Disney’s new flick The Princess and the Frog debuted atop this weekend’s box office chart, pulling in $25 million. The film, starring Anika Noni Rose, features Disney’s first-ever black princess and is also the first time in years that Disney has used hand-drawn animation.
As a 21-year-old dude, I am not ashamed to admit that I love animated Disney movies. Yeah, I said it. Don’t judge me; you know you still cry when Mufasa dies in The Lion King. Meanwhile, I couldn’t be happier for the cast & crew of Princess and the Frog, and when it comes out on DVD, I might have to Redbox it… I’m just sayin’.
Also in this weekend’s box office chart: The Blind Side (Sandra Bullock) slid down a spot to number 2, bringing in a cool $15 million, while the new Nelson Mandela-flick Invictus came in at number 3 with $9 million.
And speaking of movies, Hangover finally comes out on DVD tomorrow, December 15. It is definitely the funniest movie I saw this year. I don’t usually buy DVDs, but I’m definitely rushing to get that one!
The highly-anticipated film “Precious” hits select theaters THIS FRIDAY, and I couldn’t be more excited!! In a recent interview, Tyler Perry opened up about his and Oprah’s involvement with the film, the buzz around it, and how it’s not just a film for black people. Check it out:
This is one of the first projects you decided to campaign for that isn’t one of your own. You’ve also teamed up with Oprah. How did that all come about? Did you know Lee Daniels before this movie?
Never met Lee. I sent my team up to Sundance, and they found the film. I started a new film company, and I wanted to find some new filmmakers and really push them. They found a great film and brought it to me, and I was blown away by it because it was so close to my childhood and how I grew up. Mo’Nique’s character was so close to my father. I watched it and called Oprah and asked her if she’d seen it. She said, “I have it in my purse, I haven’t watched it.” She watched it, and she’s like, “Tyler, this is so great. I’m so glad you’re doing this because people will get a chance to see it.” I said, “More people will get a chance to see it if we did it together,” and she said, “Let’s do it.” That’s when it became Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry presents.
In addition to promoting the film, what’s Oprah’s involvement? Promoting it in her magazines?
All of that, as well as pushing it through the Website and asking people to see it. It’s what we bring, and I think what Oprah brings more than anything is she makes it not just a movie for black people. She makes it a movie that everybody will be invited to and feel comfortable going to. I can cover the black folks. I can cover us! It is amazing to see what she will be able to do with that, because the film is universal. There are little girls who grew up in trailer parks who went through the exact same thing who are not black. It’ll all work out.
When you’re introducing this film to your audience, how are you going to present it so they don’t think it’s your production?
It’s starting with a huge warning, saying, first of all, I did not write or direct the film. It is not a Tyler Perry film. It’s gonna start with that warning. I know I got the grandmothers and the seniors who will go and see it right away and think it is something I’ve written and they’ll bring all the kids to see it, but I need all of them to understand, and you can help me with this, that this is not a Tyler Perry film, and I would not suggest that they bring their children to see it. Once that is said, my next move is letting them know why I felt the need to get involved, and that is because of my own life story.
You said this movie had a profound effect on you because you saw parts of your life in it. Now that you and Oprah are behind it, is there anything you plan to change or to enhance?
Nothing, not a thing. I think it’s all Lee’s vision and what he wanted it to be from the very beginning. The only thing I suggested and was a little adamant about was Mary J.’s song being involved, called ‘I See Color.’ That was still Lee’s decision, so that was all Lee.
Tyler also talks about his upcoming projects “For Colored Girls…” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” in this interview, which you can finish reading here.
(Source: AOL BlackVoices)
Looks like it’s not all peace and love between two of the most prominent black film directors.
CBS’s “60 Minutes” did a profile on Tyler Perry over the weekend and brought up all the criticism that Tyler has faced from the black community for creating stereotypical characters like Madea and Mr. Brown.
When asked about his thoughts on Spike Lee calling his work “buffoonery and coonery,” Tyler said that it “pisses him off” and that he uses such characters only to draw people in so he can deliver powerful, spiritual messages.
Not sure whose side to take, because I see where both of them are coming from. Watch the video and judge for yourself.
Here’s a shot of singer Teairra Mari and rapper Bow Wow on the set of the new Ice Cube flick Lottery Ticket, set to hit theaters next year.
Here is the official trailer for the upcoming flick Preacher’s Kid, staring my girl Letoya Luckett and featuring Tank and Essence Atkins. The movie is set to hit theaters at the top of the year.
In other Letoya news, the singer begins filming the music video for “Regret” with Ludacris today in Los Angeles.
Marlon Wayans
Entertainment Weekly reports that Marlon Wayans may be selected to portray late comedian Richard Pryor in the upcoming biopic, Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said. Here’s some info:
Funny man Marlon Wayans is in advanced discussions to play one of comedy’s most iconic figures in the biopic Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said for Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Prods. and Sony Pictures. The project has been written and will be directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls). Eddie Murphy was originally attached to star in the project, but he dropped out over conflicts with Paramount Pictures, which was previously on board to finance the film.
While Wayans is primarily known for his comedic roles in Wayans Bros.’ movies such as Dance Flick and White Chicks, he received critical acclaim for his dramatic turn in 1999’s Requiem for a Dream. Sources tell EW.com that Wayans fought for the role, blowing the producers away with a 13- min screen test where he “transforms into Pryor.” The movie depicts Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs and is currently budgeted at $20 million. Chris Rock, Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and Mark Gordon are also lined up to produce. Producers are still working out the terms of Wayans’ deal, and other major aspects of the overall project have not been finalized.
Congrats to Marlon. He’s been pulling in some big roles lately. Do you think he can pull off playing Richard Pryor?
Check out this newly-released clip of Michael Jackson in one of his final rehearsals of his hit “Human Nature” — definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. The vocals are incredible; he was on top of his game even in his last days.
The clip is a part of the new film This Is It, produced by concert promoters AEG Live, the same company that was behind his planned This Is It concert series at the O2 Arena in London.
The film, which is set to hit theaters on Oct. 28th, will give us a look inside the final days of Michael Jackson, with footage of rehearsals for these concerts and interviews.
By far one of my favorite singers, the lovely LeToya Luckett makes her big-screen acting debut in Preacher’s Kid, which hits theaters on October 30, 2009. Check out the trailer above.
Be sure to cop LeToya’s sophomore album, Lady Love, which will be available in stores and online on August 25th.
Check out the trailer for Tyler Perry’s latest flick, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. The movie, which hits theaters on September 11th, stars Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Mary J. Blige and Brian White.
What do you think?
