Health Ledger RIP
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Heath Ledger, who died at 28, was born in Australia in 1979.

I am not a fan (fanatic) of actors. However, I do admire a few of them.

I categorize actors differently from stars.

• An actor is one who takes his craft seriously and submerges himself / herself into their role.
• Stars play the same character - with a very wide degree of latitude - in every film. It's acceptable for a star to do this, because they (supposedly) bring in the audience.
• Of course there are those that straddle both categories: Johnny Depp and Denzel Washington.
  

I adore the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. This teenage comedy is witty, fun, and sorta smart-ass without being vulgar. Yes, I am a prude. The key to making this film fun was Heath Ledger's tongue-in-cheek performance. There was something rather Cary Grant-ish about it. His long curly hair didn't hurt either.

The only other film of his that I recall seeing at the movie theater was A Knight's Tale. Rock music was played liberally. The movie was an interesting, anachronistic mix of modern colloquialisms and ancient feudal England. Jousting was the province of English upper class aristocracy and Heath Ledger's character wanted in. It was an enjoyable movie, nothing heavy or serious.

This film was the first big star vehicle for this guy to grab onto. Hollywood wanted to showcase him in something. After this film, which was a modest hit, Ledger did a few other commercial works. These movies arrived without much ado, and went away quietly like The Order.

Perhaps Ledger decided to refocus as an actor rather than a star. The difference resulted in Lords of Dogtown, Monster's Ball and Brokeback Mountain.

Excessive media coverage can make it difficult to be sympathetic to actors. I know how tough Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry can be on people, because I know former actors.

Oh heck! Even when I was in college - as a lark - I lined up for a few films. The open casting call is no joke! After those experiences, I can easily say that I couldn't even begin to manage that kind of daily grind and rejection. However, in keeping perspective there are many careers, which are dangerous, life-threatening, emotionally, and physically demanding.

Today, depression can be one of the toughest illnesses people battle. Hence, Heath Ledger joins the list of young actors who've died too soon.

Labels: Heath Ledger

posted by GoldenAh
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Second Look: Lincoln Heights
Sunday, January 20, 2008

The show has improved, and I am delighted with it. I still dislike the storyline with the gangs and violence involved. Yet, all in all, the characters on Lincoln Heights have grown on me.

I also want to thank the person who sent me a link to the ABCFamily website. It is free - my favorite word - and makes it easier to clarify the cast and plot.

Story recap: police officer Eddie Sutton (Russell Hornsby) moves his family into a rehabbed crack house (the refurbished place is a masterful and massive beauty) in his old neighborhood.

His wife Jenn (Nikki Michaeux) was reluctant at first. The kids weren't thrilled either, but they grew to like Lincoln Heights.

I'm shocked by how fast the last child, Tay (Mishon Ratcliff) has grown in one year. He looks like he doubled in height. I see him as a bit miscast. He bares no resemblance to anyone who plays his parents or grandparents. Perhaps he was chosen because he was the best actor for this role.

Lizzie (Rhyon Brown) is such a can-do young teen. Can't help but love her character. She looks like Cassie. I suspect the show doesn't know what to do with the girl's hair. I only wonder, as a natural hair advocate and borderline natural hair nazi: Is a perm really necessary for someone this young? There are plenty of hair stylists that know textured hair who can provide gentle and non-damaging care.

There's a sweet, interesting, young-love, interracial storyline between oldest daughter Cassie (Erica Hubbard) and the hot, white hunk Charles (Robert Adamson). She's a lovely and beautiful BAP (Black American Princess). Her kind of a character has not been on television since A Different World. If there were others, I cannot recall.

The cutest thing is watching how wide-eyed and confused Charles looks when Cassie is in one her moods.

It's a great show and well worth watching.

Labels: A Different World, ABCFamily, Erica Hubbard, Lincoln Heights, Mishon Ratcliff, Nikki Michaeux, Rhyon Brown, Robert Adamso, Russell Hornsby

posted by GoldenAh
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The Great Debaters
Thursday, January 10, 2008


This movie was produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by Denzel Washington.

It's about the true "real" life victories of Wiley College black debating team in Texas during 1935. This was during the height of the Great Depression. The team, led by Mel Tolson (Denzel Washington) goes about beating most of their black college adversaries.

The film's final debate showdown is between Wiley and Harvard.

I enjoyed the film. It was funny, entertaining, and avoided being maudlin.

I think for the audience the film was intended for, they would find it educational. The history of American black colleges isn't new to me. It is interesting that they showed the Wiley students being treated with respect by Harvard. I think it was a rather gentle view of the University.

The 1930's was the height of power for white supremist groups. During this period, the Klu Klux Klan was on Harvard's campus, revered like any other Greek fraternity. The Klan was started by politicians, lawyers, and the social elite of the south. It was respected in the north as well.

How do I know that? Check their year books.

Nevertheless, the film is an excellent alternative view of black people. It shows the pride, self-confidence and esteem black Americans had in themselves during these times. In the face of local terrorists they still forged ahead.

Forest Whittaker is also in this film as Wiley College's President. His wife is portrayed by Kimberly Elise, who's role, while rather small and demure is still integral to the movie. It's nice to see black women who can be portrayed as reasonable normal people.

The only complaint I have is with Denzel's camera direction: there were a number of scenes where features were fuzzy for a halo, ghostly effect. Not good.

Labels: Denzel Washington, Forest Whittaker, Harvard University, Kimberly Elise, klu klux klan, Oprah Winfrey, Wiley College

posted by GoldenAh
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NBC: Chuck
Wednesday, January 2, 2008

I watched the entire series over a couple of days. I don't have any patience to sit and follow an entire season over a number of weeks. Especially with all the reruns and endless commercials that break up the continuity of a serial program.

The show, Chuck, comes across as a composite of The Office, 40 Year Old Virgin, 24 and any James Bond flick.

Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) is a nice, mild-mannered, tall, lean, curly brown-haired dweeb or Nerd. He works at a company named Buy More, think Best Buy, for five years since dropping out of Standford University. He lives with his sister, Elle (Sarah Lancaster), and her finance "Captain Awesome". His best friend Morgan (Gomez) is an intrusive, hirsute, height challenged co-worker at Buy More.

The pilot starts with an old school chum of Chuck, "super agent" Bryce, sending him an advance intelligence computer program called the Intercept. Chuck ends up having the last and only copy in his head: think Johnny Mnemonic (with Keanu Reeves) except that he keeps his memory.

Chased by the NSA and the CIA, Chuck soon joins forces with these agencies. His handlers are: Casey, NSA (Adam Baldwin - the guy is built like a MAC truck) and Sarah, CIA (Yvonne Strahovski - she's very, very, tall).

The following episodes revolves around Chuck having intelligence flashes - the Intercept in his brain - that allows him to help with national security issues. He goes through an emotional tug of war over his feelings for Bryce and Standford University: both of which ruined his life.

There's also the attraction between Chuck and Sarah that will probably ruin the show. It's done that for many programs where a male and female lead have to juggle and negotiate their sexual tension. It's sexual tension that keeps a show interesting, not the consummation.

Through it all Chuck shows a laidback, almost comatose interest in these events, until he has a gun pointed in his face or his friends and family are in danger.

Does it work? It's mildly entertaining, but with the networks today, you can never get engrossed in a show. They'll break your heart, and leave one dangling over unresolved plots.

The show tries, I couldn't tell it how to improve, but I feel as though it's missing something.

Perhaps better writers are needed?

Labels: 24, 40 Year Old Virgin, Adam Baldwin, Chuck, James Bond, Keanu Reeves, NBC, The Office, Yvonne Strahovski, Zachary Levi

posted by GoldenAh
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