rome2002 Reviews

Baadasssss! (2003)

Very Entertaining

[2 August 2004]

I give this movie two thumbs up and five stars. It was very entertaining. It seems that the movie isn't getting much publicity as it has only been shown in selective theaters across the United States. I first heard about the movie back in April and have been wanted to see this film ever since. I'm glad that I finally got the chance to view this work of art.

Now, I appreciate the artistic talent of Mario Van Peebles ever since "New Jack City" (a good movie) but recently some of his choices for certain film roles left me wondering what was he thinking. But this movie is so much different. It's dedicated to his father, Melvin. The film takes place back when Melvin Van Peebles (played by the brilliant Mario Van Peebles) was getting ready to film the cult hit film, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," which led the way for other popular Blaxploitation flicks of the '70s like "Shaft" and "Superfly." Admist the pressure of making a low-budget movie and Hollywood cynicism about black entertainment, the film also deals with the rocky relationship between Melvin and a very young Mario (played by Khleo Thomas). The movie also features an all-star cast including Nia Long, Joy Bryant ("Antwone Fisher"), Paul Rodriguez and Ossie Davis with cameos from those who have helped Melvin's vision come alive.

As I stated above, I really enjoyed the movie. I hope that Mario continues to create movies that are enjoyable as this one is. The scenes that I've enjoyed were the ones that involved Melvin and his crazy friend Bill (Rainn Wilson) and the ones involving his relationship with his son. Try to catch this movie as it is still being shown in a few theaters.

The Rules of Attraction (2002)

Surprisingly Good!

[11 March 2003]

This movie shocked me from the start. I thought that this movie was going to be like all those other stupid, young and insipid teen movies that we are forced to see all the time. But I was surprised to see that this wasn't one of them. This movie surpassed them. James Van Der Beek (TV's "Dawson's Creek") and the lovely Shannyn Sossamon are the leads of this amusing, yet disturbing, movie. Its originality reminded me of "Pulp Fiction" and "Go". I give this movie two thumbs up and 4 1/2 stars.

Pandora's Box (2002)

An Amazing Film!!!

[13 December 2002]

When I learned that "Pandora's Box" was finally coming to selected theaters located in Baltimore, I was more than thrilled. After viewing Rob Hardy's first film, "Trois", I was surprised to see that this young, up-and-coming director pushed the envelope with powerful dialogue and talented actors such as Gary Dourdan ("A Different World", "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation") and Kenya Moore ("Senseless"). "Trois" was definitely a must-see. Now with "Pandora's Box" Rob Hardy and his crew at Rainforest Productions have made another film that pushes the envelope even further.

"Pandora's Box" is about a psychologist named Mia (Monica Calhoun) who helps a troubled patient (Chrystale Wilson) deal with the untimely death of her husband (Tyson Beckford). But soon after, Mia finds her her own life being examined as she takes her patient's advice and becomes involved in the underworld of sexual empowerment. She then meets Hampton Hines (Michael Jai White), a mysterious stranger who Mia becomes intrigued by. As emotions grow strong and her marriage to her husband (Kristoff St. John) going down the drain, Mia commits several acts of adultery and infidelity with Hampton only to find herself getting even deeper in a world of sex, money and murder.

If you haven't seen this movie yet, you are missing out on a good and entertaining movie. But please remember to leave the kids at HOME!!!!

Love and a Bullet (2002)

Treach Deserves an Award!!!

[9/10 · 27 November 2002]

Once I heard the news that Treach was going to be cast in his first starring role, I was thrilled. He has been featured in other roles in films like "Juice", "Who's the Man?" and "The Meteor Man" (all the which are small roles) but was given the chance to prove himself in the classic film "Jason's Lyric". Other roles that followed became important and supporting like his guest starring appearances in "New York Undercover" and "Soul Food". I bought this movie this week and I have enjoyed it. Treach is definitely a good actor who derserves the phrase "Rapper-turned-Actor" that many musical artists can't quite imitate. He chooses roles that are brilliant and exciting. This movie reminds me of "The Big Hit" (which is also created by the same people of this film). Treach stars as a contract killer who has been assigned to assassinate the girlfriend because he assumes she is being unfaithful. The action is intense and is mixed with comedic humor. If you haven't purchased this movie yet, then you are missing out on a good movie.

Friday After Next (2002)

Hilarious!!!

[25 November 2002]

When I saw the coming attractions while going to see "Brown Sugar", I knew that I had to go and see this movie. Craig (Ice Cube) and his cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps) are back for another installment in the "Friday" series. This time the boys are in South Central and getting ready to celebrate Christmas...until a burgular dressed like Santa Claus (Rickey Smiley) robs the boys and getting away with their rent money and presents. Craig and Day-Day then apply for jobs as security guards when their evil landlady, Miss Pearly (Bebe Drake), demands the rent money in advance or she'll let loose her burly son Damon (Terry Crews), who has spent 12 years in prison and now likes men. As they adjust to their new job, Craig becomes interested in the sexy Donna (K.D. Aubert) who works at her pimped-out boyfriend's department store. Also featured in the movie are Craig parents (John Witherspoon and Anna Maria Horsford), Uncle Elroy (Don "D.C." Curry), Pinky (Clifton Powell) and even Chico the dog who wreaked havoc on Craig and Day-Day in "Next Friday".

This movie was so hilarious and topped the second installment but could never surpass the original "Friday" simply because of Chris Tucker who played Craig's best friend Smokey. I will definitely go and see this movie again and again until its available to own on DVD. Maybe if there's a fourth "Friday" Chris Tucker can join Ice Cube and the hilarious Mike Epps. I would love to see those three together.

Soul Food (2000–2004)

The Best Show on Television Ever!!!

[12 August 2002]

I know alot of people who did not give "Soul Food" a chance when it first premiered in the summer of 2000. Now everyone is tuning into the best series on Showtime (and television period). No other show can quite compare to the quality and perfection that is of "Soul Food." The show is definitely a must-see. Every Wednesday night I am glued to the TV set anxiously waiting for the outcome the show has to offer. Plus, the show isn't your basic stereotypical "black" show that seems to becoming the latest trend these days. The cast is very talented, smart and enthusiastic. And is the first show in TV history that was renewed for 40 episodes all at once. Though alot of its fans still think that the movie in which the series was adapted from is ultimately the best but if they just would give the show a chance, I'm sure that they will change their minds. My favorite characters on the show are Kenny played by Rockmond Dunbar and Maxine played by Vanessa Williams. The show is a treat that the whole entire family can enjoy...well maybe not the whole family. There are some subjective scences (nudity), adult content and adult language that should not be viewed by little children. I just hope that the show becomes available for DVD soon. So, if you have not tuned into Showtime's exciting series, what are you waiting for?