February 27, 2020 

LAWT News Service 

 

The Pan African Film Festival and the Los Angeles City Council President Emeritus Herb J. Wesson, Jr. announces the winners of the John Singleton Short Film Competition.

 

1. Jennifer J. Scott and Brandon Hammond for their script Amaru.

 

2. Chelsea Hicks and Mitchell Brandon Rodgers for their script Contraband.

 

3. Kemiyondo Coutinho and York Walker for their script The Séance.

 

In his remarks at the announcement, LA City Council President Emeritus Herb J. Wesson, Jr. said that each winner will receive $20,000 to produce a short film with their scripts. This competition was funded by the City of Los Angeles through the embRACE LA Initiative.

February 27, 2020 

By Lapacazo Sandoval

 

Contributing Writer 

 

In Hulu’s High Fidelity, now playing, we follow business owner Rob (Zoë Kravitz), the owner of Championship Vinyl, a record store that feels like its stuck in time. There is a hint to the tone of the show — hip and music-focused.

 

This 2020 version is an adaption of Nick Hornby’s novel (1995), which was first made into a film starring John Cusack, in 2000, then followed by a failed Broadway musical.

 

Hulu’s High Fidelity is not a remake more like a funky, fun, modern and entertaining cover of the, now, classic original. It’s different and in my opinion, it’s better.

 

This version is created by Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka, experienced writers who have worked on shows like Ugly Betty, Chicago Fire, and Bull.

 

As the Hulu series begins, Rob (aka Robin) is still hurting from her recent break-up with fiancé Mac (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and taking a deep dive into why all of her romances have failed.

 

Following the path of the Robs before her, she decides to hunt down the five most significant exes in her life to figure out what she did wrong. Like the previous Robs, she is a music-head, a pop-music expert whose apartment is filled top-to-bottom with records which speak to her mind which is filled with pop-culture references. It’s correct to say that her sense of culture and her life is almost entirely by music.

 

Rob’s record store is more than just her business, it’s her life. And it’s also the location where she argues with her two hilarious co-workers, Simon (David H. Holmes) and Cherise (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) about playlists.

 

Simon is the sturdy one who represents the LGBTQ community. Cherise, African-American, is an aspiring musician with a fast-mouth and vibrant personality so big that Steve Wonder would not miss it. For the record, Rob is a sexually fluid woman of color and of course, one of her top-five exes is a woman.

 

Rob isn’t perfect. She suffers from a fear of commitment, is obsessed with the past, and is often very self-involved.

 

There is something charming about the dialogue which sings, like a song and it’s funny. The Hulu series expands the narrative with each episode being able to stand alone. 

 

In the original movie that Rob is determined to win back his former girlfriend. In this version, our lovely Rob, still aching for Mac, ventures into casual dating. Her most significant date is with nice guy Clyde (Jake Lacy).

 

What I love about this series is that I get to look into the lives of other interesting characters. To wit, we get to learn about Simon’s top-five breakups which include all that he’s experienced with his first serious boyfriend after coming out.

 

Rob, like most of us, is constantly using her cell phone, but alone she choices to listen to music on her turntable. She’s modern but also old-fashioned and not well-versed in social media; when she finds one of her exes’ Instagram profiles she doesn’t understand what the blue checkmark means. A quirky character flaw but odd that she doesn’t track down all of her former loves via social media sliding into their DM. None the less Rob’s journey makes interesting TV watching.

 

Hulu’s High Fidelity as a series digs into the impact that the five ex-lovers have had on Rob. And, as each installment is introduced the story grows stronger. One of the funniest and poignant episodes is when Rob, and Clyde, go to view a record collection sale given by an

 

Upper East Side artist (She’s played by Parker Posey) as an act of revenge against her husband, not a nice man.

 

Finally, when Rob and Clyde meet the husband he assumes Rob (a woman) can’t follow a deep conversation about music, choosing to move the conversation toward Clyde. In this #MeToo atmosphere where women are still being paid less than men in the same jobs, this ongoing exploration as told through music is priceless.

 

Here’s a fact. A lot of Hulu’s audience is young and most like doesn’t have a connection to the aforementioned novel or movie which brings me to a bigger point. A lot of these young viewers don’t have a personal connection with records. And yet, and here is a nod to the writer’s room you, because you have a connection to Rob’s universe. Kravitz is a big reason why. She speaks from her heart when she addresses the camera and she’s cool and that makes her nagging, self-doubt that much more powerful.

 

Kravitz delivers kindness along with vulnerability and sadness. She connects with all of us who, at one time or another, I wager, has felt broken and misunderstood.

 

Also one of the great performers in Hulu’s High Fidelity is actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, from Dolemite Is My Name fame. From the first moment we see her, which is in episode one, she unleashes her personality through song, adding that “Come On Eileen” is “is dope as shit!”

 

Is she comic relief? Yes, she is. Is she needed? Yes, she is. Is she welcome? Yes, yes she is. 

 

Now to the music. The soundtrack broadens the series, thanks to the superlative choices made by music supervisors Manish Raval, Alison Rosenfeld, and Tom Wolfe. It’s a whos-who including music by Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Nina Simone, Outkast, and Frank Ocean and the list goes on.

 

And hats off to the creative choices that emphasized the diverse world that Rob lives in no matter who self-centered she is while dealing with her heartbreak.

 

Hulu’s High Fidelity has created a character who wants to be loved and is willing to go through the fire to make that happen.

 

High Fidelity on Hulu. Ten episodes (all screened for review). Starring Zoë Kravitz, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, David H. Holmes, Jake Lacy, and Kingsley Ben-Adir.

February 27, 2020

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

There's something incredibly frustrating about your love life. It has been building and building and by this Friday there might be an explosion. It looks like you want what you want, Aries, and you want it now! In fact, you wanted it yesterday, last week, and last month, but you didn't get it. The more the object of your affection has resisted giving you love the way you want it, the more irritated you've become. On Friday, as Venus in Aries moves to square with Pluto, things will reach a boiling point. Try not to get burned.

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

Don't lose sight of the dream you have of your ideal romantic relationship, Taurus. Although things might have been extra confusing recently in the love department, this week there will be a glimmer of hope. Something that a lover or love interest says to you will make you realize that you might actually share the same vision after all -- it's just that circumstances get in the way of timing it according to your plan. Let go and trust that if it is meant to happen, it will, and if it isn't, you are being guided to a love that is truly meant for you.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

It's possible that you're in for a major power struggle in the romance department this week. Couples tend to argue about two things the most: sex and money. This Friday, it's possible that you and your mate will take both of these topics to epic proportions in the fighting department. You both want to remain in control of how much you give and on what terms you give it (in terms of money and physical intimacy). The problem is that, if you both want to keep this scorecard approach, neither one of you will ever win at the game of love. Keep your eyes on the prize!

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

Nothing about your love life seems to come easy this week. If you're single, then it's possible that you've fallen for someone you know you shouldn't. It's not that this person is a terrible person in any way (although he or she can be). The real trouble seems to be that he or she is somehow connected to your career and you know that exploring this option would likely be disastrous for your professional success. So, what will you do? Choose your career, of course. Yes, despite that incredible connection that you're obsessing over, Cancer.

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

Expect a total moment of "WOW" to fill your thoughts this week concerning your intimate life as well as your financial life with your mate. If you have been struggling to figure out a solution to a money problem you and your partner have been going through, then you're sure to discover answers now. The funny thing is, you thought of this solution before. Somehow, one of you shut it down or just didn't explore the option enough. Fortunately, now you will, and it will make all the difference. If you've been struggling with confusion regarding your intimate life, then this week, you'll also get answers. It'll feel like a psychic download: You'll just know what to do.

  

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

There is clearly an awakening happening when it comes to your love life. Although it might not seem to be the case since Mercury is currently retrograde in your partnership sector, all the chaos, confusion, and miscommunication between you and your mate DOES have a purpose. In fact, this Tuesday, that purpose will become crystal clear. It might lead you to a deeper understanding of how your partner thinks, even if you also realize that, no matter how much you try, sometimes you'll always be worlds apart on a perspective. Either way, your compassion and sensitivity will be aroused enough to listen more and judge less.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

Although Venus is in your relationship sector, this week she's no match for Pluto's dark side. On Friday, a square between these two planets will leave you feeling as if you and your lover are at war with one another much more than at peace. The trouble? It seems to be all about family matters, as usual. This has been the running theme for quite some time and no matter what you do to try and change the dynamic, nothing seems to work. On Friday, a major blowup with a relative can bring out the worst in both you and your partner. Do your best to get through it as a team.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

This week you might receive a psychic message to help give you answers on how to deal with all your current love life confusion. Although you might seriously question your intuition about this area of your life right now, on Tuesday, you can and should listen to your heart. Mercury is still retrograde in your true love sector, but on this day, the Sun will align precisely to Mercury, which will shine a light on exactly why you're feeling so torn about a person or situation. Don't force logic when the universe is asking you to use your sentimental side now -- that will only add to your frustration.

  

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Yes, Venus is in your true love sector, but this week, there will be nothing easy about your love and dating life. On Friday, she'll be at a difficult square to Pluto, the planet of power, control, and manipulation. Obsessive feelings you might have for someone are truly beginning to wear on you, Sagittarius. Now, you'll recognize how much it's affecting your self-worth to give this much of your power away to another person. Healthy attachment in a mutually empowering relationship is one thing, but this week, you are sitting with the darker side of love. Get out as fast as you can.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

You and your partner might be in total disagreement this week concerning your children. This can be anything from how to discipline them to an educational decision or even whether or not to have a baby. Whatever the details, it seems that you're both unwilling to compromise and it will certainly put a damper on your romance. Hang in there! If you're dating someone new and bring them home to meet your family this week, you might regret it. The approval you hope for won't be there.

 

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

If you and your sweetheart have been fighting about money more than usual lately, you're in luck. This Tuesday, it looks as if you'll begin to argue less and communicate more effectively about how to handle any disagreement you're having. One of you might not trust the other when it comes to cash and this does seem to be the root of the problem. You'll both realize that if you can't share trust in this area, then you might be in serious trouble as a couple. It's time to address it, or recognize that this relationship is more limited than you realize.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

With Mercury still retrograde in your sign, this isn't the easiest time for you in any area of life -- let alone love and relationships. Fortunately, though, this week you'll receive some welcome support. A conversation with a friend on Monday will help you see practical solutions to a romantic dilemma you might be having. Then, on Tuesday, you'll realize where you might have been fooling yourself all along as Mercury aligns perfectly to the Sun in your sign. While you still get to choose whether or not to remain blind, at least now you can't say you didn't have an opportunity to remove the blinders.