BOOK REVIEW: “A Princess Found…”

A Princess Found: An American Family, An African Chiefdom, And the Daughter Who Connected Them All

 

The new book, “A Princess Found…,” just released in July by Sarah Culberson, is about Culberson’s journey to find her roots.  The twenty-something writer/dancer/actress/singer is a biracial woman, who was given up for adoption when she was a year old by her white mother and African father.  She was adopted by a white family, who raised her along with their bio children in a small town in West Virginia. While Culberson’s adoptive family loved her dearly and never treated her differently, she still felt a huge void by growing up in a mostly white town and attending mostly white schools.  Some of that subsided when she went off to college in diverse San Francisco, but she still yearned to learn about her bio parents.  Although she received tragic news about her mom, through a private investigator she was able to find her father – a chief, which would make her a princess – living in Bumpe, Sierra Leone.  But being a chief and princess in Sierra Leone was relative and she soon discovered that her visit in mid-2000 was not just about her bio dad, but also about connecting with people from a nation trying to recover from a brutal war in the mid-90s.

 

While the book starts out slowly in the beginning by weaving in the terror of the war-torn nation with her comfortable life in West Virgina, by the middle of it I became immersed in her journey.  She conveyed her feelings of meeting her father, his family and the people of Bumpe in great detail.  When she describes the celebrations, the dancing, the food, the weather – I felt it!  And, when she describes the people, even children, affected by the war (arms and other body parts hacked off, hunger, joblessness, no shelter, etc.)  – that impacted me as well!

 

In fact, I specifically wanted to read the book to get to the parts about her visit to Africa. My husband is Nigerian and I visited the West African nation twice – first while it was still under military rule and secondly when it was autonomous. While my trek mimicked Culberson’s in the small town in terms of the food, greetings, music and dancing, I did not meet people torn apart by war.  However, I did meet the starving, and others who did not know what life had in store for them.  I ached that I could not adopt, especially the little hungry babies, who gazed at me with their big brown eyes. One day I’ll put in a book.

 

But back to “A Princess Found…” – please read it and discover Sarah Culberson, who definitely finds her roots and much more.  Meanwhile, she has started a foundation to assist with the educational needs of the children in Bumpe. Check it out at bumpefund.org.     

 

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: Is “Cadillac Records” Worth The Ride?

An up-and-coming producer challenged me to watch the entire 2008 movie “Cadillac Records.”  The film, the young producer absolutely loves, is about the famed record label Chess Records, which was instrumental in making artists such as Etta James, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Howlin’ Wolf famous. The challenge came after I told him that I caught the last few minutes of the film recently on cable and I didn’t like what I saw – Beyonce as Etta James doing a painful goodbye song to the label’s co-founder Leonard Chess, played by the  Oscar-winning Adrien Brody.  I thought Beyonce was overacting and that she didn’t do the song justice.  The young producer told me that I was not being fair and that I should go back to review the whole film.  Well, I did! While it’s not the best bio film I’ve seen, as usual Jeffrey Wright, who should have a few Oscars by now, really embodies Muddy Waters.  Additionally, Eamonn Walker howls as Howlin’ Wolf, while Columbus Short does Little Walter proud. But, I’m sticking to my Beyonce assessment.  What do you think?  Send me an email!

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Tyler Perry’s latest film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” is a mixed bag. After three kids break into Madea’s home, she sets out to find their next of kin. Enter Taraji P. Henson as a drunken, affair-having nightclub singer, who reluctantly takes in the kids, who turn out to be her niece and two nephews, after tragedy strikes their guardian/grandmother (also Taraji’s mom). Meanwhile, Adam Rodriguez (from “CSI: Miami” fame) plays a handyman from Columbia, who needs a place to stay. And, with the help of church elders (Marvin Winans and Gladys Knight), Rodriguez’s character finds himself living with Taraji and the kids. How convenient! If  only love was that easy to find. Like so many of Perry’s films, there are way too many stories going on and not enough focus on the main plot and ONE subplot. In this film, we jump from one scene to the next, that may or not be related, and then we get a rushed ending that does not compute. Overacting by Taraji is also a letdown. We know she can act, but she needs to tone it down. Additionally, long solo singing performances by Marvin Winans, Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige (who plays a bartender where Taraji works) also slows things down. The only bright spot in this film is that of the young actress, Hope Olaide Wilson, who plays the 16-year-old niece. She is definitely a talent to be reckoned with.

Michael Jackson Memorial Coverage Went Too Far

The wall-to-wall coverage earlier this week of The Gloved One’s memorial on major network TV, small network TV, local news channels, radio news channels, and everything else in between, was a bit much. I kept thinking, ‘Am I watching the passing of the President of the United States or what?’

Of course, I agree that Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers in the world and indeed a great humanitarian in terms of donating to charities, but I simply was not comfortable as I listened to the various song tributes and speeches lauding this man as if he was a great civil rights leader, and an all-around great human being.

Let’s be honest, when Rev. Al Sharpton got on stage saying that Jackson contributed to everything from having black music played on music television, to being partly responsible for Barack Obama being elected the first black President of the United States, I cringed. And, when Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Texas), showed up with a resolution honoring Jackson for his charitable acts, his music and for being a world humanitarian, I nearly fell out of my seat. The resolution has since been tabled by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. However, Jackson Lee will continue to fight on. At this writing, only one other person, Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA), co-sponsored the resolution.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t recall Jackson being someone who spoke out about racial injustice or demanding civil rights for African Americans in some major way. In fact, it can be argued that Jackson lightened his skin and changed his nose to erase his blackness. Sure, he did songs and projects that brought people together, such as “We Are The World,” but he was definitely no Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. –  as some of the memorial speakers would have you believe.

Now, what about his other weird behavior? While he was never convicted of child molestation, it still puzzles me about that $20 million settlement paid out to shut up the earliest alleged child molestation abuse claim. That’s a heck of a lot money if one didn’t do anything wrong! And, what about the wearing of the mask and the same clothes (red shirt and black pants) all the time? How about his alleged addiction to prescription pills (which may be the cause of his death)? The list goes on and on.

I’m not saying that I believe all of the stories about Michael Jackson, but from what I have observed on the outside, some of Jackson’s actions should be questioned and scrutinized. Should Jackson have been recognized in the media in a special way? Of course.  But, I still say it was over-the-top.

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

The idea of replacing his classic museum exhibit friends with computerized replicas sets Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) into action in “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.” This sequel to the 2006 film “Night at the Museum,” also features an evil Pharaoh character, who continues to threaten the exhibits’ ability to come to life by trying to destroy a magical tablet. In addition to Teddy Roosevelt ( Robin Williams), Jedediah (Owen Wilson), and the playful T-Rex returning, also in the mix is Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), who has a role in saving the day. Though not as fun as the original, the sequel is worth seeing for the animation. While some Native American groups are taking issue with the depiction of General Custer in the film, and even toys that can be found in kids’ meal at a major fast-food chain, the film is light enough for the whole family to enjoy.

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BOOM BOOM POW! Explosion after explosion with autobots and their enemies sums up the new, two-plus hours “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” movie. Does it really matter what the plot is with Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox? Not Really. It’s just a mindless movie made for teenage boys. And how about the controversy with the so-called stereotypical, hip-hop talking, gold-toothed twins? Well, where’s the stereotype? Did you see this past Sunday’s BET Awards? Enough said!!!

‘Remembering My Time’ With Michael Jackson

While washing dishes earlier this afternoon, I heard on a Los Angeles talk radio news station that Michael Jackson was hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest. I immediately thought that celebrity deaths happen in threes – first there was Ed McMahon, second there was Farrah Fawcett (who died early this morning), and now Michael Jackson. But I quickly put the thought out of my head – no way the King of Pop would die. An onslaught of memories flashed through my mind – Jackson as a music pioneer and innovator; his songs making me sing and dance throughout elementary, high school, and college. And of course, one of the most exciting moments of my life – the time I met him back in the early-90s when I was an entertainment reporter. Then, I thought, oh no – he’s a child molester.

About an hour later, I received a text from another local Los Angeles radio station that the famed musician had indeed died. I didn‘t believe my eyes. I rushed to turn on the television where all the major news stations were still reporting that he was in the hospital. So, there was hope that the text was actually wrong. But, soon it all became terribly clear – major news was finally reporting that Jackson was dead. I felt numb. “No, not Michael Jackson, the King of Pop,” I thought in horror. The man who thrilled us with his unbelievable singing and dancing. The man who revealed the famed moonwalk dance on the Motown Records’ 25th Anniversary show. The man who brought us the phenomenal “Thriller” and “Bad” albums, and later in his career, the songs “Black and White” and “Remember The Time” was dead. This could not be happening.

I met Michael Jackson while he was shooting the 1992 video for “Remember The Time.” My roommate, who was working with the video’s director, John Singleton, was able to get me on the closed set at Universal Studios. She promised that I could interview Singleton (I was a reporter at the time for RadioScope, an internationally syndicated radio show) but of course not Jackson. When I got on the set, I met one of Jackson’s bodyguards, who was conveniently from New Orleans. Feeling comfortable with the homeboy, I asked if I could meet the star. But, I wasn’t holding my breath because I had heard rumors that he had an unpleasant disposition on the set; he walked around wearing a mask and wouldn’t shake hands with anyone. However, there was one chance – the bodyguard told me that Jackson may come out of his trailer to greet some guests and the bodyguard would call me over. So, I waited patiently and finally Jackson emerged from his trailer. As he was greeting some folks, the bodyguard gestured for me to join in.

I was introduced to Jackson as, “ Desi from New Orleans.” “It’s nice to meet you,” I said, careful not to shake his hand. He actually spoke to me and asked, “Are you really from New Orleans?” I answered back, surprisingly calm, “Yes.” He then asked, “Do you cook gumbo?” And I answered, “Of course.” Then I got the nod that he was going back in his trailer and I said bye to one of the greatest pop stars the world has ever seen.

I was so excited. As a writer/reporter for a small outfit, I had the opportunity to meet and interview several famous people, but this was tops – a coup! No, it wasn’t an interview, but how many people in the world could actually say that not only did they meet the King of Pop but that they also spoke with him? WOW!!! I was smiling from ear-to-ear for the rest of the day (and the week). I would remember this day for the rest of my life.

That was my time with the King of Pop. I realize that many of you may be waiting for one of my biting commentaries about Jackson’s very troubled last years, but I will just leave it like this for now. Once it sinks in that he is actually dead, I may be back for a more critical look at him, but for now I would like to remember the good times.

BTW, I did get the John Singleton interview:)

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: The Proposal

One of our favorite romantic-comedy stars, Sandra Bullock, is back in “The Proposal.” Bullock stars as an uptight, super-bitchy Manhattan book editor, who is about to be deported (she plays a Canadian). In order to stop being thrown out the country, Bullock’s character forces her unsuspecting assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to announce that they are engaged. He agrees but several conditions have to be met to seal the deal – such as visiting his family in Alaska and convincing them that they are a real couple. While I love Bullock, this movie is quite predictable, too talky, and loooonnnnng. Indeed, Betty White lights up the screen as the assistant’s grandmother, but she can’t save this boring excuse for a romantic-comedy. Take a pass on this one!

MINI MOVIE REVIEW: Drag Me To Hell

“Drag Me To Hell” is one laugh-out-loud ride at the theater. I’m not sure if it was meant to be funny, but I had a great time laughing, screaming, and hiding my face as I awaited the next scene. Starring Alison Lohman, the film is about a mousy loan officer, who picks the wrong person to deny a mortgage payment extension in order to get a promotion. The wronged person, played scarily funny and convincingly by Lorna Raver, places a curse on the loan officer. Once the loan officer realizes that she’s doomed, interesting visits to mediums to rid her of the curse prompt even funnier scenes. If you want a good and scary laugh, then this is definitely the movie for you. Oh, and the ending is to die for!

 

 

 

What About Black Hollywood?

I recently volunteered at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, which took place in Beverly Hills, California. There were over a hundred full length features, shorts, and documentaries to view. Additionally, you could listen to panel discussions on various topics such as financing a film, distribution, and the state of film. I listened to one panel, the Producer’s Roundtable, and walked away a bit disturbed and perturbed by the message.

The panel discussion featured top television and film executives, who were surrounded by mostly eager black screenwriters, directors and actors. Soon, their eagerness turned to sadness as they were promptly told, in a nutshell, that films (feature and straight-to-video) are all about female-driven urban dramas (Beyonce’s “Obsessed”), and that if you want a film made it needs to have someone in it with name recognition to make it happen.

As for television, listen up folks, according to a CW programming executive, you can forget about telling “black stories” because the trend now is creating teeny-bopper dramas. But, not to worry, the African American woman exec warned that black writers/directors should learn how to write for all types of shows – you know, don’t limit yourself.

The CW exec also addressed the controversial cancellations of “The Game” and “Girlfriends.” She assured the audience that it had nothing to do with the CW not wanting black programming, but that it’s all about the green, as in money. She said that the shows were canceled due to low ratings and without those ratings the network can’t get those all important advertising dollars.

Needless to say, throughout the over-hour panel, the room turned sullen and there were several moans and groans, me included, upon hearing the dismal news.

What message does this send to up-and-coming black writers, directors, and actors? Oh, just push aside your dream and work on some silly show about snotty teens? Of course, it could be argued that working on such shows could lead to connections that could lead to a pet project, right? Or, maybe we should start our own thing and put out our own stuff, right? Well, we have that with TV One and BET, right? And, how about Tyler Perry with his own studio and all, right? And, what about the straight-to-video black companies (we know who they are), who put out all of those wonderful movies, right? And, what about the actors, who dream of being stars? Should they just be content playing the best friend roles? What are we complaining about? Shouldn’t we be satisfied?

Hmmm, I wonder what Spike Lee and Bill Cosby would have told the panel crowd? Remember, Spike Lee came out at a time when he was told that people wouldn’t watch his films. “The Cosby Show” became a hit when many told Bill Cosby that people wouldn’t want to watch a successful black family on TV.

To all those black writers, directors, actors – just keep on keepin’ on!