Movie Preview: Death at a Funeral

One of the more interesting films to be coming out in 2010 is something that no one expected. It's a Black film - not by Tyler Perry - about a family dealing with the death of the patriach of the family. This is a comedy, so don't think you can't see it. And oddly enough it's a remake (in parts word for word) of a British film of the same name that you probably never heard of.

Death at a Funeral is a film starring some of the best Black comedic actors (and comedians) around now. But don't think this is a film only for African Americans. This looks to be a film that everyone can see and laugh at.

Chris Rock looks to be making a strong showing in this film as the son trying to keep his family from imploding, or exploding, or getting exposed (literally), at the funeral of his father. Martin Lawrence is his single, womanizing, more successful brother, and favorite of his mother. These 2 men are at the center of a whirlwind of events that make it clear why tragedy is the mirror twin of comedy.

When I saw this tralier I was just laughing out loud. The timing looks to be superb. The jokes are just spot on. The acting looks like everyone wanted to make this work.

The film also stars Tracy Morgan, Danny Glover, James Marsden, Regina Hall, Loretta Devine, Zoë Saldaña, Kevin Hart, Luke Wilson, and Ron Glass. And as I mentioned this is a remake, but in an odd twist on things Peter Dinklage who starred in the original British film will also be in this version.



Now as I mentioned this is a remake. Which sets it apart from the ususal Hollywood trend of revisioning a film. Thus it does not suffer from the pain a revision inevitably creates for an audience. This is also the 2nd remake of the film as there was a Bollywood version of it as well, which again is odd (since the film came out in 2007) but also is a clear indication of the comedy in the film.

Even though the American version contains numerous scenes that are verbatim of the original, the differences between the English stiff upper lip culture and a more animated African American culture makes this copy fresh. Still I want you to know where the ideas come from. Here is a movie trailer from the original



Either way, a film touching on the taboo of homosexuality in the Black community, while injecting the humor of the dysfunction that is family, and including the cast that it does is worth the time. I have to say the thing that really sold me on this film was the following line that is at 2:18 on the movie trailer

"Let me get this straight. Our father was romantically involved with a guy that could fit in his pocket... And you're mad because he's White?!" - Chris Rock to Martin Lawrence

John Travolta donation, Big Tuna vacation, and ice cream with a kick - 3.7.2007.3

In other news, I suggest that the ladies out there becareful when dining out. If you decide to have an after dinner dessert you may wind up with more than you were barganing for. I’m not talking about extra pounds or changing your figure. I’m talking about ice cream and other fatty dairy foods getting you pregnant. Not on their own of course.

It seems a study that was out recently states that if you have one of these dishes a day then the odds are 27% greater to become pregnant. Now this could be a factor for a a few couples out there. And you thought the worst you had to worry about was a few extra pounds. Still it makes that little snack a bit risque. One thing they didn’t mention in the study is if having whipped cream and/or chocolate syrup with the ice cream makes the odds go up even more (or even the odds without the ice cream). Just thought you might want to know.

For those lamenting the time until football (American) returns in the summer, there is a bit of news as well. The Big Tuna, Mr. Bill Parcells, is going to miss the 2007 season. Like 2002 Mr. Parcells will be going back to ESPN to be on the Monday Night Countdown. Mr. Parcells is always interesting to listen to and ESPN will no doubt have better rating with him. Still there is the thought that some team in the next season will sorely miss the overall strategy and ability he brings to any team. I suggest that once the season starts everyone pays attention to the teams doing poorly. I believe that this recent ‘retirement’ is temporary, perhaps being a way to drive up the bidding wars and to better evaluate which team will best match his criteria as a head coach. 19 years, 2 Super Bowl wins (with the NY Giants of course!) and being one of 5 coaches to take multiple teams to the big game just doesn’t seem to be enough I think. Mark my words, in 2008 there probably will be another go round, the question is where to go?

Oh, did anyone notice the news about the box office leading film Wild Hogs? It’s the buddy film with Mr. Matin Lawrence, Mr. William H. Macy, Mr. Tim Allen, and Mr. John Travolta. I haven’t seen the film but I was moved by the fact that Mr. Travolta decided to use the opening of the film to give a donation to victims of the Lady Lake tornadoes of $15,000 which helped to raise a matching $15,000.

I enjoy mentioning when actors and celebrities make donations for a cause they believe in. This wasn’t a business move, the check was a personal one from Mr. Travolta. That makes the difference for me. It’ may not be the most money ever, but using the clout and attention a leading star has at a movie premiere to bring attention to a worthy cause is something seen too little these days. It doesn’t matter the cause as long as it is genuine and worthwhile. Sadly we just don’t see enough of that.

And just to mention a wacky item I caught, it seems voodoo is a world –wide phenomenon. In this case Pakistan. It seems that a man, obviously distraught, decided that he was going to dig up his father – who was dead for 2 years – so he could resurrect him. I think this is how a couple of old zombie movies started, but life is stranger than fiction. In case you wondered the spells didn’t work and the skeleton has since been laid back to rest. The things you find on the internet some days.

This is what I think, what do you think?

What does Eddie Murphy make you think of? - 12.22.2006.1

As Christmas and the new year approach, and I watch Mr. Eddie Murphy on Inside the Actors Studio I come upon several thoughts. First I am caught by the poise that Mr. Murphy presents in the program, and how quiet and reserved he his. It’s not quite the same as the mental image I have for the man though he obviously is not the same as the 20-something that burst into movies and stand-up and national attention.

I am also drawn to the movie Dreamgirls, the play of which I saw back during high school. I’ll speak on the movie later, but the clips of Mr. Murphy singing (yes it’s his voice) and doing his Motown-esque routine are captivating and well done. The movie allows a great range to be displayed and from what can be seen of the non-performance clips it delivers.

But I am also drawn to another thought. I believe that no actor (with the exception of perhaps Mr. Frank Oz and Mr. Jim Henson – though muppets are not quite actors) has ever played so many roles in one film, or has been in as many movies portraying separate characters. I’m not talking about playing a twin, like Mr. Jeremy Irons did so well, but completely separate and realistic characters. In 5 films he has played a total of 24 characters, I don’t think anyone else has ever played more multiple characters. To his credit, these were not knock off characters or bad acting roles. Each of the Klumps, or the old men in Coming to America, or any other character was a real and well done role. Some done so well as to seem like a completely different person was that actor.

While there are those who have asked about the potential of Mr. Murphy to go into dramatic roles, I think his portrayal in Dreamgirls will answer that. Some have questioned his efforts to help break African Americans into the Hollywood machine. I think he has, though not in the way that was requested. Mr. Murphy has inspired many who are stars today including Mr. Martin Lawrence and Mr. Chris Rock. The cumulative effect of his presence and ability should not be overlooked. Inspiration is a powerful tool for those that wish to achieve a thing.

The inspiration that he provides is not limited to his stand-up or comedic roles. Mr. Murphy has directed (Harlem Nights), produced (13 films including Life and the upcoming Johnny Blaze), written (10 productions not including the various skits for Saturday Night Live), and sang (10 including Shrek and Dreamgirls) as well as being a recording artist. He was the first novice movie star to receive 1 million dollars in his first film and he is perhaps the most successful SNL star (Mr. John Belushi may have been if he lived, Mr. Dan Ackroyd has not been as successful, and Mr. Will Ferrell may get there in time but is not currently). That is quite inspiring from any actor.

I have to say I just never thought about it till I saw this episode of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Reflection brings interesting revelations sometimes.

This is what I think, what do you think?