Top Five Is Just What We Needed From Chris Rock

Chris Rock has become a household name as legendary standup comedian, Saturday Night Live vet, and most recently, as the voice of Marty the Zebra in the Madagascar series. But, the 49-year-old has dabbled in movie production and direction too. In his latest flick, Top Five, Rock is pretty much playing himself. Andre Allen (Rock) is a big-time movie star who fears going back into the comedy world after 4 years of sobriety and a chain reaction of box office flops.

Top Five, which also stars Rosario Dawson, J.B. Smoove, and Gabrielle Union, is one of this year’s most creative and witty movies. Chris Rock, in true fashion, pushes the envelope with his racy, vulgar humor. One joke in particular involved a quick jab at JFK and the grassy knoll, so you can image the level of inappropriate hilarity.

Rapping buddies Jay Z and Kanye West serve as co-producers of the film. While the Roots’ Questlove managed the movie’s score as executive music producer. With that many musical geniuses involved, I was a little bummed to actually hear the music featured in the movie. The soundtrack was unoriginal and was filled with your everyday radio playlist.

While the music was predictable, the random listings of favorite rappers held more weight than that of the actual musical selection. The topic, specifically hip-hop, infrequently surfaced throughout the movie as characters discussed their own top rappers. This dialogue was the impromptu spice to this filmic feast.

There are so many surprise guests, both comedians and entertainers. So many wonderful, hilarious cameos that I am not willing to spoil their appearances. The obvious funny men, Cedric the Entertainer and Kevin Hart, were amongst the elite group.

Rosario Dawson’s character resonated with me personally and professionally. She played Chelsea Brown, a New York Times film critic who ghost writes under other names. I am Chelsea Brown- the journalist who wears many hats in the hopes of telling an honest story. Unlike other story chasers, we both possess the need to uncover the great, positive stories rather than dig up dirt.

This field is no easy ballpark. Between meetings some one-dimensional people and tasteless headlines, the idea of making newsworthy, well-written pieces is minimal. While there are some great perks to this work, it can get sidetracked with fame, recognition, and greed.

4 STARS: Chris Rock needed this movie. Chris Rock fans also needed this movie. Top Five is undeniably an amusing reflection of selecting and ranking who or what is most important in any given subject.

Since no one dared to show love to the ladies of hip-hop, here’s my Top Five Female Lyricists of All Time:

1.) Lauryn Hill
2.) MC Lyte
3.) Lil’ Kim
4.) Nicki Minaj
5.) Foxy Brown

Honorable Mention: Queen Latifah

Who’s in your Top Five?

December 15, 2014 5

Top Five Passes

Written, directed , and starring Chris Rock, TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind. Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, Cedric The Entertainer, JB Smoove, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Anders Holm, Jay Pharaoh, Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd, Leslie Jones. The film is produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush. The Co-Producers are Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Kanye West; the Executive Music Producer is Questlove.

The screening of TOP FIVE at the AMC Waterfront 22 on Tuesday, December 9th, beginning at 7:30 PM. For your tickets, comment below with your favorite Chris Rock movie, joke, and/or moment. I’ll start with my mine: As vulgar as this may be, Chris Rock has comedy skit where he said women will dance to or enjoy any type of music- no matter how degrading the song is! “From the windows to the walls, To the sweat drop down my balls, To all these b—— crawl, To all skeet skeet…” I laughed so hard because it’s true! I will literally dance to any song, if the melody is right and the song is catchy!

Top Five (R)

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 @ 7:30 PM

AMC Waterfront 22

Gofobo Code: PMSQ

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

November 26, 2014 120

Think Like A Man Too

The gang reunites in Las Vegas for Director Tim Story’s Think Like A Man Too. All four couples are returning from the original 2012 movie, inspired by Steve Harvey’s 2009 best-selling book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”. Headliner and Comedian Kevin Hart stars in what seems like the Black Hangover as Candace (Regina Hall) and Michael (Terrence J) jeopardize their wedding plans after a night of partying.

Think Like A Man Too’s overpopulated cast includes veterans Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, La La Anthony, Gabrielle Union, Gary Owen, Jenifer Lewis and some new faces like Kelsey Grammer and Dennis Haysbert.

Following the four couples got a little bit more difficult when you add a condensed script, shorter movie, spotty narration, and too many hands in the project’s pot. As the movie progresses, new characters pop up frequently, and it was almost unnecessary to have that many people in the movie.

Also, the storyline shifted from focusing on the couples equally to focusing on the wedding with Kevin Hart leading the way with his handsome humor. Yes, Kevin Hart is beyond hilarious but he completely took the shine from his fellow cast mates. It was the Kevin Hart Show.

The sequel failed to mention Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”, which was the premise of the original movie series. I found it quite odd that in the first movie the woman’s guide was mentioned frequently, but is completely depleted in Think Like A Man Too. It is as if the book’s value is replaced with Kevin Hart’s sporadic story-telling and carefree comedic flare.

I have said it multiple times, but sequels are extremely difficult to successfully pull off because there’s always something to compare it to. Think Like A Man set the bar high and this newest continuation just fell short. Think Like a Man Too was not the only sequel in June to disaapoint the fans.

22 Jump Street, which was recently defeated by Think Like A Man Too in this weekend’s box office, also failed to be as great as its 2012 maker, 21 Jump Street. Kevin Hart’s Ride Along partner, Ice Cube, stars in this comedic cop sequel with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. Similar to Think Like A Man Too, occasionally, I laughed at the silly antics of the movie but it just wasn’t as great as its predecessor. 22 Jump Street’s ending went from comedy to a complete joke, and that’s not a good thing. Both 22 Jump Street and Think Like A Man Too fell victim to the Sophomore Jinx.

3 STARS: Not mentioning Steve Harvey’s book in Think Like A Man Too lost major cool points with me. Despite the chaotic, rushed plot, Kevin Hart comically delivers again!

June 23, 2014 2

Think Like A Man Too Passes (Round 2)

Movie Scene Queen proudly presents the second screening of Think Like A Man Too…

In the highly anticipated sequel, which was inspired by Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man, all the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event. The movie stars Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union, and La La Anthony.
Think Like A Man Too is in theaters June 20, 2014.

The advance screening will be held Tuesday, June 17th at AMC Waterfront 22, beginning promptly at 7:30PM. Please comment below with your favorite part of Think Like A Man (2012). In MSQ tradition, I’ll start with mine: My favorite part was finding out Kevin Hart’s nagging wife was Wendy Williams!

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

June 10, 2014 26

Think Like A Man Too Passes

The Movie Scene Queen will be hosting a private screening on Wednesday, May 21st at AMC Waterfront 22, beginning at 7:30PM. Yup, that’s ONE whole month before the rest of the world!!!

Comment below with your favorite Kevin Hart movie and I’ll send you the link to grab two passes. In MSQ tradition, I’ll start with mine: Soul Plane (2004).

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

May 16, 2014 86