“Hustlers” is one of the year’s best movies, says Merecedes J. Williams

When exotic dancing just doesn’t cut it for four NYC women, they concoct a plan of their own to make some quick cash in “Hustlers.”

Based on a true story, Destiny (Constance Wu), with only a GED in hand, works the Wall Street scene to make a better life for her and her family.

Your favorite actresses, as well as your favorite musicians, are in “Hustlers.” The seven-member cast comprises of sexy, eager women who demand attention. Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, Keke Palmer, Julia Stiles, Cardi B., and Lizzo are a diverse melting pot celebrating every kind of woman.

“Hustlers” begs the questions: Is J-Lo too old to be playing a stripper? Or am I just a hater? If my body is impeccable like that when I am 50, I guess I would be stripping or at least playing a stripper in a major motion picture, too. Yup, I’m a hater!

The former “In Living Color” Fly Girl (remember that? Yep, J-Lo was one of the Fly Girls on the show) has seen her fair share of big-screen flops. But, “Hustlers” redeemed J-Lo for all of her theatrical transgressions. She was fierce, daring, and downright divine.

Hustler

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Movie Scene Queen and Wiz Khalifa’s mother, Peachie Wimbush-Polk, rolled out the red carpet for more than 200 local female hustlers at an advance screening at the Homestead Waterfront.

“I saw myself in every one of these women. Life as a boss babe is no crystal staircase. ‘Hustlers’ was the fun that I didn’t know I needed,” said Wimbush-Polk. “Everybody needs a Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) in their life. J-Lo brought so much depth to her character.”

Attendees included stylist Shawna Solomon, sunglasses maven Shawnecca Reed, self-help author Maisha Howze, and the ladies from the Girl Running Shit podcast.

Read more at the New Pittsburgh Courier, “Hustlers” is one of the year’s best movies, says Merecedes J. Williams

September 20, 2019 0

Hustlers Passes

Calling all female hustlers!

Hustlers

Starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, inspired by a New York Magazine article by Jessica Pressler that went viral, former strip club employees band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

On September 11, Movie Scene Queen and female hustler Peachie Wimbush-Polk will host a special screening of Hustlers.

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Please comment below with the name of your favorite female hustler!

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

September 4, 2019 65

CrazySexyCool: A TLC Story

The movie had me at the opening credits!

VH1’s CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, the #1 trending topic on social sites during its premiere Monday night, reignited the buzz and fan-based admiration for the Grammy award winning trio.

The movie covers a lot of the backstage occurrences that we never saw like Left Eye’s father’s murder, Chili’s chilling abortion, and T-Boz’s unexpected diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. For 150 minutes, viewers also enjoyed the great moments like when the girls heard their song on the radio for the first time or their very first tour with MC Hammer and Jodeci.

The movie clearly shows that although the three ladies came from different walks of life, they shared synonymous relationship turbulence. After burning down his Atlanta mansion, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (Natia “Lil Mama” Kirkland) struggled with her jealousy-filled relationship with Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison. Rozonda “Chili” Thomas (Keke Palmer) had her own emotional rollercoaster with Atlanta songwriter and producer, Dallas Austin (Evan Ross). And Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (Drew Sidora) had a couple celebrity flings with Jodeci singer, Dalvin, and West Coast rapper, Mac 10.

The love affairs showcased the deep tenderness and sacrifices they made for their careers and their significant others, especially Chili. Always been forced to be Austin’s presence due to work commitments, she was constantly reminded of previous loss. The abortion scene and the discussion about the decision set the entire tone for the movie and better explains Chili’s jumpy journey with Austin.

KeKe Palmer is all grown and up and simply beautiful. Palmer has evolved since her spelling bee days as Akeelah; however, I was not quite sold on her role as Chili. I never thought she resembled her, even from the promotional ads, but the movie solidified my suspicion. Palmer took on Chili’s emotions but did not really nail the physical aspects; maybe it was the bad front lace wig.

Lil Mama, on the other hand, absolutely blew my mind as the late Left Eye. She mastered her moves, speech delivery, and overall joyous, rambunctious spirit. It was as if Lil Mama was made for this role. There were moments in the movie, like her last moments in Honduras, where I actually thought I was looking at Left Eye.

VH1 (and Twitter last night) did not hold back on Mercedes Boy singer and former TLC Manager, Perri “Pebbles” Reid (Rochelle Aytes). The movie depicted her as an evil villain who took advantage of the jovial innocence of the 90s girls group and ultimately forced the girls into bankruptcy and seeking other management.

TLC commemorates the movie release with an album release, 20. The 20th anniversary album features hits like Waterfalls, Creep, No Scrubs and headlines with a brand new song, Meant To Be, which is also introduced in the movie.

4 STARS: Even though we know how the story ends with the tragic death of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, the movie reminds all TLC fans that Left Eye’s legacy lives on through the remaining members of the group. A really good made-for-tv movie!

If you missed last night’s premiere, VH1 is bound to play the movie several times this week.

And I know this is random, but can I just say that Cole from Martin (Carl Anthony Payne II), who played record executive L.A. Reid, looked good? He ain’t chubby and goofy looking no more. He was chiseled and fine!

October 22, 2013 2

August Throwback Movie of the Month: Akeelah & The Bee

Akeelah and the Bee is an unforgettable movie about an 11 year old African American girl, Akeelah (Keke Palmer), who spells her way to the top. In a single parent home in South Central Los Angeles, there are a lot of odds against young Akeelah. Her public school is not equipped with the resources for her to succeed and she’s still dealing with the violent death of her father from years ago. Akeelah, who initially was written off, used her great memorization techniques and love for words and their games, like Scrabble, to win spelling bees.

This movie is filled with the plagues that stricken our urban communities like gun violence, drug dealing, teenage pregnancy, and poor public education. Akeelah’s school, Crenshaw Middle School, uses her intelligence to further their agenda on educational funding and school school recognition. To ensure her spelling success, principal () recruits college English professor, (Laurence Fishburne) to coach Akeelah. He teaches her thousands of new words, language origins, meanings and more.

Keke Palmer, who is now a beautiful young woman, captured all of our hearts in this movie. She’s definitely one of those Disney Channel kids, similar to Raven Symone, who had to act, sing and dance to cut it in the big leagues. She simply shined as Akeelah, not only did she star in the film but she also was featured on the soundtrack with her hit, “All My Girlz.”

Ike & Tina Turner Together Again
The 1993 tell all story about Ike & Tina Turner, What’s Love Got to Do With It, was the first time we seen Angela Bassett, who played Akeelah’s mother, and Laurence Fishburne together on the big screen. Who knew that 13 years later they would reunite for this warm tale about a little Black’s girl journey to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Only this time, the pair was not bickering and fighting but they were working together as Akeelah’s closest confidants to lead her to victory.

4 Stars: If you’re ever flicking through the channels and catch the Scripps National Spelling Bee on ESPN, count how many Black children are on the stage. This movie reminds us of our duty to expand our children’s horizon, to get them involved academically and scholastically.

P-U-L-C-H-R-I-T-U-D-E

pulchritude means physical beauty

From the root Latin word, “pulcher” which means beautiful

August 12, 2013 2