Experience a Different Kind of High with the New Blog on the Block
Real Talk is moving to RossMichelPublishing.com on December 1, 2011. Not only is this blog moving but it also taking on a new swag and a new name – The Blunt.
Here’s what you can expect…
THE WORD BLUNT is slang for a cigar filled with marijuana. However, we flipped the script by naming our new blog The Blunt. Our Blunt is a blog that is filled with information and entertainment (infotainment) geared toward the global Black community.
The other blunt gets you high off the herbal substance. Our Blunt gets you high off knowledge, wisdom and truth. Not only will it get you high it will stimulate you into elevating your spirit, mind and well-being.
The Blunt author, R. Renee, gives readers her “tell it like it is” perspective on everything from politics and entertainment to relationships and spirituality. Her writing style is a mix of smarts, edge, humor and raw truth.
The Blunt is for all the open-minded, truth-seekers within the global Black family who dare to “think outside the box”.
The Blunt offers infotainment that caters to the whole person through multiple formats including articles, videos and podcasts.
Departments
Transform Your Life: Life lessons that help you overcome personal obstacles and tap into your Divine power.
No More Drama: Promotes healthy, drama-free relationships.
Urban Dish: Commentary that offers fresh perspective on current events.
Conspiracy Files: Hidden political, social, economic and cultural agendas are exposed.
Precious had a major marketing campaign. Precious had Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry promoting it. Precious has a performance from Mo’nique that has folks screaming Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!
Oh, you say you never heard of it. Well, until a week ago I hadn’t heard of the film either. After catching a glimpse of the commercial promoting the DVD I decided to check it out.
I got three words for you: Watch This Movie.
Released in April 2009, the film is based on the true story of Regina Kelly, a single mother of four, who is wrongly accused of selling drugs and consequently arrested. Although innocent of the crime, she faces up to 25 years in jail unless she accepts a plea deal. If she accepts the plea deal, she becomes a felon and will lose most of her rights.
The sista is placed in what looks like a no-win situation. Does she accept the plea deal or does she spend 25 years in jail? Or does she stand-up and fight against a racist district attorney and a corrupt justice system?
You guessed it! She fights.
The role of Regina is played by newcomer Nicole Beharie. Beharie is awesome. She’s beautiful and takes command of the screen. Her portrayal of Regina Kelly is played with intelligence, courage, and conviction. This is not bad for a sista who had recently graduated from Julliard when she got the role. There are also great performances from Alfre Woodard, Anthony Mackie, and Michael O’Keefe (the corrupt D.A.)
I like the fact that this film is not poverty porn. American Violet doesn’t wallow in, sensationalize or exploit the harsh conditions of inner-city life. Here’s a film in which African-Americans are victimized by racism and a criminal injustice system, but we have a heroic sista who stands up for her community and refuses to be a victim.
She’s a true heroine.
In the movie Precious Mo’nique’s character Mary Jones says “Real women sacrifice.” We’ll Ms. Jones let me introduce you to Regina Kelly because she is a Real Woman.
See America Violet, and don’t bootleg it! LOL! Rent or but it today!
What does it mean to be Black? This question has been asked throughout the African American community for generations.
Does it mean that we should all share commonalities such as the music we love or the food we love to eat? Or are all of these simply African American stereotypes that have been given to us by others and sometimes our own people?
Spike Lee’s new documentary Passing Strange, based on the musical that earned seven Tony Award nominations is an interesting look at African American stereotypes and how it affects a young African American man named Terry who is trying to find his way in life, and does not necessarily fit into the traditional African American stereotypes.
Despite not being a film that is entertaining in the traditional sense, Passing Strange does an admirable job in tackling an issue that has been viewed as “dirty laundry” in the African American community for quite some time.
Though classified as a musical, Passing Strange is definitely unique in that it uses a rock band, headed by the guitar-playing lead singer Stew, as the narrator to the story. The film focuses on a middle-class African American mother living in South Central Los Angeles in 1976, attempting to inspire her son Terry, an aspiring musician, to want more in life.
The mother desperately wants her child to attend church, even though she does not go regularly, and the fact that they do not fit in with the Black Baptist congregation, despite sharing a similar skin tone.
Though the church has typically been a source of strength and inspiration for people of color, according to many African American stereotypes, Terry is initially critical of the church, and the congregation in the film is referred to as a “Baptist fashion show.” Terry doubts if God is real and says that church “ain’t nothin’ but rock-n-roll,” like the call-and-response structure of blues music, which peaks the interest of the aspiring musician.
As the story unfolds, Terry starts to find himself more interested in his mother’s church, mainly because of his interest in a young lady in the church. However, when he attempts to pursue her she tells him he needs to “blacken up a bit. Not so much where you won’t be hirable, but you need more soul in your stroll,” playing on African American stereotypes of talking and acting White or Black.
Terry finds inspiration to find himself in Europe like James Baldwin and Josephine Baker, at the urging of church member Franklin, who believes Black folks in America like them are simply, “Black folks passing as Black folks.” Terry eventually moves to places like Amsterdam and Berlin to find himself as a person and as a musician.
Although the film does a good job in the entertainment department, it really shines because it addresses serious issues like African American stereotypes in a lively way. Terry does not like stereotypical Black music and does not seem to fit in at the Black church. The protagonist simply wants to stop living a “double life” and find himself. Hopefully audiences will find themselves thinking about African American stereotypes, and how stereotyping one’s own people can negatively affect the lives of so many.
About the Author:
Todd A. Smith is the publisher for Regal Black Mens Magazine. The publication focuses on African American Community, News, Politics, Sports, and Health. Visit to read about African American stereotypes.
Tyler Perry films and television shows have revolutionized Black entertainment. Characters like the gun-toting granny Madea, played by Perry, and the fun-loving Mr. Brown, played by David Mann, have combined comic relief and a conscience that has translated into box office gold. However, many Black thespians, such as Terrence Howard and most recently Spike Lee, have criticized Tyler Perry films as being demeaning to Blacks in ways not seen since the days of blackface makeup.
“Each artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors but I still think there is a lot of stuff out today that is ‘coonery’ and buffoonery,” said Lee in an interview with Ed Gordon for “Our World with Black Enterprise.”
“I know it’s making a lot of money and breaking records, but we can do better…I am a huge basketball fan, and when I watch games on TNT, I see these two ads for (‘Meet the Browns’ and ‘House of Payne’) and I am scratching my head…We got a Black president and (we’re) going back to Mantan Moreland and Sleep ‘n’ Eat?”
Despite the enormous criticism that he sometimes receives, Tyler Perry films, sitcoms and plays are successful because they bring a much-needed element back to Black entertainment, and that is morals. There were times when one could watch shows like “Good Times” or “The Cosby Show” and not only be entertainment, but come away with a life lesson, and that is what Tyler Perry films and television shows bring to the table.
Perry is not afraid to tackle such prevalent issues as teen pregnancy, rape, adultery and drug abuse, in a way that will make you laugh and think. His characters are often highly educated from affluent backgrounds, a segment of Black society that was largely ignored by Hollywood for years. Nevertheless, many in the Black community are offended by anything comedic that comes out of Black Hollywood.
“When John Singleton [made 'Boyz N the Hood'], people came out to see it. But when he did ‘Rosewood,’ nobody showed up,” Lee added. “So a lot of this is on us! You vote with your pocketbook, your wallet. You vote with your time sitting in front of the idiot box, and [Tyler Perry] has a huge audience. We shouldn’t think that Tyler Perry is going to make the same film that I am going to make, or that John Singleton or my cousin Malcolm Lee [would make]. As African Americans, we’re not one monolithic group so there is room for all of that. But at the same time, for me, the imaging is troubling and it harkens back to ‘Amos n’ Andy.’”
Although I consider Lee the godfather of Black cinema for classic films such “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” Lee and other critics of Tyler Perry films must realize that art imitates life and no matter how much they disapprove, characters like Madea and Brown are very realistic in the Black community, and many Black families probably have a relative or two that are similar to Perry’s two most famous characters.
Furthermore, when people go to the movies or watch television they are usually looking for an escape from harsh realities of the world and sometimes just want to be entertained at the movies and not given a history lesson. That is the reason why a movie such as “Boyz N the Hood” was much more profitable for Singleton than “Rosewood.”
Tyler Perry films also reach out to the Christian population who for years did not have many films or television shows that could be enjoyed by the entire family, regardless of age.
Black critics and activists must realize that, like Lee stated, we are not a monolithic group. Many criticized “Good Times,” because it focused on a Black family struggling in the projects but it was reality because many Blacks are in that situation. An equal amount of people criticized “The Cosby Show,” because the family was affluent, but it was realistic as well because many Black families are upper-middle-class.
Tyler Perry films and sitcoms are the latest to face such criticism, but those criticizing him should get a reality check, because although many issues in the Black community are serious, it is not the end of the world if Blacks take a break from those grim realities of life and enjoy a laugh or two.
A soon-to-be groom Varon (Kenny Young) is poised to marry the girl of his dreams (Saadiqa Muhammad). One week before his wedding date Varon learns that he may have contracted HIV. He must wait a full seven days for the test results. This one week turns out to be the most hectic week of his life.
One Week takes on the topic of STDs/HIV/AIDS within the African-American community. This indie film does a good job of blending entertainment with information. It makes you think while it entertains you with an engaging story.
One Week has quite a few twists and turns. In one week Varon experiences every possible mishap you can think of. After discovering he was “exposed” to the HIV virus, his circumstances go from bad to worse. There’s a lot going on but the movie doesn’t lose the viewer or make the viewer feel overwhelmed.
It has a good cast. There are no household names, but that’s a high point. I love seeing fresh faces on screen. There are so many talented actors out there that don’t get any Hollywood shine. The standout in this talented cast is Eric Lane who plays Varon’s best friend Tyco. He almost steals the show!
One Week makes us think about the choices we make, the consequences, and how those choices impact others. It really drives home the message that when we have sex with someone, we are having sex with EVERYONE that person has slept with and vice versa.
Overall, One Week holds your attention, makes you think, tells a good story, and spreads awareness about STDs/HIV/AIDS in the African American community. And it does this without being preachy or moralistic.
Diary is written, produced and directed by filmmaker Tim Alexander. It explores the complicated relationships between African-American men and women from the point of view of a good black man. Following his less-than-amicable divorce, James (Jimmy Jean-Louis) reluctantly reenters the dating scene but finds little solace in the “angry Black women” he meets. It blends a series of interviews with real people from across the country with fictionalized vignettes.
Diary will get you talking about the state of Black relationships and the Black family.
Men are given a platform to share their thoughts about relationships and how women contribute to the failure of relationships. Here are a few of the things brothas mentioned:
Choosing the wrong mates. They make bad decisions such as ignoring the nice guys in favor of the thugs.
Talking negative about men in the presence of their children.
Allowing girlfriends to negatively influence them and their relationship.
Letting past hurts ruin relationships. They make good men pay for all the men who did them wrong.
Focusing on man’s material possessions and overlooking his heart, character, values, and morals.
The “man-on-the-street” interviews with were good, especially the extended interviews in the Special Features section. When you listen to the observations and insights, you’ll experience all types of emotions. In fact, the whole movie is an emotional roller coaster ride. You’ll laugh. You’ll be heartbroken. You’ll get mad. I got VERY mad at one female for the comments she made about Black men!
My main objection with the movie is the so-called “Angry Black Woman Syndrome.” It’s some pseudo pop psychology term that attempts to “diagnose” the Back woman’s anger issues. It’s a bunch of nonsense as far as I’m concerned.
Firstly, all Black women are not angry. Secondly, anger is not unique to Black women. White, Asian, and Latino women don’t get angry? Where’s the “Angry white woman syndrome?” Thirdly, the root of most anger is hurt. Women who are angry are often that way because of past abuse and/or misuse in some for or fashion. Finally, the “Angry Black Woman Syndrome” takes a natural human emotion (anger) and turns it into a pseudo-medical problem, but only as it relates to Black women.
For the most part Diary gives a balanced, objective view of relationships. It’s an engaging movie that grabs and keeps your attention. If you want to really know what brothas think about relationships this movie is a good place to start.
Sita (Nandita Das) and Radha (Shabana Azmi) are young Indian women whose husbands choose celibacy or mistresses over their wives. The two women become friends and grow closer together, forming a forbidden but liberating relationship. Directed by Deepa Mehta, Fire is a lush, passionate story of emancipation and love, in a closed society. Major controversy led this movie to be widely attacked and banned in India.
Fire delves into the struggle between traditional cultural expectations and individual self-expression. It’s a struggle that most people can relate to on one level or another.
Although the film focuses on Indian culture, the issues explored in the film concerning love, marriage, sexuality, family, tradition, religion, and individuality are universal.
The relationship between Sita and Radha is handled in a subtle and tasteful manner.
The cast is excellent. The acting is superb. The film is well written and directed. The music throughout the film is vibrant and soulful.
There’s a twist toward the end of the movie that is totally unsuspected. It’s an “Oh my God” moment for sure.
A successful TV talk show host Stormy LaRue (Tangi Miller) has everything a woman could want- except a man of her own. But when her beloved dying “Nana” (Aloma Wright) expresses her deepest wish – to see her favorite granddaughter happily married – Stormy’s life gets turned upside down.
In this comedy, Stormy tries to pull off the biggest show of her life… by faking her own wedding! Things go completely out of control when she tries to dupe her childhood pal (Flex Alexander), who happens to be the minister of the ceremony.
What’s HOT is seeing Black love/romance. The relationship between Stormy and Arnold is sweet with a touch of down-to-earth sexiness.
What’s HOT is seeing a Black leading man who possesses both strength and sensitivity. This is the case with Flex’s character Arnold. He is a nice guy with a subtle swagga. Flex plays his role well.
There’s some nice eye candy for the ladies. There are some fine brothas in the movie who almost bare it all. It’s HOT, but tasteful.
Love and Other 4 Letter Words is not an over-the-top, fall-out-your-chair-laughing type of comedy. The humor is very light-hearted. The funniest scene is when Stormy and her best friend(Essence Atkins) audition actors to play her husband in the fake wedding. Also, Stormy’s playa hatin’ cousins (Tasha Smith, Sandy Brown) add some”ghetto fabulous” humor to the mix.
What’s HOT is that Tangi Miller is the executive producer/producer of the movie. It’s great seeing Black actors taking control and creating their own movies. We can’t depend on Hollywierd to grant us opportunities and to tell our stories, we gotta do that ourselves.
A car accident and shifting affections test the bond between a married couple (Morris Chestnut & Taraji P. Henson). The movie is based on a novel by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The movie also stars our favorite movie mama Jenifer Lewis, Kevin Hart, Niecy Nash and Wood Harris along with a cameo appearance by Bishop Jakes and his wife First Lady Serita Jakes. The movie is directed by Bill Duke.
The movie is very subtle in “ministering” the importance of one’s spiritual/religious faith in overcoming life’s obstacles. It’s never preachy.
As with Obsessed the movie takes us beyond the stereotypical Hollywood portrayal of Black people. Here we see Black folks dealing with the complexities of life that have nothing to do with gang bangin, crack, and bafoonery, etc.
What’s HOT is that we get to see marriage/relationship from a man’s point-of-view. Yes, ladies, men do have emotions and feelings. For those of us who don’t know that by now, the movie is a little reminder that we need to pay closer attention to what’s going on with our men.
The take-away-messages from the movie are HOT: One, keep your in-laws outcha business. Two, stop trying to keep up with Jonses. Three, stuff happens in life, but through faith, love and common sense you can endure and overcome.
There's a new blog in town - The Blunt. The Blunt is the new and approved version of Real Talk. If you want to read and/or subscribe to The Blunt visit RossMichelPublishing.com.
Tyler Perry films and television shows have revolutionized Black entertainment. Characters like the gun-toting granny Madea, played by Perry, and the fun-loving Mr. Brown, played by David Mann, have combined comic relief and a conscience that has translated into box office gold. However, many Black thespians, such as Terrence Howard and most recently Spike Lee, have criticized Tyler Perry films as being demeaning to Blacks in ways not seen since the days of blackface makeup.
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