. 

    Fortunately, this story is about more than that. The story is about not only sadness but also love, friendship, healing, happiness, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation and triumph. All things that we all strive for in our lives.

    Black culture has had major influences on the world, evident through societal trends in music, dance, and art. It’s apparent in the movie —it incorporates it all. This film will surely be added to a list of classic Black films that are a must see for generations to come.

    Also, make sure you look out for the cameos. I spotted one and will look to see if there are any more when I most definitely see it again. 

This cinematic showpiece, in my humble opinion, should garner some award wins come award season. 

    As to the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie; I would say this: “Hell to the no”. While the music and dancing are great, there are a lot of grown-up issues that you may not want to expose your child to. I do think teenagers that can handle the adult issues would undeniably enjoy the music and dancing. It is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexual content, violence, and language.

I give it 5/5 "Charms"

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

“I'm rooting for everybody Black.”

Just A Mom Who Loves Movies