WICKED

One of the most popular musicals is on tour in North America and I got another chance to see it right here in Toledo, Ohio. Since this is not my first time seeing the show I came with expectations especially since this was a smaller city and stage than other places I've seen it, I lowered my expectations.

Why do so many of us like Wicked? I can't speak for everyone else but for me it's the relation to Elphaba. I've stood out for most my life (not just personality wise) for my physical look as well. I've been tall as long as I can remember and always been one of the few minorities in a predominately white school. I naturally stood out but luckily not for having green skin.

Elphaba is a favorite character for a lot of us because she stands out and stands up for what is right even if she is the only one. Circumstances forced her to harden her heart in witnessing the loss of those she loved.

I was impressed with the overall show. I also came to realize anybody I've seen play Glinda has done a phenomenal job but I surely could never be friends with that character in real life. Besides the blondness, the perkiness and voice would really get under my skin. I also got a chance to meet the guy who played Fiyero before the play: David Nathan Perlow. He had a cute nerdy look to him but when he played Fiyero, he became a super stud.

I was overly impressed with the set and costume changes. Working I theatre and having seamless and quick transitions is quite the task to pull off. The audience was never left waiting long for the next scene start start.

The voices of each character matched up pretty good from the original broadway musical and that made it so much easier to enjoy. When Wicked is one's favorite musical and the soundtrack gets listened to once a week...everybody else is always compared to the original sound. I liked how Elphie and Glinda had range but the woman who played Elphaba made the songs her own a bit. A few times she added some soul or runs in the chords that made it more enjoyable.

One song I was a bit disappointed was The Wizard and I. This is almost a complete solo song where Elphaba dares to dream; she is in her own empowering moment. I felt the acting should have climbed with the song. Jennifer DiNoia who plays Elphie was amazing at being this awkward outcast who had a smart caring side to her. That song should have been utilized as a better platform for gaining power and confidence in Elphaba right behind Defying Gravity. Before Elphie is declared wicked, she was portrayed great but when she was the evil witch, Jennifer didn't have enough of a dark side to be 100% convincing. That didn't take away from her performance at all; she still did a wonderful job.

This was happily my second favorite show I've seen and plan to gladly pay to see it again. Wicked is my hands-down favorite musical so I will always have high standards for it. The cast was impressive especially when they added their own lines to make the musical more comical. I laughed, I felt empowered, I even felt the betrayal. I definitely recommend this to my musical maniacs, Wizard of Oz fans, and theatre geeks. Quite the enjoyable show that can only be taken advantage of in person. So find the nearest show to you and buy your ticket! It's completely worth it.

In the meantime, enjoy this modern musical remake of Wizard of Oz...I absolutely love it!

Lee Daniels' The Butler

"One quiet voice can ignite a revolution."

This in no way shape or form is intended to be racist, prejudice, or offensive. This article is subjectively written form the standpoint of an African American woman.

Let me start off by saying Lee Daniels "The Butler" was an overall phenomenal film. I enjoyed every aspect of the film even though it was quite the roller coaster of emotions. Spanning the life of Cecil Gains from slavery through the eight sitting presidents was fascinating and encouraging to see America in its different phases of civil rights.

My person favorite contrast was between Cecil and his son Lewis. Cecil grew up a slave in Georgia and moved to the north and vowed to never let his sons pick cotton (like he did). Cecil's older son was the complete opposite: while his father's occupation was a butler, Lewis was passionate for fighting for his rights by participating in any protest movement. The dynamic between father and son was so colorful because they both wanted the same thing but had different ways to go about it.

Martin Luther King Jr. in the film informed Lewis that he should be ashamed that his father was a butler because the domestic were quietly subversive. Basically their job serving was just as important as those fighting the front lines. The Butler’s job was a peacemaker to help the white man feel no threat and see how they could co-exist while the protesters were the loud rebellious type who had to make a stand to force change. Both played important roles from opposite sides of the canvas but in the end, it made one beautiful picture for you and I today. The work still isn't over; we need to keep pushing for a better future and more opportunities available for the next generation.

Lewis Gains was a character that truly touched my heart because I saw myself in him. Taking a stand in basic human rights and determined to make a difference in history is a common thread between us. I have always said it could have lived in any time, I would have wanted to be a young adult in the 1960's. I would have know exactly where I was when JFK and MLK got shot. I would have participated in sit-ins, civil right marches, and been a freedom rider. I'm pretty sure I would have been a hippie as well protesting the war in addition to witnessing the United States going to the moon and the destruction of the Berlin Wall; those all would have been memorable things to live through. To see people like the Kennedy's, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X would have been historical to me because they are some of the most fascinating influential people to me today and will never be duplicated.

I enjoyed watching this movie although the historical aspect was nothing new for me but I appreciate "The Butler" being saturated with so much information. It was also very entertaining seeing such a star studded cast: I absolutely love this film that had actors like Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Williams, Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, Jane Fonda, Robin Williams, and so many more. I am not surprised to hear Oscar buzz about this film already, I expect to see it in March at the Academy Awards pick up several wins. This film is for anyone and everyone but I especially recommend it to those African Americans who enjoy their learning about their history and those who want to be a bit more informed. Once again this is a movie based on a true story but don't take everything at 100% accuracy; study history or ask someone to tell you their story.

I definitely walked away from this movie (after shedding a few tears) with a new appreciation how the first time I voted was for President Barack Obama, the first African American president ever! I was a part of history because of people like Cecil and Lewis Gains, even Gandhi, Malcolm X, and MLK that came before me. I thank you for anyone who was a part of history for the better and paved the way for me to breakthrough for those that will come tomorrow.

"Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama ran so our children can fly!"

The Wolverine

The much anticipated Wolverine sequel has arrived. Taking a trip across the waters to Japan. I already have a personal fascination with the traditional Japanese culture so placing Hugh Jackman with a couple other mutants and some action- not a bad combination.

I realize the plot was revolved around Wolverine’s immortality and his journey to decide who or what he wants to be. Like always, it’s nice seeing new faces on the big screen but what I felt lacked was the mutant community. I had to remind myself several times this was a branch of X-Men. More humans were striving for power than the typical plot of mutants being targeted. Wolverine struggled internally (like always) from his past with Jean Grey along side of defining what he wanted to be: an immortal mutant or a mortal human?

Because in the previous X-Men movies it was established that Logan (Wolverine) was in love with Jean Grey. In The Last Stand, he felt obligated to end her life because she became a bit of a killing machine with her overwhelming uncontrollable powers. Unfortunately, Logan carried the guilt side by side with his love for Jean.

In this film, Wolverine has a bit of a romance with Mariko. It is true that Logan shows his affections through his mental detachment but expresses through his physical acts. In the mix between Mariko and Wolverine is the mental image of Jean. I personally did not feel the chemistry between Wolverine and Mariok but I was informed that is a continued story line in the comics. This was my personal opinion simply because I have not read the comics so I base my assumptions off of what I see on screen and how that makes me feel. I did not feel the romance connection. Logan was more wrapped up in Jean but had a dilemma because she was dead and Mariko was a living human who cared for him.

I really enjoyed the action as always. There was a nice variety of mutants, humans, and even ninjas! The action scenes were creative and super fast pace. I enjoyed the camera movement in the first real battle scene. It gave the allusion the audience was an actual bystander witnessing the experience in person. I enjoyed feeling the pace of adrenaline from each action scene.

Of course just like every Marvel film, I advise you to stay after the credits which gives leeway to what is to come. I did enjoy this movie just as much as I expected. Even though I am pretty good at predicting plot lines, the best part is I was still shocked by some elements. I would definitely recommend this to my Marvel fans, comic lovers, and action gurus.

Despicable Me 2

 

I've been looking forward to seeing this movie for quite some time. I loved the first one and loved this one too. I love the fact the Gru was a hilarious villain in the last movie and now he is motivated by the love of his girls.

Of course their family would not be what it is without little Agnes. Her innocent sense of humor is hilarious. The way her mind thinks is the cutest stuff ever; it really added a complete family aspect to the movie.

I love the fact that every character is unique in their own way. The three girls all have their own personalities and newcomer Kristen Wiig who plays Lucy even adds her corky character to the mix that is perfect to play opposite Steve Carell’s character.

My ultimate fav thing in this movie are the minions. Some stuff that should not have been funny made me crack up. I love those little guys. They could totally have their own movie just like the “Penguins of Madagascar.” There is a role for each one of them and although they do not speak clear words (more like gibberish) they are so darn amusing. I was so entertained by their interactions with each other and humans.

It was a completely adorable and funny film made for the entire family. If you still keep in contact with your inner child I would recommend this for you.

White House Down

I did not have an interest in seeing this movie at first but my mother wanted to, so I was her date for the evening. I am so glad I saw this movie; it was so much better than I anticipated. The movie had plenty of action, comedy, and emotion. It was the perfect movie to see on independence weekend.

Some of the combos I’ve seen on the screen, even I wouldn’t put together but Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum were wonderful to watch. It was nice to have a president that represented our current president but I am not trying to stir the pot of controversy among those who don't support our president.

One thing I felt more than anything was a deep sense of patriotism. I assume they were going for that especially with troops still overseas and the withdrawal coming next year. The fight within our own borders was a clear message sent because terrorism can live within our own country. The U.S. has enough problems on the home front then we still do have to worry about foreign terrorism. I’m not trying to use this blog as a political platform but this movie makes one think about all these things.

Now, as a person who has taken a tour of the white house, the detail is exquisite for not filming in the actual white house. I heard they used green screen after studying the layout. It was pretty fascinating to see a lot of the same rooms I once stood in.

A movie that is engrossed in love, loyalty, and freedom is action packed as well as funny. It also makes you want to wrap yourself in the flag as you go to bed. For a good rounded movie, this is a must see.

The Heat

What can I say about “The Heat?” Maybe that it was hilarious from start to finish. I was scared to see it because I thought they gave all the jokes away in the previews but Melissa McCarthy was non stop from the beginning. Almost every line out her mouth was funny to me. Now I don’t expect it to be funny to everybody but I am a big Judd Apatow fan so that kind of comedy makes me laugh the hardest. One of my all time favorite movies is Bridesmaids which also stars McCarthy.

The teamwork of Mullins (McCarthy) and Ashburn (Bullock) is a hilarious dynamic duo; a good way to describe them is the modern day odd couple. I found myself relating more to Mullins than I care to admit. Putting that aside she is the inner bully all of us want to be yet partly the hot mess we already are. Ashburn represents the more organized side of us who plays by the rules and strive to climb the ladder. I’m sure we can all find ways to relate to these crazy ladies, that’s what makes them likable.

I am glad to see Bullock in a comedy even after she won her Oscar; she is a funny girl who needs to keep herself grounded in comedies. Who better to work with in a comedy than the current queen, McCarthy.

Best part of the film was the dialogue. I wish I could write like that but I don’t consider myself funny. I think I only stop laughing to catch my breath. This recommendation goes out to those who have a outlandish sense of humor and don’t mind cursing every two words.

World War Z

I am not a zombie movie person. Not saying I have not seen any but I don’t usually choose to watch them. I had no interest in seeing this movie and had not planned on it until I was hearing the glorious reviews from audience members.

Don't’ be fooled, yes, it is a zombie movie but it has a bigger purpose beyond the living dead. If we really think about it, Brad Pitt is at the point in his career where he doesn't take dumb roles. I have to admit, sometimes he takes roles for movies that are made for smart or worldly people. Back to the topic....it’s plot surrounds zombies but the quest for discovery is constantly sought after.

I really don’t want to give too much of this movie away because it has a pretty focal point and the title is self explanatory once the plot gets going. I’m not going to say it was a bad movie, it just wasn't for me but I would recommend this if you're into the end of the world stuff, zombie movies, action guru, or a Brad Pitt fanatic. All are legit reasons.