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Ride or Die” – perhaps it is time to breathe new life into the classic Black films – Andscape

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When the news broke that the film’s box office revenue had surpassed $1 billion, it was a strong statement for one in all the hottest series on the big screen. And yet some Hollywood suits and industry insiders were confused by the dominance of bombast which scooped up $227 million worldwide yet.

Film analysts and critics have rightly admitted that the fourth installment of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s buddy cop movie provided a much-needed jolt to the decaying Tinseltown. in a more cheeky compliment about the film’s successful debut, he described the achievement as “nervous about the money” oddly put, the scene where Smith’s character, Mike Lowrey, gets punched in the face could “save his profession”, as if longtime fans (see: Black People) ever stopped supporting the Fresh Prince in reference to the incident with comedian Chris Rock.

Indeed, the success of the series shows that there is more room in the film industry for offerings that connect fans with the classics that defined the golden age of black cinema in the Nineties. Among them demographic groups that watched during its weekend debut, blacks led the moviegoing audience at 44%, followed by 26% Latinos and Latinos, 18% whites, 8% Asians and 4% other.

“White (film executives) are constantly trying to figure out Black nostalgia,” said writer-director Cheo Hodari Coker, whose screenplays include The former Marvel Netflix showrunner is not in any respect shocked by the endurance of the glamorous cop series, which first hit theaters in 1995. “It’s not just about having older black stars on screen. The movie has to work.”

There are loads of Black-starring films from the ’90s that Hollywood could mine overseas. The groundbreaking 1996 all-female bank robbery, which featured Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise and a breakout performance by singer Queen Latifah, is set for a comeback.

An entire rethinking of what can connect KiKi Layne as Pinkett Smith’s Stoneman Zendaya as Fox’s Frankie Ayo Edebiri as TT Elise i Courtney Taylor as Cleo Queen Latifah, z Gina Prince-Bythewood head. Either imagine that Stony is living off the grid somewhere in Mexico and one other group of robbers seek her help, or the FBI finally tracks her down, leading to a series of shocking events.

A gritty 1995 New York crime drama directed by Spike Leearguably the most underrated film of the Oscar winner’s profession, it may very well be adapted to the small screen similar to his 1986 romantic comedy , which aired for 2 seasons on Netflix. And the sequel to the sexy 1997 cult romantic classic may meet up with Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) and Nina Mosley (Nia Long) as they fight to reconnect after years apart.

Coker recalled conversations with director John Singleton about the possibility of expanding on his groundbreaking 1991 film, a strong depiction of life growing up in South Central Los Angeles.

From left to right: Queen Latifah, Kimberly Elise, Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith in the film.

New Line Cinema

“In the same way that Quentin Tarantino created a universe connected to his films, John has his own cinematic universe,” Cooker said. “He could have easily allowed Tre and Brandi to raise their child, who is a film student at USC. Among the people he meets is an old neighborhood drunk who at one point was rumored to be the biggest drug dealer in the country, named Franklin Saint (from ). Their son decides to make a film about Franklin’s life. Or Brandi and Tre can go to the mechanic to fix the car and meet Jody. There are many different ways to spin off.”

Jermaine Hopkins, who played the lovable Steel in Ernest Dickerson’s 1992 coming-of-age drama, understands the lure of the Nineties Black cinema explosion that introduced such revolutionary directors as Singleton, Julie Dash, the Hughes brothers and F. Gary Gray.

“At that time, there were only a few films about black people like , , and stuff like that that hit the nail on the head,” said Hopkins, who stars in the horror film , now streaming on the CW network. “The characters reflected members of (our) communities and that is why they were so believable. We also did not have social media back then, so should you lived on the East Coast, you watched movies that were supposed to enlighten you about what was happening in the West, which is why these movies continued to have an influence for years to come.”

Hollywood loves trends, and the most timeless of them is nostalgia. From the billion-dollar sequel to the 2022 hit and the 2004 teen movie-turned-Broadway show that turned the big screen musical into something unsinkable, and the sequel to director Tim Burton’s 1988 hit, the past can bring profits.

“These are nostalgic faces from our youth,” Coker said of the appeal of throwback films. “So it gives a lot of actors a chance to be reborn in the hands of the right filmmakers.”

Coker speaks from experience. When Sylvester Stallone first approached him in 2016 to co-write the script for the 2016 spinoff, the second film in a boxing trilogy centered on fighter Adonis Johnson, son of late heavyweight champion Apollo Creed and rising protégé of legendary boxer Rocky Balboa – he had one other character who is supposed to train Michael B. Jordan’s title character.

“In my initial version of the movie, when Creed rebuilds, I wrote a character based on Trainer Anne Wolfe, who was supposed to be Clubber Lang’s daughter,” noted Mr. T’s sassy, ​​scene-stealing fighter in the 1982 hit. “And she was the one who was supposed to train Creed to rebuild himself after losing to Drago, because Clubber is the only person to beat Rocky in his prime.”

As Hollywood continues to poach our favourite movies, studio executives would do well to not ignore their business and artistic appeal. With almost comical confusion surrounding the reboot and Marvel’s star Mahershala Alihow good would it be to see Wesley Snipes reprise his iconic role as the aging vampire hunter? Or possibly we’ll see an update on tapping into breakout star Tupac Shakur’s rebellious spirit. “Yes, I see that happening because the younger generation looks up to him,” Hopkins said. “It still amazes me to this day when young people reach out to me or contact me on social media, very excited about the film and its plot… and they weren’t even born when it was released.”

Keith “Murph” Murphy is a senior editor at VIBE magazine and a frequent contributor to Billboard, AOL and CBS Local magazines. The veteran journalist has appeared on CNN, FOX News and A&E Biography, and is the writer of the men’s lifestyle book “The XO Manifesto.”


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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