So I finally paid to watch BOAN. I can now offer my commentary without being a hypocrite. Full disclosure... After watching the movie, I reread the ACTUAL "Confessions of Nat Turner" (not the Styron novel) to make sure I wasn't trippin'. Before you comment on anything I have to say, please confirm that you have done the same. This movie was over-hyped. It was a ambitious effort at telling an overlooked story. It did have some compelling moments. However, the idea that this is an important film because it tells the ACCURATE story of Turner's revolt is diminished by the innumerable instances of artistic license and outright misrepresentation of facts. A "Based on a true story" title card doesn't mean you get to play Law & Order SVU with the historical record to the extent that you actually twist Turner into something he wasn't. To be clear, there is precious little in the historical record of Turner's life. Consequently, one might argu...

About that Melania "interview" with Anderson Cooper. I know the Trump campaign has positioned her as a polyglot, but the only language that matters in 'Murica is ANGLISH! And her Anglish is what we might gently call "flicted." Side note: Being able to thank a server in four languages doesn't count as fluency. Side note, part deux: In 'Murican Anglish, one does not "hear a lot of STUFFS." Side note, parte tres: Gerontologically speaking, a 59-year old man does not engage in "boy's talk." Side note, tiel vier: Sumner Redstone remarried at 79... Time to pull out that prenup?

You want to build a legit third party for 2020? Convince Bernie Sanders to officially declare as a Reform Party candidate and build a state by state coalition of Bernie Sanders-affiliated candidates in State and local races. The Greens are done. The Reform Party actually placed Jesse Ventura in the Minnesota Governor's mansion AND earned the most third party votes since McGovern. There is NO 2024 bench for the Dems. The GOP is struggling too. If you want to break the duopoly,  you'll need a legit 3rd-partier with media presence, charisma, and real political talent. That can't happen overnight, but the unrest in the country is real. You can't beat the system this year, but if you can find the money, you can get candidates into the game. You need someone like Colin Powell to be a standard bearer. Not for POTUS. He'll be too old after this cycle. OTOH, he's got the chops, he's got the respect and combined with Sanders, you could create a home for people...

It's early. Very early. On Friday, tapes came to light in which the Republican nominee for President of the United States, Donald Trump, describes a penchant for SERIAL SEXUAL ASSAULT. To be unequivocal: Grabbing women's genitals is assault. Forcing kisses on women because one can't "control" oneself isn't boyhood precociousness, it's assault. Insisting that one's celebrity is a de facto blanket consent to sexual assault is the mark of a predator. After an earlier de rigeur Trump non-apology, the candidate issued a campaign-mandated, teleprompter-scripted mea culpa during which his barely contained rage could literally be seen swirling beneath his blotchy complexion. Mental health professionals have likely been busy glancing over copies of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist. This is not ONLY an egomaniacal narcissist. This is not ONLY a pathological liar. This is not ONLY a fraud, and a con man. This is not ONLY a person with a delusional s...

At the airport, waiting for my flight. It's been a fulfilling (albeit exhausting) experience. Loved spending time with Mom, Dad, Curt and Toni. Can't believe all the amazing art, architecture, culture, and spiritual energy during the trip. Looking forward to coming back with Kathy and the kids one day. Rome is truly the eternal city. We stayed in a hotel that once housed Michelangelo himself as he created the masterful Sistine Chapel. I'm convinced he slept in our suite, but  don't quote me on that. If you haven't been, the treasures here are OVERWHELMING. The Vatican Museum is a labyrinth of priceless art, cultural preservation and awe-inspiring wonders... and it all leads to the Sistine Chapel (which amusingly advises silence by bellowing commands over a loud speaker). They also prohibit pictures... which is why I only took 40 or so. Hint: No flash and silent shutter are your friends. All the piazzas... all the churches... all the history... all the gelato...

You know that a lot of these hashtag haters tossing the n-word in the direction of good brother Kaepernick for his silent protest of the national anthem and flag ALSO fly the CONFEDERATE FLAG in their homes, trucks, on belt buckles and tee shirts... completely unironically. This is the same flag of folks that seceded from the Union, attempting to shatter the country they claim to hold so dear. He took this stand FULLY AWARE of the possible repercussions. He has announced that  he's NOT BACKING DOWN. He has expanded the dialogue about what it means to be a person of color (especially a high profile person of color) in this country. Some of these vile racists are pretending that Colin was just handed a big check for being Black. NOPE. He busted his ass, proved his skill, and was rewarded by the market for it. I'm not a football fan like that (except for my beloved Rattlers). The 49ers wouldn't be my team even if I were... But that XXL Kaepernick jersey just got ordered ...

Hateful 8 is EPIC Tarantino. Just marvelous. My sister,  Toni Lynelle , compared it to the infamous basement bar scene from Inglorious Basterds stretched out to a feature length. It has that claustrophobic quality, but Hateful is also a mystery. The story unspools by revealing tidbits in Tarantino's trademark chapters. There's gore, amazing dialog (peppered with somewhat gratuitous, albeit historically accurate n-words), and a HEAPING dose of Samuel L. Jackson badassery. Oh my,  Mr. Jackson... His monologue directed at Bruce Dern's character is simply jaw-dropping. I can't say I've enjoyed any of the other holiday season movies more (Force Awakens included). This is a film filled with surprises (as opposed to entertaining nostalgic nods to the Original Triology). Tarantino hasn't misfired yet, and this is one of his best. It's a clever, funny, bloody opera of a tale set in the old West. Tarantino fans will be thrilled. Jackson fans will be gleeful ...

Cut Harvey some slack on the Miss Universe pageant flub. Steve has been on the wrong side of history for DECADES...

Finally saw " # Creed ," and I have to say the hype is real. Off top, Stallone is better than he has been in decades, basically because the slurring, stumbling boxer from Philly with the heart of a lion has always been his most honest character. Then there's Michael B. Jordan... delivering a performance that erases the Fantastic Four from the public consciousness. He's ferocious here, battling the demons of his troubled childhood and completely absent father. Creed's widow, play ed with quiet dignity by Phylicia Rashad, plucks Adonis Johnson from the foster care system and raises him in all the wealth and privilege that her late husband could afford. I'm betting that it was screenwriter/director Coogler's idea to have Creed's widow balling out. Compared to Rocky's life, the difference in material comfort is significant. Yet, this pampered life is not for him. As a youth, "Donnie" had a hair-trigger and solid hands in fights. Even as...

Sooooo, about that Babyface tribute. Tevin Campbell looks OLD. I mean, the brown velvet jacket ain't help, and his vocals were twitchy, but DAYUM, his Black cracked all over the place. Brandy moved well (in her flats) but what's with the Miley-crazy hair. Side note, the audio guys should have been fired for what they did to her AND Tevin. Shum-one needsh to tell Fantashia how to pronounce the letter ESH. Side eye... I get the SHoop SHoop Whitney tribute (after all, SHHHHoop), but Superwoman? I saw Karyn White's video response (she had NO hate for Fanny, just confusion about the dis). Karyn looks GUUUUUUD. I don't know what supplements she's taking, but Tevin needs to get into it, because at FIFTY, Ms. White is fine as HAYL. Why did they let Fanny's drunk cousin on stage to sing Tenderoni? Wait, that was Bobby Brown in that fake Coogi sweater, too tight pants with torn out knees and vintage Members Only jacket? Bruh, did you smoke ALL THE WEED before th...

I will not link to the Gods of "Egypt" trailer because... foolishness. But here's a free tip from me to Ridley Scott, Alex Proyas and any other person who wants to crap all over real, established, existing history of humans on this planet to make their silly movies. Narnia. or. Xanth. or Westoros. or Any other fantasy world you want to create. This is especially true of Proyas' soon to be flop which stars two male leads that haven't been financially successful in opening a movie since 300 (Butler) and... well, never (the Game of Thrones dude). When your movie features effects-laden flying people in armor and 300-foot-long demon cobras, you might as well take the next step and just invent a magical land where you don't have to face backlash about casting people who LITERALLY would not be white. Egypt is in AFRICA. The cradle of civilization. They knew about people of different races, BUT THEIR GODS HAD SKIN LIKE THEIRS... which was (and is) not white....

Ariel Castro, this week's most despised person in America, is pleading NOT GUILTY to kidnapping. NOT GUILTY.  I appreciate that in our system of justice, a presumption of innocence exists.  I also appreciate that a lawyer is obligated to represent the interests of his client.  But, REALLY?!?  Amanda Berry crawled out of Castro's house, screaming for help, ten years after she disappeared.  The police later stormed that same house to rescue TWO OTHER WOMEN who were ROPED and CHAINED in the cellar. The lawyer is admonishing the press for vilifying his client before the WHOLE STORY is known. What story is that?  That a polygamist Svengali had three sister wives who were WAY into S&M role play?  That a 14-year old girl with developmental issues was a willing participant in a relationship with a man decades older?  This plea is a DESPICABLE tactic to cast doubt on the rape charges, and indeed, the whole case.  If the women weren't kidnapped,...

This is the start of my SNAPback Challenge Week.  Like Newark Mayor Cory Booker, I am eating and drinking budgeted solely on what the average SNAP recipient receives for a week ($33).  I've attached my receipt. I went over by 2.89 so the spinach goes to the rest of the family. Loaded up on fresh fruits and veggies. Cereal with non fat milk for breakfast; salad with chicken for lunch and chicken breast w/veggies for dinner. Even got some fresh veg for snacks. Nothing but water to drink though. When you consider that a Starbucks drink consumes almost a day's worth of budget, it really focuses your thinking.  I was having some intense internal dialog about what to buy.  I did a bit better than I thought I would.  Day one is GO!

Just got back from "42." Helgeland paced this inspiring film like a balmy day at the ballpark. Languid stretches are punctuated by staccato bursts of intense emotion and drama. Well-acted by a cast of veteran characters and earnest newcomers, the standout is Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, who must straddle a line of restraint, determination, nobility and fortitude in the face of withering hatred and racism. For those accustomed to the broad smiles of Robinson's iconic photographs, Boseman's performance will surprise. He plays the legend as a churning engine of emotion; deep love for his wife and child, countered by barely contained resentment at the nigh intolerable slights to which Robinson was exposed during that incredible first season in the majors. Boseman benefits from a clear resemblance to Robinson, an attribute which likely elevated him as a choice for such a pivotal performance. It is a wonderful way to introduce him to a wide audience. Kudos also...

Two songs I could have lived my entire life having never heard... Beyoncé's "Bow Down" and Brad Paisley/LL Cool J's "Accidental (On Purpose) Racist." As my wife said, "I don't need racial healing, I just need people NOT to say stupid ish." Really, Mrs. "I just sang at the inauguration" Carter-Knowles? Your new single has a chorus that makes "Smooth Criminal" sound like Lord Byron. THIS is how y ou choose to represent as a wife and mother? Frankly, this sounds like some post-Bobby Whitney attempting to re-establish street bona fides. IT. DIDN'T. WORK. That is some truly adolescent foolishness right there. And LL... sigh. You're an actor now... on a hot show... You didn't need this. Matter of fact, you needed to NOT do this. That flag represented an entire half of the country LEAVING the United States because they wanted SLAVES. After the end of the war... That same flag was used by generations of people who oppres...

So I watched "Shadows and Beards" yesterday (aka Lincoln). Sacrilege alert! I wasn't amazed. Credit to Spielberg for the realism of candlelight in the pre-electricity era, but damn, even the day scenes were dark. Fine group of actors, some great individual scenes. Sally Field doing her always-solid "Southern crazy" and taciturn Tommy Lee with the SURPRISE ladyfriend reveal. Great costumes, gr eat sets, but LONG and SLOW... Daniel Day Lewis gets credit for what? Looking thin and tall and dealing with appliances and make-up? He was fine as Lincoln, but it's not like we have recordings to compare him to the real deal. This is inarguably the best produced movie about a sliver of Lincoln's life, but that doesn't make it the best film of the year... by a long shot. Side note: I have to say, the VERY FIRST scene kinda threw me out of it. To have those two soldiers mosey up to Lincoln's wagon and recite the speech like that? And one admitted that he coul...

I'mma say it... Les Miz is WAY over-rated. Sorry, Ms. Hathaway, I guess they're handing out nominations for dirty make-up and hair cuts, because your talk/singing was NOT the business. And what a whirlwind trip to degradation! You lose your job and five minutes later, it's down to the docks to sell your hair, teeth, dignity and health. Hugh Jackman, you're too skinny to play Valjean. He was s upposed to be this unbelievable strongman. Maybe I could have bought it if your singing voice was amazing... but it's not. All that hoarse emoting... did you graduate from the Christian Bale Academy of Growling? And Russell Crowe? REALLY? He's physically closer to a Valjean type, but with a voice like that, he may as well have been in the Liam Neeson version... OF THE BOOK. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter bring the (much-needed) comic relief, but this adaptation is fractured, messy and sleep-inducing. SORRY. P.S. Bonus points for set design, costumes, yadda, yadd...

I have finally seen Django Unchained and am open for discussion. First impressions: Looking at it through the lens of the Tarantino "Revenge" triptych (Kill Bills, Inglorious and Django) it does not feel as technically crafted as its predecessors. Yes, it's a "Spaghetti Western" and Tarantino has a fanatic devotion to his genre tropes. Yet... "Inglorious" feels like a full-bore WWII film (albe it one with darkly comical flourishes). "Kill Bill 1/2" is a pastiche of Kurasowa/Wuxia flicks with Blaxploitation and even Old West undertones... Stylized, but QT's craftsmanship is evident. "Django" suffers from QT's choice to frame it in the kitschy "Spaghetti" universe. To be certain, there were awesome performances. However, they are unbalanced by the more broad antics of the many supporting players. DiCaprio was amazing as the despicable Candie. Foxx had some really strong sequences too, though Django's meandering a...

Remember the Rankin Bass animated version of the Hobbit? Unexpected Journey is about the same... with slightly fewer songs. Ya know, I don't remember the story being so "Gandalf Ex Machina" but he LITERALLY leaves the group only to return exactly when they need him the most. Trolls (he brings the sunlight); Goblin King (he busts up their captors); Orc King (here come the eagles...) I could und erstand if he was tricking off with Galadriel, but there doesn't seem to be any rationale (other than to create false dramatic tension) for him to keep dipping out. Stay with the dwarves, Gandy! It's clear they don't have a chance without you. Also, H:UJ feels a LOT more CGI than the LOTR flicks. Most of the close-up goblins and orcs were practical effects in LOTR. Here, you have a LOT more talking characters as CGI creations... the aforementioned trolls are CGI, King Orc (and sub orcs), CGI; all the goblins, including the over-blubbery king (similar to the fat Gungan in...

Sooooooo. Kanye impregnated KimK... SIGH. Note to self, trademark the following baby names (a la Blue Ivy): Green Envy; Red LB (Louboutins, baby!); Brown LV (Louis Vuitton, natch); Orange HiC (co-brand with Absolut for Kimyetinis tm); Yellow HepC (it is KimK after all); and HPViolet (again, KimK) P.S. In some dark corner of Los Angeles, Ray J is quietly weeping and wondering how he missed this chance to extend his 15 minutes. http://www.eonline.com/news/374825/kim-kardashian-pregnant-with-kanye-west-s-baby