Entertainment
Ride or Die” – perhaps it is time to breathe new life into the classic Black films – Andscape
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.
“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.”
Entertainment
Shaunie has set new rules with second husband Keion Henderson after her traumatic marriage to Shaquille O’Neal
‘Basketball Wives’ producer Shaunie Henderson has been very open about her marriage to NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and the way devastated she was when she came upon he had repeatedly cheated on her.
Shaq himself admitted to being a serial cheater and publicly apologized for his behavior of their marriage. So it was no surprise when she admitted that she entered right into a relationship with Pastor Keion Henderson, carrying with her loads of baggage stemming from her past experiences with the previous Los Angeles Lakers star.
Reflecting on her marriage to Shaq, she admitted that fidelity is a top priority when on the lookout for a new man and told Henderson that he had to deal with a couple of “deal breakers” if he was to be her man.
While she talked about boundaries within the early stages of their relationship on “The GrOOw Zone” podcast last week, the preacher said she made an inventory about them.
“I think I came in with boundaries that aren’t there anymore,” Shaunie said after admitting that boundaries in a relationship are changing.
“Okay, tell people the list you gave me,” the reverend told his wife of two and a half years.
Although she stated that it was not an inventory, she noted that there have been certain things she didn’t tolerate. Shaunie stated, “The one who… no cheating… That one. … I got here with deal breakers, like for those who do that, I’m out. I do not have it.
Shaq has spoken openly about how his infidelity and broken vows contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Shaunie. In a revealing conversation on “The Pivot Podcast” in 2022, the NBA legend admitted to leading a “double life” and took full responsibility for his or her breakup, saying: “I used to be offended. She was amazing. It was all me.
In addition to the contestant’s confessions, Shaunie recently revealed in her memoir “Undefeated: Changing the Rules” that she doubted she ever truly loved Shaq during their marriage.
Reflecting on the deep issues that plagued their relationship, she noted that she seemed in love with the life-style of marriage and motherhood.
Update: Video and audio
Shaquill O’Neal claims he was to blame for his divorce from Shaunie O’Neal. Shaq said: “I didn’t protect her and I didn’t protect the oath”#shaquilloneal #shaunieoneal pic.twitter.com/DJD1K4FUhn
— Media On Blast 🟢 (@mediaonblast) April 19, 2022
Regardless of how Shaunie felt on reflection, his infidelity hurt her deeply. She was also offended by allegations that Shaq had an affair with fellow “Basketball Wives” star Laura Govan, who was engaged to fellow NBA star Gilbert Arenas on the time and was a family friend. Although each denied the allegations, leaked text messages allegedly between Govan and Shaq increased tensions, contributing to their separation and eventual divorce in 2009.
Despite the challenges, Shaq and Shaunie remained committed to raising their 4 children in a friendly way.
While this understandably set the tone for Shauna’s developing relationship with Keion, it did introduce some uncertainty that wasn’t necessarily present in the course of the date.
As their relationship deepened, Shaunie found that she began to query whether it was fair to impose such restrictions.
“Is it fair to enter into a relationship and impose restrictions on a person for a crime they did not commit?” Keion asked her. Shaunie admitted that this was not the case, but explained that it was a part of her healing journey.
While its boundaries on the time reflected vital needs, additionally they served as partitions, potentially limiting the organic development of their connection. Shaunie noticed that she wasn’t alone on this – many individuals enter new relationships with a defensive attitude, projecting the pain of the past onto someone new. For her, eliminating these boundaries was a process that took trust and time.
Now with a stronger footing in her relationship, Shaunie now not sticks with deal breakers. Instead, it emphasizes open communication and mutual respect. Now, together, they use their experiences to help others overcome similar relationship challenges.
Shaunie and Keion have been married since 2022 and that is their second marriage. Keion has a teenage daughter with his ex-wife Felicia Henderson.
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian’s lingerie photoshoot draws criticism from fans who say it’s ‘extremely shameful’
Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIM partnership appears to be under fire for the second time, lower than per week after the serial businesswoman announced her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.
Initially, critics accused Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian – each of Armenian descent – of attempting to imitate the style and aesthetic of Italian icons comparable to Sophia Loren in promotional photos for the Dolce & Gabbana and SKIMS collaboration.
However, the newest response focuses on Kim wearing a Catholic rosary during a promotional shoot.
In the photo sent on her Instagram, the 44-year-old mother of 4 is seen wearing white underwear from the SKIMS and Dolce & Gabbana lines. Although the rosary just isn’t the focus of the shoot, its presence was met with heavy criticism on social media, with many individuals questioning the appropriateness of pairing a non secular symbol with revealing underwear.
Social media users didn’t refrain from commenting on The Daily Mail.
“Why does she always wear a cross when she’s half naked… like wtaf,” one person asked.
Another joked: “Nothing about you is sacred, take off your rosaries lol.”
A 3rd commenter said: “Uhm, did you ever consider the rosary before you took a half-naked photo of him? This is beyond shameful for your actions!”
Some critics have compared her to Madonna, who was famous for incorporating religious symbols into her provocative fashion selections within the Nineteen Eighties.
One person wrote in Spanish: “Quizás se inspira de la cantante Madonna,” which translates to “Maybe she was inspired by the singer Madonna.”
Another noted: “Madonna made a splash with this style in the 80s, but it was a stylish twist,” before adding: “She’s just blah, lazy and disrespectful. The worst thing is that she doesn’t even know that she is insulting thousands and thousands by attempting to be upset. Just thirsty.
The response deepened, with one user sarcastically asking: “Where is the holy water!!??? It must be splashed.
For Catholics, the rosary is a sacred symbol of piety and prayer. Traditionally it’s used as a tool to guide worshipers through a meditative sequence of prayers, with each bead representing a selected a part of the ritual.
It is usually utilized by Roman Catholic believers to reflect on significant events within the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A full rosary normally incorporates 59 beads, divided into five groups, or dozens, each containing 10 smaller prayer beads.
Kim Kardashian posed in white SKIMS underwear paired with a rosary, revealing her washboard belly.
The photos sparked controversy amongst some social media users who accused Kim of mocking Catholicism due to the religious symbolism of the rosary. pic.twitter.com/PBDuAe7MyJ
— Reporter (@thereportercom) November 24, 2024
This just isn’t the primary time Kim has faced criticism for wearing religious symbols.
After recently celebrating her forty fourth birthday, she made headlines after wearing an Attallah cross, a big amethyst and diamond pendant famously worn by Princess Diana.
A cross fabricated from gold, silver and precious stones was one in all Diana’s signature items. Kim acquired the pendant in 2023 and wore it on November 2 on the Art+Film gala on the Los Angeles County Museum.
Critics accused her of being “obsessed” with wearing items that after belonged to deceased iconic women.
Adding fuel to the fireplace, Kim styled the cross by wearing a white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, allowing the pendant to rest between her neckline. Fans called the look disrespectful, arguing that it reduced a big symbol to a mere accessory.
Although there’s at all times controversy surrounding the Kardashians, the cooperation with the Italian brand turned out to be extremely successful.
The vCollection officially launched in select stores and on SKIMS.com on November 19. According to to page six, the positioning crashed as a result of heavy traffic.
The SKIMS x Dolce & Gabbana collaboration features luxury underwear described as “curve-emphasizing pieces for everyday confidence.” It also includes sexy items that may be worn outdoors, like a skintight leopard print dress that retails for $498.
Despite the backlash, neither Kim Kardashian nor her team responded to the controversy. Why should they? It seems that the controversy has pushed her brand and made it the mega money-maker that it’s.
Entertainment
Tina Turner turned to Cher for advice years before 1976. The beating that led to Ike Turner’s breakup reveals new memories
Pop singer Cher has never forgotten the connection advice she gave to her longtime friend Tina Turner; a conversation that could have helped save Tina’s life.
In her bomb new memoir, Cher: The Memoir Part 1, Cher recalls how Tina turned to her for advice on how to leave her abusive husband, Ike Turner. The memoir gives an insight into the “Believe” singer’s personal life and reveals shocking details of her early relationship with Sonny Bono, who she says was “abusing” her.
In the Seventies, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” appeared twice on Cher’s variety show along with her husband Ike. Cher recently left Bono, citing infidelity and involuntary servitude, and the 2 singers became fast friends.
One day while filming, Tina broke down and asked her friend and fellow singer to apply makeup to cover up a bruise on her arm. In her memoir, the Grammy winner recalled the “Private Dancer” artist, asking how she found the courage to leave Bono, who owned all of the rights to her music.
“I looked at her and said, ‘I just left and moved on,'” Cher writes.
The “I Got You Babe” singer met Bono when she was 16 and he was 27, and the couple moved in together while waiting to get married. Bono had just divorced his first wife, Donna Rankin, which required a waiting period under California law, and Cher was too young to legally marry. It was during this time that Cher had a terrifying encounter along with her late ex-husband, during which he pushed her against a wall after pushing their dog together with his foot.
“He didn’t scream or hit me, but he held my arms and his face was tight,” Cher revealed in her memoir via “People” “I was so against the abuse because I saw my mom go through it that I was like, F— this.”
Cher and Tina Turner performing “Shame, Shame, Shame” on The Cher Show, 1975 pic.twitter.com/ISgNY3pDTa
— David Rush (@dav1drush) May 24, 2023
“If you touch me like that again, I will leave your ass and that will be the last time you see me,” Bono said. They married in 1969 and in the identical 12 months their child Chaz was born. The pop duo eventually divorced in 1975.
Meanwhile, Tina endured much worse horrors while living with Ike, as she wrote about in her autobiography, “I, Tina,” published in 1986, during her meteoric rise as a solo artist – and nine years after the divorce. Their story was also documented within the film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.
Like Cher, Tina was just a teen when she met 25-year-old Ike, and three years later they’d a son, Ronnie Turner.
In a 1981 interview with People, the “Nutbush City Limits” singer recalled the terrifying night of July 1, 1976, when she finally escaped from her abusive ex while on tour and staying in a Dallas hotel. Two more years passed before they officially divorced.
“Ike got a bit irritated that day and hit me with the back of his hand. I wagged my finger at him and said, “Okay, you.” Then he beat me all the best way from the airport to the hotel,” she said. “When he fought, he used things, not only his hands. When we got to the hotel, the left side of my face was swollen like a monster. But I never cried. I laughed. I laughed because I knew I used to be leaving. No more of this.
Stop posting joyful family photos of Ike and Tina Turner when she herself said, “I was so scared of that man.”
As a black woman exposing the horrors of domestic violence within the Nineteen Eighties, she stood up for all women. She broke the silence.
We owe it to her, very much. pic.twitter.com/HpHqaU56nc
— Dr. Charlotte Proudman (@DrProudman) May 25, 2023
Turner convinced a friend to buy her a plane ticket to Los Angeles, and he or she flew out that evening with 36 cents in her pocket. Ike eventually died of a cocaine overdose in 2007, and Tina later admitted that she never forgave him for abusing her.
In her memoir, Cher writes that she noticed Ike’s stoic personality during his time on her show. She stated that during rehearsals, Ike “didn’t smile once” and played the guitar “without any emotion”.
“I just knew that whatever I was feeling, it wasn’t good,” she recalled.
After leaving Ike, Tina returned to the Cher show in 1977 as a solo star, making her first television appearance without Ike, singing “Makin’ Music is My Business”. Cher and Tina would remain lifelong friends until Tina’s death in 2023.
Reactions to the reports have been mixed on social media, with some wondering why Cher, now 78, is digging into Tina’s personal life. “Cher, don’t comment on Tina, give her a break, thanks to the management,” one among them commented Instagram user as one other said: “Why are you bringing this up now, Cher!?”
However, many praised Cher for telling the reality about her dear friend. One person wrote: “I LOVE TT and Cher!!! And one thing Cher doesn’t do is lie.”
“Tina probably almost overdosed, or read her book, or watched what love has to do with it. Ike gave her hell,” said one other person.
Another added: “You can tell who really knows their friendship story and who doesn’t. Cher was one among the last people to see Tina alive and visited her. Tina and Cher have been dead for a long time. You guys are weird with this false failure.
Part 2 of The Cher Diaries is scheduled for release in 2025.
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