Chris Rock, Andy Garcia, M:I3 and Snoop Dogg

Ok, here is something simple. Please take a look at the headline and picture in the following news link from Yahoo Feds: Private Eye Conspired With Mob, then come back here. Now I would imagine most would think that Mr. Chris Rock was somehow involved with the federal government, private eyes and the mob. Of course there is absolutely no connection whatsoever. The photo is from Mr. Chris Rock going to an unveiling of a star for Mr. Chris Farley. The article mentions a couple of stars though, Mr. Sylvester Stallone and Mr. Steven Segal. So what is going on? Yahoo consistently provides photos that are relevant to the actual article. In this case why is there one of Mr. Rock? The implication, as I see it is one of deception. I say that because the article is dated May 9, 2006 at 5:45pm est, today is the 11th. Thus I have to come to a conclusion that it was not an error, else it would have been corrected by now. So much for giving the benefit of the doubt. I am left inferring that someone at Yahoo wished to make the subliminal connection between Mr. Rock and the mob. To place his picture so prominently without relevance is to create this mental impression. Does someone what to discredit Mr. Rock? Embarrass him? Was it racist? I would hope not, but by making this decision and in not correcting it we must assume one of 2 things. Either the implication of Mr. Rock’s involvement with the mob and a criminal case is intended, or there are no pictures of Mr. Stallone or Mr. Segal available. If you can think of a plausible other reason, please do leave a comment.

In other Hollywood star news, I ran across a bit of information on Mr. Andy Garcia and his film The Lost City. I am amazed that Hollywood did not see the value in this movie. Worse yet is their reasoning. It was thought that this movie was too long (300 pages versus ~120 average), implying movie patrons are either too ignorant or impatient to watch a wordy, intelligent film. The next excuse is that the film is too expensive to be made, though it only cost 9.5 million to make (of course Mr. Garcia did pull favors to get a few big hitters in the feature length film). If that were not enough the final answer is that there is too small an audience, that is Latinos and Cuban Americans. Forget the fact that ~14% of the nation (and growing) is of Hispanic decent, or that there has been considerable growth in Latin music and consumer products targeting. It would seem that nation-wide every other industry is recognizing the influence of the Hispanic consumer, except Hollywood. Many of these same arguments were used (and still are) to explain why movies and television show are not done with African American, Hispanic, Asian or other minority themes. These are the same arguments that were used to reject Mr. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. I mean a story of corrupt governments and politicians, family, turmoil and life-altering change never is worth it, they just are too long and slow. Like The Patriot (also with Mr. Gibson) or The Godfather series (which under this same kind of scrutiny cost too much, was too long and catered to Italian Americans, immigrants and mobsters - hardly true but that’s the logic right?) I’m just glad Mr. Andy Garcia chose to forgo Hollywood and make the film anyway. Those that strive to provide diversified and strong stories to the public deserve recognition, and I hope success.

On another movie front, there is Mission:Impossible 3. Previously the series has been more centered on Mr. Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt, than the entire team. That was never what the series was about, it almost never centered on one character (with the exception of the episode where Barney got separated from the team) but how the team dealt with a situation. At least Mr. Ving Rhames character, Luther Stickle, has been able to survive and appear in each movie. And I am glad that his character has always been an intelligent and useful character, whose role in each movie has matured and grown. I hope that they can stay with the team aspect of the television show and give further depth to the Luther Stickle/Barney character.

Finally I want to say something about that fun party guy Snoop Dogg. As I have previously mentioned Breaking the law entertainer-style, he was involved in a major brawl at Heathrow Airport. In this incident he and his ‘associates’ verbally assaulted employees of British Airways. In addition several police officers were assaulted physically. And the punishment? He admitted that he did wrong and is free to go. That is insane. What are kids who, for whatever reason and with no regard for race, looking up to these highly paid criminals to think when they attack law enforcement officials - without provocation - and walk away with the least penalty possible. I don’t care that it happened in England. The response by British Airways was more severe (no longer allowed to use their services). Please someone explain why he deserves this?

This is what I think, what do you think.