December 13, 2018
By Dwight Brown
NNPA News Wire Film Critic
“It’s not possible. I’m a normal kid!” Famous last words. That’s what’s on the lips of teenager Miles Morales as he goes through a change in life. No, not puberty. The young Blatino brother from Brooklyn has been bitten by a radioactive spider and his life has changed forever. And so did the legend of Spider-Man when it took a detour in 2011. That’s when writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli created Marvel comic books that centered around the character Miles Morales, purportedly inspired by Barack Obama and Donald Glover. The leap from the page to screen gives the arachnid/man-boy a very hip and new playground.
The blending of old school comic book pages and new world CG is a standout in this innovative animated feature film. The characters look real-ish, their voices are clear as a bell, yet the footage inserts headlines just like you’d see in a comic book: blaring black type in yellow boxes. Screens can be full-frame or divided. Gigantic expressive words like “Wooooo” pop up. The clever blend of classic hand-drawn animation with the latest technology takes animation into a new age. Everyone from the visual effects, art and production management teams should take a bow. With special praise for art directors Dean Gordon and Patrick O’Keefe and production designer Justin Thompson (“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”). Also, Mile’s cool red/blue Spider-Man uniform looks like it’s part of a collection from a 22nd century Nike sports clothing line.
Miles (Shameik Moore, “Dope”) is an inner-city kid facing a life crisis. He’s going to a private school in Manhattan, away from his friends in Brooklyn. The parental guidance that steers his child development comes from his loving African American father Jefferson Davis (Brian Tyree Henry, “If Beale Street Could Talk”), a cop, and his nurturing Puerto Rican mom Rio Morales (Luna Lauren Velez, “Dexter”), a nurse. When Miles feels he can’t talk to his parents about his apprehensions, the fledgling artist seeks council from his Uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali), a graffiti artist with a checkered past.
As Miles faces his challenges, the city is being torn apart by crime and a rogue hero, Spider-Man (Chris Pine). After being bitten by the love bug, Miles gets drawn into a battle between Spider-Man and the crime lord Wilson Fisk (Liev Schreiber). They’re fighting over a nuclear super collider that can open up a portal to other dimensions, a threshold that can transport various versions of Spider-Man. It’s a tough time for Miles to engage in life-or-death combat as he doesn’t know how to master his superpowers. Sticking to stuff, heightened hearing, venom strikes and the ability to make himself invisible are powers beyond his control.
The script by Phil Lord (“Lego Movie,” “22 Jump Street”) gives Miles a character arc that lasts almost the entire movie: Innocent, insecure kid. Newly empowered superhero. Clumsy superhero. Determined apprentice, who can’t control his powers. Confident, brave warrior who needs to learn more. Leader of the pack. An initially reluctant Miles gets some advice from Spider-Man: “You’re like me.” Miles: “I don’t wanna be.” Spider-Man: “You don’t have much choice!”
The group of characters that surround the kid add texture at every juncture. Those family members, friends and villains are brought to life by a very lively cast who seem to be having a lot of fun. Henry displays great warmth, strength and discipline as dad. Velez’s take on mom is comforting at all the right times. Ali does things with his voice that hint at Uncle Aaron’s secret-life. Lily Tomlin as Aunt May gets to be far more hip and active than the previous ones. The campiest voice has to be Kathryn Hahn’s as she plays Fisk’s mad scientist Doc Ock with lots of relish and plenty of mustard.
Reinforcements are brought in—Spider-People from another dimension—and the cast of actors who portray those fellow superheroes is impressive: Hailee Steinfeld (“True Grit”), Jake Johnson (“Tag”), comic/writer John Mulaney (“Saturday Night Live”), Kimiko Glenn (Liza on Demand TV series) and Nicolas Cage.
Beside the stunning visuals and fun voices, the film’s other strength is its ultra-hip musical soundtrack. The basic score was created by Daniel Pemberton (“Ocean’s Eight,” “Molly’s Game”) and it’s the glue. The bricks are a playlist of the hippest music on a soundtrack since Black Panther. The songs to remember are “Sunflower,” sung by Post-Malone & Swae Lee and the very aggressive and growling song “What’s Up Danger,” performed by Blackway & Black Cavier.
Past Spider-Man movies seemed to cater to general audiences and had a very middle America feel. This version is an ode to urban folks, nerds, teens, public and private school kids, rap/hip-hop fans and those who would rather be cool than drab. There isn’t anything really subversive about this PG-13 movie at all. Bring the kids or send them to the theater.
Directors Peter Ramsey (“Rise of the Guardians”), Bob Persichetti and Rodney Rothman have created a very modern, fresh and timely version of a classic franchise in need of an overhaul. One of their advantages was that they had limitless creative freedom: Live-action versions of Spider-Man, by their nature, have constraints. For the most part, the filmmakers have achieved their goals and will likely inspire animators on into the future. If this lively montage of superhero angst had one flaw, it’s that sometimes the weight of the heavy, complex, multi-faceted visuals stymies momentum.
After sitting through nearly two hours of this very vibrant and psychedelic eye candy, many viewers will ponder the question, “Just how much weed did the filmmakers smoke to come up with these mind-bending visuals and the precision comic timing?”
The directors, producers, tech crew and actors have accomplished the impossible. They’ve upped the animation game for everyone. What they’ve done may well become the new normal—and that’s a high bar to hit.
December 13, 2018
By GARY GERARD HAMILTON
Associated Press
Nick Cannon isn’t just defending his friend and fellow comedian Kevin Hart over the Oscars hosting controversy. He's also going after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself.
Cannon was one of many cheering the decision to appoint Hart as host of the Feb. 24 telecast but then with dismay watched as his friend voluntarily stepped down following an outcry over past homophobic tweets. Hart contended he’d already addressed those tweets and they no longer represented his views.
Cannon, who on Monday was promoting his new show, “The Masked Singer,” told The Associated Press he talked with Hart during the controversy, and said, “I felt that the Academy actually could've handled it in a different way.” He added that organizers should have done their research before offering Hart the gig.
The veteran “Wild N Out” host also said there's an irony to this situation because he believes the Academy has its own skeletons when it comes to both racism and a lack of diversity.
He recalled that as recently as 2014, the 6,000 or so Oscar voters were nearly 94 percent white and 77 percent male. “But things are changing. We’ve allowed them to grow. So why can’t we allow the people that the Academy employs or empowers to grow?”
Cannon also noted how when actress Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award in 1940 for “Gone With the Wind,” she had to sit in the back corner of the venue alone because it had a strict no-blacks policy. “Did anybody receive an apology for that?” Cannon asked. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not respond to request for comment Tuesday.
Other comedians like Kathy Griffin and Hannah Gadsby have voiced their support for Hart even if they view his apology as underwhelming.
Gadsby, an openly gay comedian, said Hart could've used the situation as a learning lesson. Gadsby told The AP Hart could “bridge those things that he once said and to a certain point believed, that he no longer does. I think it's a lost moment that could've been a really constructive bridge.”
Cannon also showed support for Hart on Twitter by re-posting old tweets from female comics Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler that also contained LGBTQ slurs and derogatory terms.
Cannon said he wanted to highlight “great artists” who he respects. “Again, there’s clearly a double standard in Hollywood.” He added: “I just wanted to show it doesn’t matter what your race, your gender or even your perspective truly is. We all make mistakes – myself included.”
December 13, 2018
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
You've got high hopes about everything this week, including your love life. Your mind simply won't go dark about anything and because it's easy to see the bright side of everything, your romantic world should run relatively smoothly now. If there are any problems, you'll have a solution without hesitation. You might also be in a situation where you feel more financially supported by your partner than usual. There might be good news for your sweetheart about a raise, bonus, or investment that has paid off nicely. You'll want to celebrate!
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
You'll feel comforted this week by the fact that you and your partner share similar beliefs about philosophy, spirituality, and overall ethics. What you love the most about your sweetheart now is the fact that he or she has an unwavering sense of personal integrity. This uprightness or character is not only attractive to you, but it also makes you realize that the person you're with truly is a catch. You don't need to dream about a stable relationship with someone. You're living the dream.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Conversations with your partner will be on point this week. Mercury, your ruling planet, will move into your relationship sector on Wednesday, offering you an extraordinary level of support in communication with your love through January 4. If you have any decisions to make together, you'll find it very easy to collaborate and compromise now. If you have a personal decision to make, you'll find yourself using your significant other as a sounding board much more than usual. He or she will be an indispensable source of wisdom for you now.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
If you're completely single, then it's possible you'll meet someone this week you're sure is relationship material. This person will be mature, possibly even older than you. It's his or her responsible approach to life and to partnership that will attract you more than anything else. In fact, you'll find it refreshing to meet someone who has zero interest in playing any type of immature love games. Don't be surprised if this love connection takes time to get off the ground. Be patient -- it's worth waiting for.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
If you're single, then it's possible you'll meet someone this week who is from a different background than you are. This might be a different culture or race but can also be a different religion. Whatever the dissimilarities are, you'll find that this is exactly what draws you to one another. Explore! If you're already in a relationship, then you and your sweetheart will be expressing love to each other in abundance. Don't be surprised if love notes are exchanged or if you are gushing sentimental words at each other left and right. How romantic!
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
Although you're more serious than ever about matters of the heart, you aren't necessarily afraid to love. You might have been in this situation recently and if so, there's a good chance you've done the inner work necessary to confront this blockage. This week, you'll find it much easier to communicate to your sweetheart just how deep your feelings are without allowing yourself to fall into any type of insecurity about opening your heart. It's safe for you to love, so love.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
If you and your mate live together, then an event may occur this week that fortifies your domestic and financial stability. This can be anything from the two of you making a purchase together that involves real estate to working as a team to ensure there's a greater sense of stability overall in your home life. Another possibility is that you have been dating someone and decide that it's time to move in together. This is a decision neither of you has come too lightly. You have carefully thought this through.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
It'll be easy for you to communicate your worth to others today, especially to your partner. However, you won't need to work very hard this week to prove how amazing you are. In fact, it seems quite obvious to everyone around you now that Venus is moving through your sign. Your qualities of magnetism are even stronger than usual, and you've also got staying power when it comes to your level of attractiveness. You're like a fine wine that is getting better with age.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
You might be quietly reassessing your worth when it comes to matters of the heart. If you've kept yourself in a situation where you feel your partner truly doesn't "see" you and value you, then it's likely you're no longer willing to remain in that type of scenario. As long as your person offers you plenty of respect and breathing room, you don't need much when it comes to love. If you need to cut ties with someone who isn't meeting your must-haves in love, the good news is you're optimistic about finding someone who will. You won't compromise -- and you shouldn't.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
If you're single, this is a week where you might find stable romantic potential through a friend. Trust your pals to set you up on a date with a man or woman they think would be perfect for you. They won't steer you wrong! This person will be mature, responsible, deep, and fully capable of intimacy. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable you feel with this person, almost as if you've met before. Guess what? You probably have in a past life!
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
You might be consumed in conversation with someone you've got a crush on or are dating. There might be so much for you to discuss that you find yourself on the phone for hours at a time. If you're in the stage of getting to know someone new in your life, it will be an extremely pleasurable process. You'll genuinely enjoy all the banter and dialogue exchanged over the week. If you're single, then you might spend a lot of time this week talking to your friends about romantic prospects. They might even help you select a date from an app or internet site you're a member of.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
A Full Moon in your true love sector this Saturday will leave your heart brimming with sentiment. If you're in a relationship, it's possible you'll find out that you and your partner are expecting a baby. If you're dating someone seriously, then you may decide to move in together or introduce one another to your respective families. One way or another, it appears you're taking things to a deeper emotional level. Congratulations!
December 06, 2018
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
Trey Songz is a charming, unassuming, and friendly. He’s also confident, polite and while engaged in conversation he never breaks eye contact. He says thank you, a lot and listens very, very well.
In New York City last month to talk about his new starring role in the independent film “Blood Brothers” I sat down with Songz, interviewing him inside his powerful publicists (PMK) office.
He’s taller than I imagined. Dressed for warmth in a long, black bomber coat when I walked into the room Trey was reclining (and smiling) on the office couch and there he stayed, for the duration of the interview—utterly relaxed and charming. This is the very first time that I've interviewed an artist while they reclined as if they were at their therapist office, and I asked the questions with the same, measured tone of an experienced analyst.
Trey Songz laughed, a lot and once I assured him he did not have to get up or even sit up, he settled down (all smiles) and talked about his new role in the indie film “Blood Brothers” which is as a story of revenge.
Packed with blood pumping action, “Blood Brothers” is the story of an ex-con who takes up a vendetta against childhood friends whom he believes let him take the fall for a crime that they committed together. One of the friends, now a cop, risks his life to stop him. Along with Songz is actor Jack Kesy (“Deadpool 2”), China Anne McClain (“Black Lightning”), Hassan Johnson (“The Wire”), Tanee McCall (“Burlesque”), and introducing top-selling music artist Fetty Wap.
Trey Songz was born on November 28th. His legal name is Tremaine Aldon Neverson and he’s more than a triple threat. Songz is a singer, songwriter, record producer, rapper and actor. His debut album, “I Gotta Make It,” (2005) was followed by “Trey Day” which landed him his first top 20 single, “Can’t Help but Wait.” The third alum (2009), “Ready,” and the single “Say Aah,” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it Songz’s first top 10 hit.Ready was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards. More hits followed and in 2014, his sixth studio album, Trigga promoted by the top 40 songs, “Na Na” and “Slow Motion” took him over the top. According to the data, he has sold over 25 million records worldwide in singles and albums.
Songz’s latest musical project seems likely to help stay on a winners streak.
On November 28 he dropped a pair of new mix-tapes in honor of his 34th birthday. 11 and 28 both hit streaming services without any type of warning from Trey which gave him “an exhilarating sense” embracing the unexpected.
Here is an edited one-hour interview with musician/actor Trey Songz.
Trey Songz (TS): Lapacazo, do you want me to sit up?
L.A. Watts Times (LAWT): Absolutely not! You stay right where you are!
TS: I like your hair! How you doing!
LAWT: Thank you, I’m doing fine! You look comfortable and ready to talk about your brand new film. So, tell me, in your opinion what’s the underpinning theme of “Blood Brothers”?
TS: Brotherhood, definitely. You know as much violence as there is in the movie, it’s actually about love. My character [Sonny] has to make a lot of hard decisions because of love. I think that he has loyalty to things he doesn’t really understand. There comes a time when a friendship has to play a back seat to family. [Sometimes] you have friends that want to pull you into directions that you don’t want to go. And there comes a time when a debt is paid, as well.
LAWT: So, I understand that you initially turned down the lead role in “Blood Brother” if this is true and if so, what made you finally say yes?
TS: True because [at the time] I was so focused on music but the director [John Pogue] was so passionate. We had a two- hour conversation that changed my mind. As an artist, I get a lot of opportunities that actors don’t get and I never want to disrespect that. I wanted to have the time to focus just on my role in the movie. John is a great director. He puts the biggest battery in your pack and then he has a reality check with you.
LAWT: I also understand that you worked with an acting coach? So you take the art form seriously?
TS: Absolutely true and yes, I do. I had the acting coach come down [New Orleans] and we worked out, for hours every day. Just her and I. Then [later] we would meet with the director. I wanted to be well prepared.
LAWT: What do you love about acting?
TS: That I can do it, forever.
LAWT: What do you love about making music?
TS: I was just talking about this with someone the other day. [Music] It’s the universal language. It correlates everything with life. Music is everywhere. It’s the only thing that everybody likes.
LAWT: I know a storyteller, a writer when I am talking to one. Are you working on a screenplay?
TS: Really? Well … actually…I use to write poetry and short stories before I started writing music. No screenplays … yet.
LAWT: “Blood Brothers” was shot in New Orleans. Did anything creepy happen? The city does have a supernatural history?
TS: No, but I was there during Mardi Gras and where I was staying, was the exact location for all of the bands to start [the parade]. I woke up and it was like 400 musicians warming up. I walk outside and there are school buses everywhere and there are school children, everywhere. I’m half asleep and everyone is turned the opposite way then I grabbed my dog and I ran. Drums, horns, everything for two weeks. Early in the morning until late at night, surreal. I wasn’t even mad. I was just like: wow, I am living in the heartbeat of the city.
LAWT: Did you mention that you had a dog?
TS: Two dogs. They are french bulldogs.
LAWT: I love that breed. I don’t think they are ugly. I think they are cute!
TS: (laughing) [mimiking] ‘I don’t think they are ugly, I think they are cute’. You are funny! They are cute, to me too.
LAWT: What’s next for you Trey Songz?
TS: (laughing) Oh, I just dropped a couple of mix-tapes on my birthday!
To listen check out the full selection go to: