TMP Television Edition: Entertainment Business

Movies We Watch Together

Thursday Movie Picks: Movies that Feature Food

Happy Thursday! It's time once again for me to give you three suggestions based on a theme selected by Wanderer at Wandering Through the Shelves. I've had a lot of fun with this weekly blogathon. I enjoy the challenge it provides me each week. Feel free to join us because it's never too late to get in on the action.

With the formalities out of the way, let's get to the table. I mean that literally because this week's theme is Movies that Feature Food. In general, with these Thursday picks, I've been unearthing hidden gems. Let's cook up another batch of them. We all like to try a new dish every now and again, right? Well, this week I'm serving up two documentaries and yet another 'hood classic. Have a seat, loosen your belt, bless the table if you'd like, and dig in.

Appetizer:

Soul Food

(1997)

Generally, I wouldn't call soul food anyone's appetizer. Trust me, there's more than enough to get you full. However, in the case of this movie and this week's theme, this should be just enough to hold you over until the main course arrives. It's a kitchen sink drama about a family with all sorts of problems. It is also about the gravitational pull of good food as it becomes a binding force in these people's lives. With the drama getting a bit spicy at times, we can dip it in the comedy sauce from time to time and get a decent laugh. Our cooks include Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Mekhi Phifer, and my beloved Nia Long. And yes, the dreaded (by me, at least) Chef Tyler Perry has built his entire career around emulating this movie.

Entree:

A Place at the Table

(2012)

For our main course, we'll go with something that's going to stick to your ribs. Hunger is a huge problem here in the U.S. Many of those who aren't hungry are still malnourished because of the types of food they can afford. Simply put, eating healthy is expensive. This documentary examines the issue with a heavy focus on our broken school lunch system and food stamp programs. We also meet several families from different areas of the country and look deeply into their circumstances.

Dessert:

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

(2011)

I'll admit, Soul Food is a big appetizer and A Place at the Table is a rather heavy entree. Still, I can't let you leave without trying our sushi. You say sushi isn't a dessert? I beg to differ, at least in this case. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is such a sweet movie, I've no choice but to put it here. This documentary focuses on Jiro, a man with the most renowned sushi restaurant in the world. In fact, there is nothing else on his menu. He works tirelessly to perfect the craft of making it and has been doing so since World War II. Put short, the man is an artist. (Read my full review)


Once you take in all that, you should be full and ready for a nap. If not,...

Click here for more of my Thursday Movie Picks.

Best Man Holiday

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee. 

2013. Rated R, 123 minutes. 

Cast: 

Taye Diggs 

Morris Chestnut 

Nia Long 

Terrence Howard 

Melissa De Sousa 

Monica Calhoun 

HaroldPerrineau 

Regina Hall 

Sanaa Lathan

When last we saw our gang of friends, way back in 1999, things culminated in a beautiful wedding for Lance (Chestnut) and Mia (Calhoun). All these years later, they've all moved on to bigger and better things. We pick up the story with Lance and Mia inviting the whole crew over to their place for the week of Christmas. Everyone is on board, no problem, except Harper (Diggs). It turns out things between he and Lance haven't been so good in the intervening years. The events of The Best Man, seems to have irreparably damaged their friendship. Nonetheless, he agrees to go because he has an ulterior motive. His last few books have flopped. His next one may not see the light of day. He has also lost his teaching job at NYU, his wife Robin (Lathan) is pregnant with their first child, and the bills are piling up. At the urging of his agent, he plans on writing a biography on Lance, the football hero. One slight problem. He hasn't actually mentioned this to Lance. The playing out of this situation and a number of others ensues.

In case you were wondering, the entire cast does indeed reprise their roles from the original. Julian (Perrineau) really did marry Candy (Hall), the stripper. Though she no longer does that sort of thing, her past comes back to haunt them in a big way. Jordan (Long) is a media mogul of sorts, still incredibly driven and beautiful. I just had to mention the beautiful part. I mean, it is Nia Long, dammit. I digress. She is also still single, but dating Brian (Cibrian), the only newcomer and only Caucasian. Both of these matter for at least a few minutes. Quentin (Howard) is a successful ad man and still a mischevious button pusher. Finally, Shelby (De Sousa) is a reality TV star more concerned with building her brand than anything else. In true sequel fashion, each person plays a bigger, badder version of themselves. Their most memorable traits take center stage and never leave. In general, this works. The one issue is that leves the characters with a flatter feel to them.

Even if the players aren't as well-rounded as they once were, they are still a fun bunch to be around. They make us laugh on a fairly consistent basis as each member of the ensembl, usually two at a time, takes turns in the spotlight. When their turn is done, they fade into the background just enough to still be seen until they are either tasked to give counsel to one of the others, or take over the proceedings once more. It essentially becomes a game of hot potato with the cast quickly passing our attention our their circle.

All of that tossing us around is where the movie gets into a bit of trouble. Director Malcolm D. Lee might be a world class juggler. However, even the best have limits. At times, it feels as if he's reached his, but threw one more ball in the air anyway. To his credit, he ties the stoires together organically and in a manner that is never confusing. It can just feel as if the system is dangerously close to overloading. Thankfully, a cast which is more than game makes it all a joy to watch. They are uniformly excellent. Even so, Terrence Howard and Melissa De Sousa stand out as doing particularly nice work. They help maintain a sense of fun, even as things start to get heavy during the final act.

This last portion of Best Man Holiday is where it might lose some of you. Though what's going on with Mia is telegraphed practically from the moment people start arriving at her house, the movie still shifts hard into tear-jerker mode. It pulls mightily at our heartstrings. Judging by the crowd I watched with, including my wife and a cousin of hers, it's effective. If, like me, you're not prone to crying over movies, it can start to feel very manipulative. What was a fun, occasionally raunchy ensemble comedy devolves into a profit driver for Kleenex. I say this fully realizing that people who do cry over movies are much more inclined to love the films that move them to tears. Personally, I like it a good deal. I just don't love it.

Blogathon: Life, Love, and the Movies

Lots of us bloggers have thought about how life, love, and the movies are intertwined. Now, I have an excuse to write about it. I swung by Mettel Ray and came across her post yesterday entitled just that. It is part of a blogathon put together by My Filviews and Karamel Kinema. Of course, the only logical thing for me to do was swing by those sites and see what was going on. When I got there, I saw an open invitation to participate in the Life, Love, and the Movies blogathon. It started up yesterday. so if you wish you can take a crack at it if you wish. Here's mine...

1. What was the first movie you saw in the cinema and what do you remember about that visit?
The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was one I blogged about a couple weeks ago, Enter the Dragon. I remember that it was a triple feature! Man, those were the days. I have no clue what the other two movies were, or even if we stayed to watch them all. The only thing I really remember is being completely under the spell of Bruce Lee.

2. Are there any movies you have very strong memories of which are not because of the movie (for example something which happened at the time you were watching it)?
I have a few of these. When I went to see House Party, a huge fight broke out in the aisle less than 20 feet away from me. When I saw Tim Burton's original Batman, my date and I got there early and saw a number of celebrities stroll into the theater. Another celebrity moment happened when I went to see Species. NBA star Grant Hill sat right across the aisle from me. More importantly though, it was the first date for my wife and I. I remember the eerie silence and stillness of the theater after the conclusion of The Passion of the Christ. My most recent odd theater experience happened when I took my family to see The Dark Knight Rises. It was the second weekend it was out and therefore after the shooting that took place in a Colorado theater where it was showing. My daughters were very concerned that something was going to happen. I comforted them, but couldn't help but be a little unnerved whenever one of the exit doors opened which happened several times.

3. Which movies had a big impact on you and changed a (small) part of your view on life?
One that immediately comes to mind is Spike Lee's School Daze. The movie's message about how stupid it is that we, as black people, spent so much energy discriminating against each other on the basis of complexion struck a chord with me. I had not only experienced this, but often participated in this as a youngster. From then on, I've tried my best to steer clear of such stupidity. It was tough when I was young, but part of who I am, now.

4. Do you have any comfort movies which you return to because you are in a specific mood (for example if you are feeling down/nursing a heartbreak)?
There are probably too many to name. From time to time, I'll just get in a mood for a specific genre and grab something that fits. Or, I'll just want to revisit something from my youth. I don't think I've ever picked a movie based on my emotional state.

5. If a movie would be made about your life, what type of movie would it be and who would you like to portray you?
It would be a "dramedy" and plenty of the secondary characters would be outlandish people. As for who I would like to portray me, I've no clue. Physically, Kevin Hart is about the closest thing to a match I can think of. However, I'm not that guy. Therefore, I'd prefer someone unknown who can bring across some of my unique qualities.

6. Which existing movie best represents you?
I have to return to Spike Lee again. In this case, two of his movies probably combine to do the trick. The first is Do the Right Thing and second is Crooklyn. I actually grew up in Queens, New York, not Brooklyn. Still, these two movies are perhaps the best representations of my formative years. In both, the screen is filled with people who seem like I've crossed paths with them while growing up.

7. If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would be the last movie you would want to see?
That's a tough one. I might have to go with Do the Right Thing. It's just a masterpiece as far as I'm concerned.

8. If you can spend your life working in the film industry, what would you be and why? (you know, director, producer, actor, cinematographer, costume designer, sound designer etc?)
I would definitely be a writer. It's what I love to do. Though I certainly wouldn't turn down the opportunity to direct.

1. Did you ever have a first kiss with someone while at the cinema and if so which movie was playing?
Honestly, I don't think so. I've had kisses at the theater, but none that I can remember as the first between myself and the person I was kissing.

2. What is your favorite movie relationship and why?
Another tough one. At the risk of turning this whole post into an ad for Spike Lee movies, I'm going to that well one more time. I'm a guy who grew up without my father around anywhere near as much as I would have liked. I am also someone who now cherishes my relationship with my own son. Therefore, I have to go with the relationship between Denzel Washington (as the father) and Ray Allen (as the son) in He Got Game. It represents both ends of the spectrum for me. And it's a wonderful movie, to boot.

3. When did your love for movies start and how has it grown?

It really started with Star Wars, the young'uns now call it A New Hope. It was just so huge in scope with really cool special fx, lots of action, the whole good vs. evil thing, and a funny love triangle to boot. As a wee tyke all of six years old, it just blew me away. For a long time, I watched almost exclusively what would be called 'guy flicks.' However, over the years I've grown to appreciate movies of all sorts. What remains with me specifically from Star Wars is the sense of wonder I have whenever I watch films with great special fx whether the movies themselves are any good, or not.

4. If you have to choose one film to watch with your loved one, what would it be and why?

I'd probably say Love Jones. It's one movie my wife and I both love and it's perfect for a date night. Added bonus for me, I can get away with ogling Nia Long.

5. If you can choose one character from a movie to be your significant other who would it be and why?

I did just mention Nia Long, didn't I? Therefore, I'd probably say just about any character she plays.

6. What was the first movie that made you fall in in love with film and cinema?

Star Wars really is "the one" for me. See my answer to question number three in this section.

7. How did your passion for movies turn you into a movie blogger?

A forum I used to frequent had a thread discussing movies. I started posting short reviews there. Before long, I created my own thread just for my reviews. At the time, I was working at Blockbuster and watching more movies than I ever had before. Continuing to do the reviews combined two of my great passions: movies and writing. It was only logical that I would become a movie blogger.

8. What is your favorite date from a movie?
Since Love Jones is now fresh in my mind, I'll go with one from there. It's actually the second date for our two leads played by Ms. Long, of course, and the very underrated and underused Larenz Tate. She regretted sleeping with him after their first date and wanted to see if there was something there besides sex. The two had just a wonderful "movie" date: lots of laughing and dancing and then ended the night trying in vain to keep their hands off one another. 

Okay, I've fulfilled my requirements for class participation. You can also be down. Just follow the rules below:

- Give answers to the 16 questions above
- Write a blog post about it
- Include one of the blogathon logos in your post
- Add a link to the blogathon announcement so others can participate as well
- Leave a comment with a link to your post

Good Hair

Directed by Jeff Stilson.
2009. Rated PG-13, 96 minutes.
Cast:
Chris Rock
Nia Long
Sarah Jones
Rev. Al Sharpton
Tracie Thoms
Raven Symone
Ice-T
Lauren London
Andre Harrell
Maya Angelou
Melyssa Ford

Plot: A documentary in which comedian Chris Rock explores the world of Black hair, particularly of Black women.

The Good: It takes an in-depth look at a subculture of Black society and shows its effect on Black culture as a whole, as well as its far reaching economic impact. Though it obviously favors one side over the other, it does manage to give us a fair amount of the opposing view and benefits of what’s going on to achieve a solid balance. It’s also funny. Chris Rock does generate a solid amount of laughter but most of it actually comes from the people he talks to in the barbershops, beauty salons and at the hair shows. This keeps things light even as the subject becomes heavy. The coverage of one particular hair show, the Bonner Brothers show really adds little to the movie but it’s over the top fun in a reality TV train wreck sort of way.

The Bad: The movie flinches twice. First, it rightfully makes a big deal about how toxic hair relaxer is, yet it never presses the issue with the execs at a Black-owned hair care manufacture that Rock spends a lot of time with. Nor does it present the information to mothers of the really young girls we’re shown having it put in their daughters’ hair. Second, the issue of employability of Black women who choose to wear their hair natural as opposed to straightened is also raised. Again, it’s a subject that needs to be explored but we never find out how any employers feel about this. Even if they only would’ve said “the right things” or hit us with a “no comment” we’re robbed of the opportunity to gauge their body language.

The Ugly: What happens to a soda can when it’s left in a vat of relaxer.

Recommendation: Since its subject matter is so relevant to its target audience, I feel comfortable saying this is among the most important documentaries the Black community has ever seen. If you think I’m overstating things, drive through a predominantly Black neighborhood anywhere in the United States. Pay attention, not only to the craftsmanship of the hairstyles you see but to the amount of salons and what’s on the advertising posters. Ultimately, it probably won’t change anything but it is vital information that is made entertaining and easily accessible. If you’re not Black, it’s a look into a world you may not have known anything about. That said, if you just can’t understand the relevance of a documentary about hair, knock my score down at least two points.

The Opposite View: Melissa Anderson, Village Voice

What the Internet Says: 6.9/10 on imdb.com (6/27/10), 94% on rottentomatoes.com, 72/100 on metacritic.com


MY SCORE: 9/10