January 16, 2020
By Dwight Brow
NNPA News Wire Film Critic
They first teamed up for “Bad Boys” in 1995, to great box office success. There was an encore in 2003, “Bad Boys II,” which was distinguished by incredible stunts. Now, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence go back to the same well one more time. Is there any water left?
Michael Bay (“Transformers,” “Armageddon”) directed the first two films, with an over-the-top, over-produced style that seems dated by today’s standards. The smartest choice franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer made was to hire two new young directors to guide the series into the 2020s. Moroccan-born Belgian filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (“Black, Gangsta”) put their own spin on the footage aided by cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert (“Black, Gangsta”). What’s on view looks like an ultra-hip extended music video that captures your eyeballs and takes them hostage.
A sporty looking, deep blue 992-Generation Porsche speeds through the streets of sunny Miami. If a reckless twentysomething was behind the wheel, you’d call the car a chick magnet. Instead it’s 51-year-old Detective Mike Lowrey (Smith) steering the vehicle with his lead foot on the accelerator. In his hands the sports car is more a middle-ager’s last grasp at youth. Lowrey’s 54-year-old partner Detective Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) sits petrified in the passenger seat, holding on for dear life and nauseated by the hyper-dangerous ride.
Burnett: “I’m about to throw up.” Lowrey: “You better not. That’s hand-stitched Italian leather. You better drink that s—t!” And so, it begins. Edge of your seat action scenes, perfectly shot. Thrills and chills. Two old friends: One, a swinger, clearly still in the game. The other, a family man a whisper away from retirement with an accountant’s nervous stomach and no love left for a cop’s perilous life.
According to the blueprint drawn by screenwriters Chris Bremner, Peter Craig (“The Town”) and Joe Carnahan (“Narc,” TV’s “The Blacklist”), this is how the film will play out: A plot involving revenge from a former Mexican assailant Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo, “All About Nina”) and her minion (Jacob Scipio, “Hunter Killer”) evolves. Assassinations of lawyers and judges rain down on Miami like a summer storm.
A new police unit named AMMO takes charge of the investigation, headed by a tough captain named Rita (Paola Nuñez, TV’s “The Purge”) and her elite group: tech wizard Dorn (Alexander Ludwig, “The Hunger Games”), weapons expert Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens, “Spring Breakers”) and the very sarcastic Rafe (“Charles Melton,” TV’s “Riverdale”). Can they do the job? Will Mike and Marcus hurt or help them?
Subtly and brazenly, in humor and family drama, the script rips into the ages of the two protagonists like someone pouring salt on an open wound. The “boys” have lost a few steps and added gray hairs industrial strength Grecian Formula can’t fix. The contrasts between the veterans and the new justice league gets played for laughs persistently, especially between Smith and Melton.
Though the script is solid in most aspects, its dialogue, its rapid-fire banter is its strongest asset. When Smith and Lawrence exchange verbal jabs nothing is off the table. Viagra, becoming a grandparent, the last time either one had sex... The two are extremely competitive and well aware that father time could beat them in a foot race.
Equally strong is the chemistry between the two leads. Twenty-five years later, their bromance is as fresh as the day they met. Smith, as the mercurial, perpetual bachelor exhibits his best swagger in years. His Mike is like an old club goer who hasn’t realized the crowd around him is young enough to be his children. Lawrence’s curmudgeon and sensitive character plays perfectly against Smith’s brash attitude. He’s hysterical in ways only true comedians can be. The characters’ bond is easy to like and has been cherished by filmgoers who will likely follow them into old age even as these bad boys start to solve crimes in nursing homes.
Every member of the cast shines brightly: Joe Pantoliano as the very manic Captain Howard; Kate del Castillo is so evil she would make a witch blush. As Aretas, she sneers: “A bullet is mercy for that son of a bitch.” Paola Nunez makes Rita brave and sensual. A very fluid cameo performance by DJ Khaled, as a smarmy crook, should win him more roles. Jacob Scipio as the evil, coldblooded assassin puts his stamp on this movie. Theresa Randle, Nicky Jam, Massi Furlan, José Alfredo Fernandez and John West Jr. fill out the ensemble.
So, what’s the flaw? The finale looks too artificial: The camera focuses on an empty building, the lens targets two rats. The rodents are so clean and white they look like they came from central casting with personal hairdressers and makeup artists. The building is entirely too majestic (production designer Jon Billington, set decoration Lori Mazuer and Daniela Rojas), like an opera set not an abandoned facility. The sequence seems phony—almost corny.
This final battle is saved by the quick edits (Dan Lebental and Petr McNulty), which have given the entire 2H 3M film a very modern, tight and forceful rhythm. The musical score by Lorne Balfe, with brazen horns during action scenes and soft violins during drama, also helps to counteract this imperfection.
Crime/action/thriller fans will be in their glory with this orgy of violence, blue language, sexy flirtations and good versus evil battles. It’s fun. There’s a strong verve that is completely contagious and will likely help this sequel achieve record-breaking box-office success.
“Bad Boys for Life” is all it needs to be. And then some! Get ready for it. “What you gonna do when it comes for you?”
Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.
January 16, 2020
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
You might feel like hiding something from your sweetheart this week. It doesn't have to be anything negative -- in fact, it seems like you're trying to surprise him or her. You might be arranging a special event in their honor or simply want to do something really special in order to lift up the love of your life. A financial boost on Wednesday will give you the money you need to make this happen. If you're single, you might have a secret crush on someone you know you can't be with. Don't go overboard in the fantasy.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
You're definitely in the mood for love this week! Venus moves into romantic Pisces and, on Wednesday, she'll be at a perfect angle to Uranus, now in your sign. This is sure to add some adrenaline and passion to your love life. You might think you've got nothing going on and then suddenly ... BAM! ... you find out someone is really into you. This person is likely to be in your social circle already, but it could also be a total stranger who manages to slide into your DMs and takes you by surprise. You'll want to explore!
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Your sweetheart might present you with an unexpected opportunity this week that will help promote you professionally. This could be a connection that he or she makes for you, an introduction, or a financial investment into a business you want to launch. Another possibility is that you will find out, seemingly from nowhere, that a VIP connected to your career has major romantic interest in you. The feelings are likely to be mutual. What are you going to do about it?
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
You might be extremely open about your love life this week on social media -- much more than you normally are. Posting pics of you and your sweetheart holding hands, kissing, or even announcing that you are an official item are all possibilities. You might also decide to learn about an unusual topic such as Astrology, Numerology, or another fascinating metaphysical subject with your partner. The two of you will dive right into it together and truly enjoy the experience!
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Thinking about going into business with your sweetheart? Guess what -- it's actually a great idea! Your partner might be the missing link in the career path you're trying to build. He or she may have a unique skillset that will help you succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Trust it! He or she might also be the money behind the muscle as you do all the work while your partner writes all the checks. Whatever arrangement you make, know that the two of you are likely to truly complement each other in this endeavor. And that spells success!
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You and your partner could make a snap decision to travel abroad together and, if you do, then you can be sure it will add to the romantic excitement in your connection. You might also suddenly create a legal partnership with your significant other, either business-wise or through marriage. If you're single, then you could easily meet someone you know is true relationship material out of the blue this week. How? Not to worry. All you need to do is live your life -- the person you're meant to get to know will suddenly appear, as if by magic.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
You'll remember how important sex is for your overall health this week. If your intimate life has been lacking or unfulfilling in any way, it's likely that you'll be able to find out the reason behind it now. Much to your surprise, it may have more to do with your physical well-being than you originally expected. Something as simple as not getting enough sleep or taking certain medications are likely to be the culprit behind any libido problem or sexual dysfunction. Happily, once you find out the cause, it'll be an easy fix. You'll be feeling great (in more ways than one!) in no time.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
On Monday, Venus moves into your true love sector for the first time in about a year. Until February 7, you can look forward to happier romantic times with your sweetheart, or potentially meeting the next love of your life if you're single. On Wednesday, Venus will make a perfect link to Uranus, the planet of surprise, now in your partnership sector. Your mate can easily shock you on this day with a gesture of love that you never expected. There might also be sudden but happy news that the two of you will want to celebrate. Perhaps a baby is on the way. Congratulations!
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
If you just started dating someone, then this week you might decide to introduce your sweetheart to your family, your colleagues, or both! Alternatively, it's possible that your lover will help you out in a home-related project such as a renovation, decorating, or anything in between. You'll enjoy spending time together making your house prettier and more comfortable to live in. You might even be thinking about moving in together. Single? Trust a family member or colleague who insists on setting you up with someone. You have nothing to lose.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
If you're looking for love, then you might not need to look very far at all. In fact, romance might be in your own backyard. It's possible that one of your neighbors will suddenly reveal that he or she has romantic feelings for you. Although you will initially be surprised, you're very likely to reciprocate them and will want to explore the mutual chemistry. This could lead to an incredible connection, so don't deny those positive vibes! If you're in a relationship, you and your sweetheart might suddenly have the baby talk, and baby-making action may soon follow...
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
If you and your partner are considering an investment in real estate together, then you should absolutely go for it. Not only will you make money, but you'll also somehow manage to become closer to each other as you pursue this endeavor. You might even suddenly decide to move if you are already living with each other. A second home is also an option, or you may both agree to rent out a portion of your home together to make extra money. You'll be pleased with the results.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
Venus moves into your sign on Monday, granting you an incredible edge in matters of the heart through February 7. If single, this will enhance your natural powers of attraction. As Venus makes a beautiful link to Uranus on Wednesday, it is possible that you'll meet a new love interest out of the blue. This person might be sitting on the train next to you during your commute or might be a new neighbor in the building you live in. Stimulating conversation will only add to the instant chemistry you'll feel. Amazing!
January 16, 2020
By Beth Harris
Associated Press
Issa Rae’s quick comment after five men were announced as Oscar nominees for best director was spur of the moment, but for many captured the lack of diversity among this year’s nominees.
“We were told to banter for five seconds as the teleprompter loaded, so that was my banter,” Rae told a TV critics meeting Wednesday. “I didn’t lie. I said congratulations.”
“Congratulations to those men,” Rae said dryly after the director category was revealed Monday. Greta Gerwig, who oversaw the acclaimed “Little Women,” was among the women directors who were shut out.
“I just think it’s unfortunate. The academy needs to do better,” Rae said. “I’m kind of tired of having the same conversation. Every year it’s something. For me it’s just pointing out when I see it. I don’t want to get too worked up about it. It’s annoying.”
Cynthia Erivo of “Harriet” was the only person of color among the 20 acting nominees. Rae presented this year’s Oscar nominations along with fellow actor John Cho.
Rae is working on the upcoming fourth season of her HBO comedy “Insecure,” which she created, stars, writes and executive produces.
The Oscars will be presented Feb. 9 in Los Angeles and aired live on ABC.
January 16, 2020
By Brittany K. Jackson
Contributing Writer
“It’s hard to find a killer when everyone’s a crook” is the moniker that describes NBC’s newest show, Briarpatch, a murder mystery meets killer feminine energy and kick-a** content.
The anthology series’ has a literary origin written by Ross Thomas and features the leading role as a man, but Briarpatch program creator Andy Greenwald had other plans, imploring veteran actress Rosario Dawson to take reign as the lead in the NBC series. Referenced by the cast as a “modern-day murder mystery, Dawson stars as Allegra Dill, a seasoned criminal investigator who’s ready to face her fears and find out who killed her beloved sister. Returning to her roots in San Bonifacio, Texas, Dawson’s character is set to turn the town upside down with drilling truth and a unique twist of thrill, mystery, crime and pulp fiction.
In an exclusive, I asked the Luke Cage actress just how important this character is for her as a woman of color being casted in a lead investigative role. Dawson says she believes “representation is important, but also ownership” and that serving as not only the lead, but as a producer, all while having a female director on the project added to the overall vision.
“We’re just people who are contributing our talents, and our experience and our ideas and having spaces where that is respected,” Dawson added.
Dawson also credits Greenwald for having the wherewithal to change the scope of stories generally sculpted for highly predictable candidates, white men.
“We’ve seen the murder mystery with the white guy, over and over and over again. We’ve seen him be able to grapple with the loss of family members, but I couldn’t think of anytime I’ve seen a woman do it,” Dawson proclaimed.
Highlighting the 100 years that women’s suffrage has been enacted and the recent 400-year anniversary of slavery, Dawson says “we’re still pushing for equality”. “I think that there are a lot of stories, a lot of perspectives and narratives that need shifting,” she said. “The controls of our culture have been dominated for a very long time, from a very specific perspective and now with how much things have changed, with technology and with access and the spaces that need more and more content, there’s just different voices that are allowed to rise,” Dawson continued. “We’re no longer going, ‘you need to create what that is,’ it’s actually, ‘you tell your own story’, I don’t have to tell it from my perspective for you.”
Dawson added that “culture precedes legislation” and that we must “continue to push back on the gate keepers of culture” in order to change how women and people of color are represented in the boardroom, the studios, in the arts and with whom gives the green light.
You can catch Dawson fighting crime this fall on NBC’s USA Network.