By Wil LaVeist
March 8, 2010
Mo'Nique's Oscar-winning performance in Precious came from a dark place in her family history. Say what you will about the actress and the movie, her Academy Award victory caps the unlikely rise of a black woman who turned personal tragedy into professional triumph.
As Black movies go, Preacher's Kid is a refreshing change of pace -- a contemporary parable that presents a balanced portrayal of African American manhood and an authentic view of Black church life that confronts the stereotypes head-on.
With spectacular effects that transport audiences to the world of its characters, Avatar leads us to encounter our social and national trespasses in ways we're often unable -- or unwilling -- to do in everyday life.
Despite negative reviews, The Book of Eli is not as bad as the buzz. Some of the criticism seems directly related to the film's Christian themes, and understandably so. If someone does not understand or accept the significance of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, then he or she will find the premise of the movie to be rather absurd. And it doesn't help that this is one more entry in a recent string of post-apocalyptic films.
Invictus may not be as popular as this year's bigger holiday releases, but its poignant themes of justice and peace are both entertaining and redemptive.
If you haven't heard about James Cameron's Avatar by now, you must be living in some virtual world far removed from this planet. For better or worse, it has been one of the most hyped movies of the year. And the hype might actually be justified. The film transports viewers into another world, but it brings up very important questions about our own in the process.
In The Princess and the Frog, Tiana shows Cinderella how to wear the tiara. (And Disney finally gets around to acknowledging my existence.)
Part drama, part sports flick, part urban exposé, The Blind Side tells the inspiring true story of NFL star Michael Oher and the white family who transformed his life -- and had theirs transformed as a result.
The elevation of Black dysfunction and the invisibility of positive Black images are sending destructive messages about the reality of Black life, both to our young people and to those outside the Black community.
This edition of Pop & Circumstance is all about the "youngins" -- from the tragic tales of Precious Jones in Lee Daniels' latest film and Rihanna's triumph over domestic abuse, to the underage vixens of Gossip Girl. Join us as we take a look at the young stars who are making headlines -- and, at times, making many of us adults a little nervous.
After a few weeks off, Pop & Circumstance is back! (Did you miss us?) As you probably suspected, we've got plenty to talk about, including the return of BeBe and CeCe, Mary Mary's questionable new pursuits, and a new book that will rock your world. But first, let's check in with our favorite born-again sister from The View.
