Little Passes

Girls Trip’s Regina Hall and Black-ish’s Marsai Martin both star as Jordan Sanders — Hall as the take-no-prisoners tech mogul adult version of Jordan and Martin as the 13-year-old version of her who wakes up in her adult self’s penthouse just before a do-or-die presentation.

Insecure’s Issa Rae plays Jordan’s long-suffering assistant April, the only one in on the secret that her daily tormentor is now trapped in an awkward tween body just as everything is on the line. Little is an irreverent new comedy about the price of success, the power of sisterhood and having a second chance to grow up — and glow up — right.

Little

Here’s your chance to snag two tickets to the April 9th screening of Little. Comment below with your favorite Marsai Martin moment. I absolutely love her character, Diane, on black-ish. My favorite moment is when Diane argues with Charlie.  Classic!

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

‘The Hate U Give’ upholds Tupac’s legacy, connects with today’s youth (Merecedes’ Movie Review Oct. 10)

pittsburgh-obama-students.jpgPPS STUDENTS, including Pittsburgh Obama junior Cecil Price III, second from right, watched the advance screening of “The Hate U Give.” (Photo by Merecedes J. Williams)

Based on Angie Thomas’ 2017 same name novel, “The Hate U Give” follows Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a Black teenager forced to deal with adult-like problems, when her friend is killed by police. Like so many other young Black people, Starr experiences some of the world’s most difficult scenarios prematurely. The movie is an emotional roller coaster permeated with grief, joy, sorrow, and hilarity.

The film has a hard-hitting cast—Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Common, Issa Rae, and Anthony Mackie. The “starr” who shined the brightest though is Amandla Stenberg. She is perfect. The 19-year-old captures both the innocence and strength of Black femininity. If “The Hate U Give” is any indication of her talent and merit, I’d love to see more of her on the big screen.

READ MORE Source: New Pittsburgh Courier ‘The Hate U Give’ upholds Tupac’s legacy, connects with today’s youth (Merecedes’ Movie Review Oct. 10)

The Hate U Give Passes {Part Two}

Starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, and Russel Hornsby, Starr Carter (Stenberg) is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer.  Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right. THE HATE U GIVE is based on the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller by Angie Thomas and stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr, with Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Issa Rae, KJ Apa, Algee Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, Common and Anthony Mackie.

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Movie Scene Queen and 20th Century Fox is hosting a special, advance screening of THE HATE U GIVE for Wednesday, October 10 at AMC Waterfront 22 at 7:30 PM. Please comment below with your favorite high school moment. 

I know this isn’t the best way to highlight public education. But, our school cafeteria locked from the inside so we used to lock students, staff, and security out all the time.  One time someone (not me) took it too far and started a big fight.  All in all, it still was a really good day and no one was seriously injured.

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

The Hate U Give Passes

Starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, and Russel Hornsby, Starr Carter (Stenberg) is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer.  Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right. THE HATE U GIVE is based on the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller by Angie Thomas and stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr, with Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Issa Rae, KJ Apa, Algee Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, Common and Anthony Mackie.

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Movie Scene Queen and 20th Century Fox is hosting a special, advance screening of THE HATE U GIVE for Tuesday, September 25 at AMC Waterfront 22 at 7:30 PM. Please comment below with your favorite high school moment.  My four years at the infamous Schenley High School were AMAZING!  There was an unique sense of brotherhood for anyone who had the honor of being a Spartan!

Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

Barbershop: The Next Cut Passes

Ice Cube is back in the barbershop as owner and community activist Calvin Palmer, Jr. in Barbershop: The Next Cut!

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Calvin (Ice Cube), Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) and the rest of the gang must work together to save his shop and the neighborhood.

There are TWO screenings for Barbershop: The Next Cut!  Please see below for specific times and information:

Monday, April 11, 2016 @ 8:00PM

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

Both screenings will be held at AMC Waterfront 22.  For tickets, please comment below with your favorite Barbershop moment.  Personally, the first one was the best– Eve was at the peak of her rap career, Ice Cube was confirming his transition from gangster rapper to known actor and filmmaker, and Cedric the Entertainer brought everything together as the shop patriarch.  It was the first time we saw a movie of that kind.

 

 Much Love,

Movie Scene Queen

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.

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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.

Kevin Hart

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!

Think Like A Man Too Passes (Round 2)

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

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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

Think Like A Man Too Passes

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.

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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

About Last Night

About Last Night

“About Last Night”, starring Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant, is a romantic comedy about a group of friends who fall in love with one another. Facing commitment issues, a recent breakup and job troubles, Danny Martin (Ealy) finds love while his best friend, Bernie (Hart), advises him not to seek this female companionship.

Headliners Regina Hall and Kevin Hart stole the show, making “About Last Night” the perfect Valentine’s Day movie. Hall undeniably matches the comedic styles of Hart and the pair made almost every scene a laughing riot. Many would think the comedian would overshadow Regina Hall, but there’s an enjoyable balance between the two.

Kevin Hart is only halfway though his 2014 movies and he’s already made a big splash. “Ride Along” was the #1 movie in America for three consecutive weeks, breaking MLK weekend earning records. On February 8th, the movie hit its $100 million mark. Hart’s box office success is only a testament to his hardwork but also, what we all initially fell in love with, his comedy. The anticipated sequel “Think Like A Man Too” will be released June 20, 2014.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Regina Hall has always had a special place in my heart. The actress had me at the opening scene of “Scary Movie” (2000) when she mimicked the stereotypical behavior of Black women in the movie theatre. She is an hidden gem, taking advantage of her exposure in “Think Like A Man”, “The Best Man Holiday”, and now, “About Last Night” to stake her claim. She’s fun, flirty and feisty and is the perfect candidate for this movie.

As for Danny’s ex-girlfriend, Paula Patton is cheesy and over the top. I thought Robin Thicke’s wife would be the new Halle Berry, yet she’s been a complete flop. Her gorgeous looks are just not enough to maintain my admiration. She was barely mediocre in “Baggage Claim” and her brief stint in this movie is almost intolerable.

With an all Black cast, “About Last Night” surpasses several expectations compared to the original movie made in 1986. And that’s a hard thing to do. Normally, remakes diminish the original classic features, like “Guess Who” (2005), “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” (2003), and “The Honeymooners” (2005). But this remake did more than entertain. “About Last Night” is colorful, meaningful, and expounds on the wholeness of love.

3.5 Lovey Dovey Stars

About Last Night Passes (Round 2)

If you weren’t able to catch the first few screenings of About Last Night, well today is your lucky day!

About Last Night

Here’s the information for the upcoming About Last Night screenings:

SouthSide Works
Thursday, February 6, 2014, 7:30PM
Visit http://www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter Gofobo Code: MSQLEFZ

AMC Waterfront
Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 7:30PM
Visit http://www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter Gofobo Code: MSQ105Z

This would be the perfect early Valentine’s Day gift!

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