DVD Review: Christina Ricci in Little Red Riding Hood

The title sounds so innoucuous. I’m sure that many are thinking that this has got to be a mistake on my part. That it must be a audio book review. But I’m not mistaken, and you will be surprised. And you will understand why this is a Chicago International Film Festival Silver Hugo Award winner.

Little Red Riding Hood and other stories, is 3 short films each based on a short story from fairy tales. In total the entire collection of films, made by director David Kaplan, are only 30 minutes long. But I bet you just can’t watch them once.

Little Red Riding Hood is the first story on the DVD. Likely this is because it stars Christina Ricci in her teen years. But the story is hardly the thing of childhood memories. It does effectively set the tone for each of the following stories though.

In each of the short films we are introduced to unique takes on old ideas. We have sexuality introduced in a manner that has you questioning if it was the director’s intention, or just your own inner thoughts making a leap. We get a mixture of ballet, Black and White film, acting, silent film, represerntative characters, puppetry, and a touch of nostalgia among the various stories.

The Red Riding Hood is my favorite. It is sweet and tempting while being new and a bit whimsical. It’s visuals are not breath-taking, but simply further engross you to the action around you. Very little detracts from your observation, providing a voyueristic pleasure on top of everything else. Chrisitna Ricci is perfect, with a coyness and yet intensity in her eyes that just hits the mark.

Little Suck-a-thumb is completely in a different direction. From the sweet and even playful temptation we go t o color and an experience that may just strike you hard. In this short film we get to see a bit of a homage to Nosferatu and the old silent horror films. We are presented a tale with strong homo-erotic undertones.

The story takes a major back seat to the acting, as by the time you are getting the opening lines we are thrust calmly into the crux of the story. There is a gentleness and seduction going on that plays well to the sudden and well placed soundtrack of Ave Maria (a favorite song of mine that I never imagined would fit such a film). By the end we are left with a stroy that hits on views of morality, sexual preferences, and orientation without ever being graphic, lewd, insulting, or shocking.

The last story, The Frog King, is my least favorite of the 3. It too is in Black and White. But unlike the initial which had a narration, this is strickly old school silent film. The look is grittier as well. Darker scenes match a tone that seems ready to explode with danger at any moment. And the payoff left me scratching my head.

We travel this journey with a very young actress, into a place that I’m not sure of. Again sexuality comes up, and again it is a take on it that is far from the mainstream. But this story is unsettling. It’s harsher and less defined. It is more open-ended and questionable.

It’s not the acting that will throw you, but the direction and the story itself. I normally don’t listen to the commentaries of most DVD’s but I sought out this one to hopefully gain greater insight into the story. Sadly there was nothing in the commentary that really helped me out. Other than to hear David Kaplan explain that this was his least favorite as well.

Speaking of the extras of the DVD, there really aren’t any. This is a straight forward DVD. You have the 3 short films, the commentary of each film, a commentary on the folklore by scholar Jack Zipes, and it’s over. Considering there is only 30 minutes to it all I can’t say I’m surprised, though I was hoping to see a blooper real or extra scenes that were deleted – especially for Frog King.

All in all, I liked the DVD. The short trip it takes you on is worth the time and money spent. And as I said in the beginning, you will likely watch it over more than once. If that is not a sign of a worthwhile purchase, in a world of highly forgetable and poorly created revisionist and/or sequel laden films, then I don’t know what is.

Exclusive - Dennis Dortch - it's just begun

In an exclusive heads-up, I want to mention something that I have just learned.

I was speaking with Dennis Dortch, director and writer of A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy, about the interview we had (and will be posted soon) and he mentioned a little something that fans of the movie will be thrilled with. Now I can't reveal too much of what I do know. But I can state this, with absolute certainty.

It is not over.

Yes, there will be more of the characters and storylines found in A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy. This is something being developed as we speak. And I believe in the near term will be something fans can enjoy.

This will be something new as I am not aware of any other director or film that has taken this direction. And I believe that it will capture the attention of fans and create new fans as well.

I will keep you up to date as I learn more information, and further developments happen. If you have not seen A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy yet I again strongly suggest it. And I know the DVD became available as of February, which includes extras about the film and cast that I think are insightful and entertaining.

Don't forget that I will have my interview with director Dennis Dortch, Gotham Awards nominee for the Breakthrough Director Award in 2008, about this Sundance Film Festival favorite up soon. Keep an eye out for it.

DVD Review: Chocolate (Thai movie)

Sometimes you can watch a movie and know that you are watching a star. The presence and ability just stands out and you cannot help but be awed. While this happens occasionally in dramas and comedies, it is rare in an action film. But when it does you know it.

Bruce Lee was such an actor. Jackie Chan is that caliber of actor. Around the world there are many others that hope to be grouped with these men, to be held in the same degree of immortality. But that rarely happens.

I just finished watching a DVD, Chocolate, and I think I have seen a star that may well be able to be mentioned along with those 2 mega-entertainers. Jeeja Yanin (or Yanin Vismistananda, I’m not sure which is the correct version of her name). If you don’t recognize the name, I think you will in time. And she is a woman.

Chocolate is by no means a chick flick. At least by U.S. standards anyway. It is directed by Prachya Pinkaew who created the Thai sensation Ong-Bak. While Tony Jaa gained an audience here in the states, I think Yanin will surpass that with ease.



The movie is not like a traditional American action film. It’s not because of the dubbing, nor the sub-titles (both are options – in Spanish, Thai, and English). There is a plot, which happens to make sense and is pretty decent.

The movie starts with a Romeo and Juliet romance of a Japanese Yakuza (Masashi) and a Thai mob boss (Number 8) girlfriend (Zin), in Thailand. This obviously leads to a confrontation. But to prevent the worst from happening Zin asks that Masashi go back to Japan and never see her again.

He does as she wishes, even though he later finds out she was pregnant with his child. The child is a daughter, named Zen, that seems to be a high order autistic. We learn as the girl grows she has lightning reflexes, and photographic reflexes as well. Meaning she can watch Ong-Bak (nice plug) on television and/or watch the Muay Thai school across her yard and reproduce the moves flawlessly, though faster.

Eventually Zin builds a routine and picks up a stray boy to raise along with her daughter. As they reach their teens Zin becomes ill with an undisclosed illness – though it appears to be similar to cancer. The cost of the medication is enormous and requires several visits to the hospital, when there is money available. It is during the first of these visits that the kids find an old mob book of debts. The kids not knowing why money is owed to Zin decide to collect the money and use it for her medication.

Now I won’t tell you much more about what ensues, other than in the process of collecting the money we learn the full extent of Zen’s ability. And it is stunning.

She is as fast as Lee, as flexible as Chan, and uses the same style of fighting as Jaa. She is a whirlwind of power and precision. Yet always maintaining the innocence of a child not quite understanding all the implications of her actions. She wants her mom to be better and nothing will stop her in that quest.

The plot is semi-dark and bittersweet, and thus the apt name of Chocolate. The direction keeps you involved, interested, and perhaps only slightly bored for about 4 or 5 minutes. I wish several martial arts movies made here in the U.S. had the same intensity.

Now if you are a fan of the wire-fu that Jet Li employs you will be disappointed. Yanin is all about real moves. And as is seen in the film’s end and making of extras on the DVD, she gets hurt. Though many of the extras are far worse off.

Yanin is a tough woman, especially for her age (now 24 I believe). She works hurt, and is quite adept in her martial arts ability. The other key fighters in the film are equally as good. Which really allows you to be immersed in what happens. And you really care about the plot too.

Stephen Segal wishes his films made as much sense. Van Damme dreams of being as good. And any rapper who thinks he is really tough would be laughable standing in a scene with Yanin.

Honestly, you could go out and spend $30 to see a film out right now – and be completely disappointed just before you forget the entire film you saw. Or you could buy this DVD and really enjoy some quality martial arts action.

If you are a fan of the genre you will thank me. If you aren’t a fan, this will likely make you one.

Valentine's Day alternatives

So with Valentine’s Day around the corner I was wondering what I could speak about that might refer to it. And I decided to ask about the gifts women might want for the holiday. Considering the economic woes that we all are feeling, there are fewer options today than usually are available. Still there are a few things that are options.

Of course there is the classic chocolate and flowers. It’s a standard and there is no surprise why. Women love flowers and chocolate is a known aphrodisiac. In addition there is a ton of research that states chocolate has other benefits, especially for women. It may be boring, but it is an option that really doesn’t go wrong.

There are cards of course. While inexpensive, a nice card (or maybe a naughty one if that fits) with a few well placed comments is never a bad option. Still that may not be enough. I suggest that if you choose a card, do a bit of homework and seek out a poem you can include with the card. The extra bit of effort can really add to the generic gift. Plus, for those of us less eloquent in our speech it shows there is something working in the grey matter.

But if you choose that option, be honest. Few are in the realm of T.S. Elliott, William Wordsworth, and so many other greats. You won’t fool anyone pretending you wrote their work.

Going into the realm of something original I suggest clothing. Yes I own a clothing and other consumer goods store. And yes you can find a great selection of gifts for your significant other there (over 1500 items to choose). But you don’t have to limit yourself just to my stuff (but it would be nice).

And I don’t mean some piece of lingerie that you always drool over seeing her (or him) in. Unless they love to collect such fantasy wear all year round, you are better off getting something a bit more functional or comfortable. Emphasize comfortable.

If you know she loves shoes, get her a gift card at her favorite store to buy a pair of her choice. Or maybe she needs a new robe, slippers, or pajamas. Perhaps she is thinking of a new hat for Easter or some other occasion. Maybe she needs a new dress or outfit for work.

You'll do well to give her something pragmatic, plus she will remember that you did this for her every time she wears it. Which is a year long benefit. Just get the size right.

Another different idea is to get her a couple of DVD’s. Perhaps The Princess Bride, or A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy. Or some other non-action, explosionless, plot-driven movie that she prefers (unless she is in fact a Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jason Statham fan – lucky you). The point is that it’s a movie she wants to watch, that is romantic if she likes that, that you both can watch Valentine’s Day with a bottle of wine. And yes, you too will be watching the DVD, at least that day.

But if money is tight, like you just got a stupidly large electric bill because of an error at your electric company (thanks NYSEG), think way out the box.

How about a day of doing the laundry, cooking the meals, and a massage? Even if that means going to her and spending the day at her place. It may not be a material gift, but then again actions are louder than words I am often told. And I know of few women that don’t enjoy being pampered.

The main point I suppose is this. If you celebrate Valentine’s Day, make it an occasion. It’s not about money, as much as the media and the retailers would like you to think. It’s not about comparing material gifts, like a competition with the Jones’. It’s about your significant other.

Perhaps this will help someone out there. If it does I’m glad. Because this is a time that most of us really need the help.

And ladies, and guys too, if you can suggest things that are inexpensive yet memorable that I have missed (and I don’t doubt that there could be many) please do. Men aren’t mind readers, and if you don’t give us options, you shouldn’t be too upset if we go with the most obvious and simple choice.

DVD Review: Diary of a Tired Black Man

Wow. 10 minutes into this film and I had to stop and write about this movie. This is a powerful film. This is the hidden voice of many Black men, just like myself, that has been drowned out by the perceptions promoted by the media and accepted by some Black women. This film is on the mark. It’s another side to being a Black man that can’t be packaged and sold like the “thug” image.

Those are just a few of the very first thoughts I had while watching this film from director Tim Alexander. An independent film, it does not fall into the cookie cutter standards of Hollywood and that is part of what makes this so powerful. The fact that this is based on true events and is something that Black men around the country experience is another. But this is not just a movie, this is a message whose intent is to spark discussion and motivate action.

There is no question that it will do just that. In fact at the website for the film, www.tiredblackman.com you can see that the forums hold over 50,000 comments discussing the aspects of the film and its topic. There is a lot to be said about a film that provides an indelible experience for those that see it.

Now I admit that I had not seen or heard of the 3 minute video that swept the internet some 3 years ago.



It was that video that inspired the creation of the feature length film. Not only are there vignettes in the film expanding on the original video, there is discussion from men and women from around the nation. And the impact of what is said openly and honestly is enormous.

Tim Alexander – the director and creator of the original video and movie – hits to the core of a part of Black culture that has been avoided in all aspects of the media all my life. I deeply relate to the main character and the experiences he goes through. But be prepared because some will be upset by this film. Its honesty is devoid of the usual distractions and imposed stereotypes found in most films discussing Black relationships.

It’s not the fact that I can recognize myself in the main male character James, played by Jimmy Jean-Louis. It’s not that I recognize some of my past relationships. Or in accepting both of those facts that I better understand my growth as a man from my early teens to who I am today. It’s that I think this film has value for those older and/or younger than me. That this addresses an issue that is eating away at the Black community, and it must be changed.

Suffice to say that this film will evoke a reaction from the viewer. And it does not matter if the viewer is male or female, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, or whatever. But it will be an even stronger reaction for those that are more closely tied to its theme and message.

It is the fact that the audience is left with a reaction that is one of the biggest positives of the film. There are far too many movies that try to entertain and are lost in a message, or just fail to do either. And we the audience are left with nothing, in fact often forgetting what we have seen the moment we stop watching. With Diary of a Tired Black Man, you will likely not want to stop watching and you will definitely remember it. And how can you not want to watch a film that can provide that?

One of the best things about the DVD, which is not available in the various bootlegs out there, is the bonus material. Specifically the expanded commentary of those that were interviewed and seen in the movie. Watching the raw footage of what is said and the full context of what some think is as engaging as the film itself. And the commentary by Tim Alexander is equally rewarding.

And I want to address something that is a bit separate of the film. Bootleg DVD’s. We all have owned on at some point. The thought is that the Hollywood studios make too much money to be hurt. But this is not a Hollywood studio movie.

This was the creation of Tim Alexander, and every bootleg copy takes money from his mouth. Some may want to justify a bootleg by inferring that director/creator Alexander is rich, but that too is a false justification. His passion went into this film, as did his money. And every bootleg copy takes money directly from him, excludes some of the best features of the DVD, and affects the ability of this first time director to create another film. And talent to bring this kind of honesty to the screen should never be blocked.

This last part I can say with 100% assurance as I spoke with Tim recently. I think my up-coming interview with Tim Alexander will be interesting for all my readers.

But right now I am focused on the DVD. I recommend it. I suggest strongly that if you are African American you need to own this. And if you are not you will still find the film captivating and will want to own it as well.

DVD Review: A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy

I just finished watching A Good Day to be Black and Sexy, which is now out on DVD for those that missed it in the theaters, and I have to say WOW. No wonder it did so well at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

I didn’t just watch the film; I watched the extras the DVD provided, auditions, deleted scenes, behind the scenes and more. Because the film captured me. And I’m trying to find a way to explain how.

The film is not your generic action, drama or so on film. This is more of an art house film. But don’t let that put you off on seeing this film. There is humor, and sensuality, moments of fear and disappointment, and a consistent display of daily life in all its forms.

The film is broken into several vignettes. Each is separate of each other, with the exception of Tonite (parts 1 & 2) though they are only connected by the character Tamala (played by Mylika Davis). And each expressed something very different about love, sensuality, sex and the pursuit thereof.

What will really blow the mind of some viewers is the fact that all the characters except Jasmine - Emily Liu - and her family are Black. This may not sound like a big deal. But once the film starts, it takes mere moments for your mind to wake up to the fact that you haven’t seen this before. It just doesn’t get conveyed in Hollywood. Except in the most superficial and more often than not violent manner.

I should also mention right off the bat that this is not a film for kids. This is R-rated and it deserves that rating. This is mature content. But it is also thought provoking.

For me the 3 best vignettes of the film have to be Her Man, Reprise, and American Boyfriend. Not that the other parts are not good, just that they evoked the most emotional reaction from me. Though I admit feeling the fear for the safety of Tamala in Tonite part 1, and anger at Julian - played by Jerome Anthony Hawkins - in Tonite part 2.

I can tell you that there was not one part of this film that did not evoke some emotional response from me. Whether it was a sense of unease, humor, a desire to punch one of the male characters in the mouth, or triumph, each part had me moving with it. And considering that the overall pace of the film is slow, taking it’s time to do what it needed to, its hard to have an audience follow so closely for so long. Yet Director Dennis Dortch succeeds.

Director/Writer Dortch hits a nerve in this film. He makes you want to know more about these characters. He gives you a glimpse and you want the extras as soon as you can get them.

And the cast of actors is a great find. If several of these actors and actresses don’t get more attention from Hollywood it proves the whole thing is rigged. Because the talent is just so apparent.

This is especially true with the character of Helena, played by Chonte Harris. Helena is bitter, unsatisfied, spiteful, loving, and quite possibly in love all at once. Her lines are short and simple, yet convey a huge depth of conversation. And her movements give the impression of a spring coiled and ready to explode.

For the male actors Alphonso Johnson, portraying Jesse, is the stand out. While he may not have a lot of screen time in which to work, he moves you. His desire to understand, his frustration at being ignored, his anger at being minimized all play thru. And his ultimate act of wordless defiance, and expression of love just rocket you with joy.

And there is chemistry among all the couples. Perhaps best personified by Nana Hill’s Candi and Kareem Grimes’ Russell. You can feel the trust, playfulness and wild abandon waiting for its chance.

I have to mention that I seriously think that Nana Hill will be seen a lot more. It’s no surprise that her image is the cover of the DVD, and her acting equally conveys that sensuality and something extra you just can’t describe.

And I strongly suggest watching the alternate ending to Tonite part 2. Which I felt needed to be seen, and if there must be a negative mentioned it has to be that this was not in the feature film. Or at least I wanted it to be as I was so angry with Julian.

Director/Writer Dennis Dortch has done a great job with this first film. In many ways I can imagine this leading to a career much like Spike Lee’s. Controversial yet in a gratifyingly different manner. And not afraid to place the viewer in a position they may not have expected to be in, while still making the experience worthwhile.

If I sound positive and excited about this film, I am. Far too few films these days give you an experience. Most of the time you can watch something and forget everything you saw in the last 2 hours 2 minutes after it’s over. When a film leaves you with something tangible it needs to be lauded.

I have many questions I’d like to ask Dennis Dortch, and I hope to have the chance to ask him sometime soon. But I can and do say that I recommend owning a copy of this film.