Jamie Foxx delivers in ‘Soul’; Film Evokes The Importance of Purpose and Passion

Death is a raw, touchy subject, especially now more than ever.

There are zero degrees of separation when identifying someone you know or love who has been affected by the coronavirus.

Death is also typically a conversation had amongst adults, so when Kemp Powers, Mike Jones and Pete Docter decided to create an animation film about life’s finale, I was more than skeptical.

But after 100 minutes of tear-jerking, feet-tapping, life-thinking reactions, I can proclaim that “Soul” is one of the best things this crazy year has produced.

Ironically, with the many people we have lost during this global pandemic, the movie is a sweet reminder about the true meaning of life, love and finding your purpose.

Pixar finally presents its first feature film with an African American leading role. Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx lends his voice talents for Joe Gardner, a jazz enthusiast and music teacher whose soul gets separated from his body right before the biggest gig of his life.

“Soul,” like jazz music, is beautiful, smooth and a delightful keepsake of both time and life.

“You already have a pretty fantastic life and sometimes that’s hard to see,” said “Soul” writer and director Pete Docter in a roundtable discussion hosted by the African American Film Critics Association.

Docter told me that when he’s on his death bed, he’s not going to be thinking about finishing the film on time or making sure it’s under budget, but Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, wants to reflect upon “family friends, and…everyday moments that I could easily take for granted.”

“I hope that people will have a gratitude for what they have.”

Out of all the undertones that resonated in “Soul,” the idea of purpose lingered at the top of the list. As Joe Gardner seeks to live for his love of jazz, we, too, crave to fulfill our destiny and walk in our purpose even though at times we seem to live aimlessly. If anything, life’s true purpose is the fuel to taking full advantage of your time here on Earth.

That is some deep stuff for a kids movie.

For the full review, please visit The New Pittsburgh Courier, Jamie Foxx delivers in ‘Soul’

January 4, 2021 0

Annie Definitely Worth Seeing After Sony Troubles

Christmas came early for illegal downloaders as hackers infiltrated Sony Pictures during Thanksgiving weekend by leaking “Annie” and other 2014 movies. Annie modernizes the classic Broadway musical and breaks barriers with the world’s first Black Annie, played by Quvenzhané Wallis.

Also starring Jaime Foxx, Cameron Diaz, and Rose Byrne, Annie is a movie the entire family can enjoy. This seasonal musical is filled with age-appropriate laughter and impressionable song. But, it is 11 year old Wallis that holds the film’s fate in the palm of her small hands.

Wallis is fun, adorable, and most important, relate-able. Little Black girls and children without families around the world can easily gravitate towards the shining presence that Wallis has on screen. She has so many notches on her belt; however, the Academy Award nominee can add most adorable to her resume too.

Every child will leave the theaters mimicking little orphan Annie’s tunes and dance moves- just like they did with Frozen!

Cameron Diaz should scratch musicals, singing, and anything that requires harmony, pitch, and rhythm off her bucket list. The There’s Something About Mary star sang like her life did not depend on it. Even in the movie, the plot purposely pokes fun at her character’s bad musical talents.

Digital hacking and piracy has reached an all-time low. In this case, the attack has created diplomatic turbulence and financial loss. The FBI has identified North Korean ties to the cyber attack on Sony Pictures. President Obama held a press conference on December 19 disagreeing with Sony’s decision to pull ” The Interview” – a comedy about a plot to kill North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. President Obama claims the Asian country was “imposing censorship”.

Sony Pictures released an official statement: “Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale – all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like.”

The problem with Sony’s adversity and setback is the multi-billion dollar entity is basking too much in their sad ambiance. Instead of moving quickly and diplomatically, they have created a huge domino affect of unnecessary, rash decisions.

I agree with President Obama. However, Sony should have never created this chaos by initially supporting such a movie with such controversial topic. Don’t run scared now, Sony!

4 Stars: Unfortunately, Annie is a harmless bystander deeply effected by recent events. This cyber attack should not deter audiences from witnessing this excellent, holiday film. Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie is a true inspiration, making an historical, timeless impact on every young girl across the globe.

December 24, 2014 1

Horrible Bosses 2 Passes

The most anticipated comedy sequel since 22 Jump Street is hitting theaters November 26th and Movie Scene Queen has TWO opportunities to see the movie before then.

The follow-up to the 2011 hit comedy Horrible Bosses reunites Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis as everyone’s favorite working stiffs: Nick, Dale and Kurt. Jennifer Aniston and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx also reprise their Horrible Bosses starring roles, while Chris Pine and Oscar winner Christoph Waltz star as new adversaries standing between the guys and their dreams of success. Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick (Bateman), Dale (Day) and Kurt (Sudeikis) decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in Horrible Bosses 2.

The screenings will be held on Tuesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 19. Both screenings start at 7:30 PM in the Waterfront.

Please comment below with your desired date.

The GOFOBO code for November 11th’s screening: PMSQKZS0

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

October 28, 2014 218

Rio 2

The rare Brazilian birds, Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) are back for Blue Sky Studios’ Rio 2. Since the first Rio (2011), the birds that were once at odds, now have a family together and possibly a flock of similar friends in the Amazon rainforest. Blu’s former owner and friend, Linda (Leslie Mann), and her husband, Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro), are still on a journey to save the wildlife in the South American country and find themselves needing saved after they stumbled across a surprise during travels.

For a kids’ movie, there were too many irrelevant elements to the plot and there were a lot of characters to keep up with. If the movie was multi-dimensional and complicated for a capable adult like myself, I am confident a few children left the theater confused. The core elements of any family animated movie should be attractive yet simple, silly yet predictable. Rio 2 was the opposite.

Rio 2 introduced a great deal of new characters. The most memorable feathered friend is voiced by superstar Bruno Mars, Roberto, Jewel’s childhood friend. Bruno Mars sings the entire movie and I am convinced that movie creators made Roberto just for him. As if Bruno Mars has not already dominated the music industry with hits like “When I Was Your Man”, “Just the Way You Are”, and “Grenade”, the Pop star blew me away in Rio 2. From the first utter, you recognize Bruno Mars’ soft voice and instantly connect with his character. He was charming, cunning and comical.

The movie has its share of entertainers. In addition to Bruno Mars, R&B singer Jamie Foxx and Black Eyed Peas leader will.i.am rejoined the cast to lend their talents. All are featured on the movies soundtrack, except for will.i.am (I guess he was too busy!). Bruno sings “Welcome Back” and Jamie Foxx jumps on two tracks, “Batucada Familia” and “What Is Love”, with other cast members. The Rio 2 soundtrack also includes vocals from Janelle Monáe, Ester Dean, Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, and Andy Garcia.

According to Box Office Mojo, Rio 2 made an estimated $39.3 million its opening weekend in the box office. I imagine the film would have made more if it were not up against the highly-anticipated spooky thriller, Oculus, and Marvel’s Captain America, which is the #1 movie in America for 3 consecutive weeks. The Easter holiday season was an aid in ticket sales boost for the animated movie, raking in over $22 million.

2.5 Stars: Despite its intricate storytelling, Rio 2 is an ideal movie for all ages. Although I was not too thrilled for the finished product, little children all over the world will adore the sequel. It’s something about talking birds that make children gravitate. (Tweety Bird, Donald Duck, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Chicken Little, and Woody Woodpecker)

April 21, 2014 0