Woody Harrelson respects soldiers - finally

I am happy to say that the level of insensitivity and stupidity in Hollywood has dropped slightly today. It may not change much, but any change is a positive there.

Now you might wonder what I am referring to. I mean Woody Harrelson,

“I've been an outspoken peace activist for good reason. But what was missing from my own philosophy was a real understanding of what these soldiers go through. The time we spent with them working on the film left me with profound respect and compassion for these people who are going to Iraq and Afghanistan.

They're putting their lives on the line because they believe they're trying to help and doing something for their country. However you feel about the war, I have a lot of respect for these soldiers. I hope this film gives the warriors the light they deserve."

No shit.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the acting ability of Harrelson. I deeply respect his strong position of being a peace activist. And I would die to protect his ability to keep those views or make any statement he likes.

I just think it is a statement of complete arrogance and stupidity to not realize that every single freedom every American enjoys is directly connected to the service provided by the military. People like Hanoi Jane Fonda never figured it out, but it seems that Harrelson has, to some degree. And it’s nice to hear – finally.

Now I am not advocating war, nor all the political decisions made that place our soldiers in harms way. But there is a huge difference between what a soldier has pledged to do, up to and including sacrificing their lives, and what politicians give them orders to do.

Were it not for the blood spilled in service to the nation, Harrelson, and all of Hollywood, could never do what they do for a living. People like Hanoi Jane Fonda and Moveon.org would never be able to say what they do.

I think its well beyond time that Hollywood, and celebrities making individual comments, regained a bit of respect when addressing our soldiers and what they do. Harrelson has taken a step towards that, we can hope that Hollywood will too.

The best, most popular, and different posts of 2008 on Black Entertainment USA

For my last post of 2008 I wanted to look back and see what were some of the most popular posts I had written, and what I consider some of favorites. I know I am highly critical of things that displease me, so I thought I'd turn that same critical eye towards myself for a change.

I must say that in looking over the hundreds of posts I wrote on Black Entertainment USA alone this year, some just don't belong here. Some of the comments are far more political than anything else. And I can't use the excuse I have no where else to have said these things - I do own a political blog as well.

And I admit to having a few posts where I was just far too tired. I should have gone to sleep. Or taken that vacation all my friends have heard me speak about over the last 15 years (I've had 2 vacations in my life, none exceeding a week or involving travel). But instead I must apologize because they were really sub-par, even for a bad day.

Still overall I will say that roughly 80% or more of my posts were relevant and interesting. Many are topical and focused on the events of the day. Looking back some are not as important as I first thought they were, and others far more than I would give credit. And several posts were popular that I would not have expected to be.

Some of the top Black Entertainment USA posts of 2008, as viewed and/or commented by you my readers were:

So there is a Black guy in an elevator...
Audi television commercial says we are all not the same
OJ Simpson convicted - kangaroo court closed
OJ Simpson trial - injustice unreported
The new 90210 - is it cancelled yet?
NASCAR, Mauricia Grant, and my opinion
Is Robert Downey Jr funny as an African American?
Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman to return to cable television
VH1’s Top 100 of rap music celebrates the positives of the genre

It's an interesting group of posts indeed. And I think that I got it right in those posts. Not that everyone agreed with my view, just that they felt something after reading it. And that ultimately is one of my goals.

But I looked over the entire year and I saw a couple of other posts that I thought were very important, and/or meant something to me directly. Not all of them were relevant, given, but they said something important. And I want to present them again. Again you may not agree with my view, but I hope my top 10 will motivate some reaction. [Oh since 3 of my top 10 are in the above list that you my readers have found of interest, I will substitute 3 others]

NJ considers apology for slavery (part 1, 2, 3, 4)
Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday (part 1, 2)
President Bush and Darfur now - not the movie
R Kelly - next stop Neverland Ranch
Janet Jackson: Intelligence, success, and fame are not enough
Black Americans - commodity, criminals, or something much more
Do you know enough about the 2008 Presidential election?
1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero - please read and donate if you can
50 cent sells a new opiate to the masses
Movie Review Iron Man

I also found the time to champion a couple of other causes that aren't the most popular or widely held:
Boycott 33 variations - Hanoi Jane Fonda
Levi's 501 jeans - promoting HIV and AIDS?

Found a video on Youtube I really liked - Try This with an Xbox360 or PS3 - and one I though was an abysmal joke - Snoop Dogg in Country Music: a bad experiment

And I achieved a great step forward for my company as well:
M V Consulting, Inc and TV One Announce Collaboration - Press Release
Introducing the first 2009 model Ashley

And of course I found the time to pick a fight:
Viacom (and maybe Jon Stewart) doesn't like Black Entertainment USA. Maybe.

So I wasn't just speaking about entertainment this year. But considering all the things that were going on, all the changes, and the things I felt mattered, I think I covered a lot of what you wanted to read about.

In 2009 I will try to stay on point a bit more. But as always I will share with you my thoughts and views about the important topics affecting all our lives as well as our entertainment. And I always look forward to your comments [yes even the dissenting views that are thought out beyond just cursing me out] about what I present.

2008 has been a tough year, no matter what country race or whatever you may be. 2009 will be different, and I hope that all of my readers, and those that will become my readers, their families and friends will share in a prosperous and peaceful year.

Boycott 33 variations - Hanoi Jane Fonda

Some stars fade with time, some entertainers excel in their later years. Morgan Freeman didn't hit the A-list until after he was 50 years old. So it's no surprise that a celebrity is returning to the stage in 2009.

Except that this 'celebrity' is Jane Hanoi Fonda. After 40 years of exile from the stage, and slightly less time from movie screens, Hanoi Jane is returning to the stage to see if anyone remembers her actions during and since Viet Nam.

Well to be accurate, someone is betting that this traitor (in my opinion) still has fans somewhere and that they will see her perform. Obviously I am not one of those people. More likely I would be in front of the theater protesting and wishing for the play to fail.

The play is called 33 variations. It will be performed at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre from February 9th until May 24th. It is my sincere and ardent plea that none of my readers see it.

I do not like Hanoi Jane Fonda. I despise the actions she took in the 1970's that harmed American soldiers. I have never seen anything she has been in, and intend to stay that way until I die. My words and thoughts of Hanoi Jane are decidedly too graphic, dark, and vulgar for my blog - but I think you can understand what I would say in person.

I realize that Hanoi Jane apologized, 30 years after the fact, for her actions in Viet Nam. I also realize that she did this in a book as a means of gaining profit. I do not accept an apology decades after the fact where it is the means of soliciting a sale. That is not remorse. That is not sincere.

In the past decade there have been a couple of attempts by Hanoi Jane to re-enter Hollywood movies and the fame she once long ago enjoyed. Each movie she has been in over that period, and I believe in the last 30 years, has been a failure. The only exception I recall is the last film of her father, Henry Fonda, On Golden Pond. That film likely only succeeded due to his extreme age and death thereafter.

Hanoi Jane Fonda is a repugnant human being. I would happily pay a woman to hit her, in the face, with brass knuckles. I seriously don't like her, her performances, and her beliefs.

I feel bad for the other actors and actresses that have the sad obligation to perform with Hanoi Jane. I am sure many of them are good, and having this blot appear beside them sullies their abilities. I feel bad that I am asking for several people in front of and behind the stage to loose their jobs because of this woman. But that sadness is as nothing compared to the pain and suffering American men and women felt in this nation and in Viet Nam due to her actions.

If Hanoi Jane Fonda wants to make more movies or act on stage I suggest she go to an audience that likes her. North Viet Nam once welcomed her and I am sure they would do so again with open arms. Perhaps the Communists in Bejing would care to see 33 variations. And I'm sure Fidel and Raul Castro would force a packed house for anything she might do.

But here in America I say Hanoi Jane Fonda is an unwelcome eyesore. And I hope for the singularly worst reviews and absolute failure of this play while she performs in it.

Do let me know if you agree or not.

The movies of 2007 in retrospect - 12.12.2007.1

As 2007 is coming to a close I looked back on the films of the year, and the actors that made them what they were. It’s quite the mixed bag, with far too many massively overpaid for underperformance. Quite a few are, in my opinion, without the ability to justify the pay they receive, while others are a bit surprising in the modest pay they receive, relative to Hollywood payouts. Thankfully there are many that are worth the money that are a bit long in the tooth, making ‘older’ folks like myself feel a bit better I suppose.

In terms of the films that were hits, that lived up to the hype we all seemed to have. Included in that list The Bourne Ultimatum, Live Free or Die Hard, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Saw IV, Harry Potter, 300, Spiderman 3, I Am Legend [I include this because the storyline has been good enough to make this the 4th version of the film, and I have that much confidence in the ability and choices made by Will Smith] and to a lesser amount Hitman.

There were several films that failed, and most were no surprise to me. That would include Underdog, Fred Claus, The Mist, The Comebacks, Halloween, Code Name: The Cleaner, Alpha Dog, Hannibal Rising, The Hoax, Rush Hour 3, The Brothers Solomon, Lars And The Real Girl, 30 Days Of Night, The Invaders and a few others.

And then there are the special mentions like Aqua Teen Movie, Red Line, Georgia Rule, Ocean’s 13, Talk To Me, Bratz Movie, Rendition, Darfur Now, Lions For Lambs, Redacted, This Christmas, and American Ganster.

The leading films all boasted great casts with some of the best in the industry. It’s no surprise that Johnny Depp made a reputed $92 million this year. The same can be said of the $32 million for Matt Damon, the $23 million paid to the top 3 in Harry Potter and the unknown amounts for Bruce Willis and Will Smith (I would guess in the range of $20 million a piece). As for 300 or Spiderman, every dollar spent on the effects was worth it as that was the real stars. And Saw is just what you expect so it did its gore fest above par.

The worst films, which the list is hardly complete for, were all bloated poorly written refuse that amazed me someone greenlighted. Underdog proved that not every show or cartoon from the past needs to be remade or done live action. Stephen King continued his long streak of failing to convert his quality and success from books to film. Rush Hour, and Hannibal show that making sequels just for the money doesn’t always make money, and Cedric may be an entertainer, but he’s not an actor. Didn’t anyone get the clue from the horrendous Honeymooners movie? They just need to stop making him the lead in movies. The rest were just really bad ideas that turned into really bad movies.

The list of movies that qualify under that last sentence is too long to write. I’m sure we all could think of a couple of those movies, if we wanted the torture of thinking about that. The good news is that 2007 is over and they can only be reseen on DVD, if you get bored burning $20 bills. (The bad news is that 2008 will probably have at least as many gruesome failures – at $20 million a film Nicole Kidman is burning buildings full of them)

As for the last category of films, well they are special. Aqua Teen Hunger Force is a special interest – mostly targeting college kids up late watching cartoons that are distracting and meaningless (which is why we like them). Georgia Rule deserved to fail because of 2 things Lindsey Lohan and Hanoi Jane. I cannot fathom any film that contains the America hating Hanoi Jane that deserves to make a single dime. I dislike her and revel in her failures, personal and professional. [And I don’t care if anyone likes her for any reason, I despise her.] Equally fathomless is the concept that a film based on anorexic dolls could work. Seriously, anorexic dolls with attitudes?

I equally reveled in the failure of equally America hating films Rendition, Lions For Lambs, and Redacted. The abject failure of these films to garner any interest is a testament to the good taste of everyone except the people who greenlighted them. I can only hope that the actors in these films were doing them for the paychecks and not their political views. I would also say that if the producers and writers of these films feel that strongly (especially Mark Cuban) give up your citizenship and move to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or any other nation that will take you. I will not mourn your loss or the money you have.

But there are also films that should have gotten real attention and distribution. Talk To Me and Darfur Now were thrown to the wayside, the corporate execs sleeping well at night because they got them into theaters. In fact both were solid films deserving of recognition for what they had to say and the performances. Luckily both have Don Cheadle in them, though he is only acting in one. I have to wonder, considering the wide release of Cedric’s movie, that execs fear promoting a film with a Black actor that makes any serious political and social statement. You can’t pay a major media company to acknowledge Darfur has been going on, least of all for 4 years, and America has yet to do ANYTHING about it. We can run around the world and help fix everyone’s problems, but forbid we even distribute a movie about a genocide we can do something about.

Lastly there is American Gangster and Ocean’s 13. Denzel Washington is a solid, brilliant actor. The film is quite good (even with 3 rappers in it). But I have a problem with the promotion of a negative style of life for African Americans. Far too many will see this as a vindication or motivation. The mindless find inspiration in odd places, thus the film upset me. And Ocean’s 13 just proved that sometimes you can make a sequel just for the money and it’s ok.

So there are my thoughts on the films of 2007. Get the DVD’s of those you like, target shoot the ones you hate and get as a gift. And gird yourself for 2008, because Carrotman (it’s an old obscure comic book character) the movie hasn’t been greenlighted, yet.

[Again I say, Iron Man will be the massive big winner of the year.]

Summer movies, bulldogs and Forest Whitaker - 4.24.2007.1

Well just a little hodgepodge of things I noticed lately. First I want to send out congratulations to Mr. Forest Whitaker on his Star on the Walk of Fame. While this honor has lost some of it’s status, there is no question that it is still a status symbol that is desired by all entertainers. Mr. Whitaker has come into his own and this just continues to cement his place in Hollywood. I’m glad to hear of this further step into the history books.

Looking into the future, I know I’ve mentioned it but this is going to be quite the summer movie season. 14 sequels are planned to come out. There are several I’m looking forward to. I’ve talked about Pirates 3, Spiderman 3, Die Hard 4 and others. I recently saw the trailer for the Bourne Ultimatum and I think this may be the best movie of the season. Of course there are the less inspired sequels that will be out as well. Shrek 3 is only a money grab, though it might be good, while Fantastic Four 2 is just to give teen boys another chance to stare and dream about the invisible parts of Ms. Jessica Alba. But the bigger question is where are the original ideas? What happens when the final Harry Potter installment is done, and all the good comic books have been translated to film? I’ll take the good with the bad, but if there are these many sequels coming out shortly I have to wonder if there is anything original and compelling anywhere in the Hollywood pipeline.

Oh a reminder, boycott Georgia Rules. Hanoi Jane should not profit from anything again, and hopefully if yet another film she stars in flops directors and exec will stop putting her in movies.

And for the dog lovers out there, the most beautiful Bulldog has now been crowned. The winner is Riggs. I realize not everyone can appreciate the beauty of a bulldog, but I am sure their character shines brightly. I think they are the most charismatic dogs ever. Riggs of course leads the pack on this point.

Well I just wanted to get up a little bit before I go and discuss the Mr. Alec Baldwin situation, and Mr. Russell Simmons comments.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Beware Hanoi Jane Fonda - 4.19.2007.1

Well the summer season of movies is nearly upon us and there is good news and bad news. Let me deal with the bad news first. I’m sad to say, and frustrated as well, that Hanoi Jane Fonda has another movie coming out shortly. It is my absolute desire that no one ever go to this movie, Georgia Rules.

Due to open May 11th, the film co-stars Mrs. Felicity Huffman, Ms. Lindsey Lohan, Mr. Dermot Mulroney as well as the despicable Hanoi Jane. I have nothing against any of the other actors, in fact I think Mr. Mulroney and Mrs. Huffman are quite good. I have a lot against Hanoi Jane. I don’t know her personally and hope to never meet her. I will not watch anything she is in, and hope every endeavor she takes part in fails. While I would not wish ill to any person, this is one that gives such a thought pause.

I have mentioned before that I dislike this woman. I feel she is a traitor and has the worst interests of the nation in her heart, whether she acknowledges it or not. Let me be clear, I don’t mind leftist political views or the people that have them. I don’t agree, but I respect that they have these views. It helps to keep the nation balanced, and ideally creates an atmosphere where the best for the nation is possible. Even the extreme left, as whacky as they can be (and yes I realize the extreme right can be just as whacky). I draw the line at traitors.

I think I summed up my thoughts best here,

“As for Hanoi Jane, I agree with Mr. Danny Bonaduce in that I would be happy to have seen her shot for treason years ago. Protest all you want, but aiding the enemy of our nation and our troops is treason. I have no respect for the woman. Her (what I feel are) false and half-hearted apologies do not sway me. Some 30+ years later she has admitted remorse. Am I stupid? That is a political and economic response, timed perfectly to match a book and a movie release. I do not forget, nor will I forgive her. She had decades to apologize, or explain her thoughts. She was a grown woman, aware of her actions and their impact when she made them in the 70’s. Her hope, I feel, that the youth of the nation would not remember and thus forgive does not work with me. I am repulsed by violence against women, but I would pay to have a woman give Jane ‘Hanoi’ Fonda a beat down. I feel that strongly about her actions.”

So again I state, when Georgia Rules comes out go see anything else.

As for other news which is good, the upcoming movie by Mr. Nicholas Cage seems interesting. It’s been an interesting year so far for him. The Ghost Rider film has made 153 million so far, had decent reviews, and was another hit for Marvel. This movie, NEXT, looks to do similarly well.

The storyline appears direct enough. A man can see all probabilities he is involved with before they happen, a limited amount of time into the future. This has caused him a great deal of difficulty in his early years and he avoids situations that could draw attention to him. But there is a terrorist plot that causes the government to seek him out and so goes the story. There is a lot that can be done with this storyline and the effects look decent. I just they paid attention to the plot along with the special effects. There is one point I don’t understand and needs to be explained well, how do they catch someone that will see everything they might do to catch him? The only other possible problem the movie might have is a lame ending where after a lifetime of having this ability it suddenly goes away and Mr. Cage’s character can finally be as oblivious as the rest of us about the future. That would be lame and weak.

This is what I think, what do you think?