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LWagada
Reviews
Mike Epps: Don't Take It Personal (2015)
Who in holy hell directed and produced this disaster?
L. Frazier. Whoever the hell you are, please NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER attempt directing anything again
South of the Border (2009)
Take a tour "South of the Border"
Saw the film at the premiere in NYC; A Q&A with Mr. Stone, Tariq Ali, the producer, and a professor on LA affairs followed.
All in all an important piece touching upon many key aspects of how the leftist rise in Latin America is a direct and cohesive response to the suffering brought on by decades of neoliberalism.
The film is basically an overview of the democratic leftist rise in Latin America in the past decade. The leaders speak for themselves through interviews with Stone affording somewhat of a personal look at who they are. It is certainly refreshing to listen to these leaders speak candidly and authentically about the global economy and the state of their respective countries. Free from the restraints of lobbyists or corporate interests, these leaders come off genuinely passionate about the welfare of the people first. Chavez makes reference in the film expressing hope that such a leader could one day emerge in the U.S. in the mold of an FDR type.
Stone captures the way these leaders care for each others well-being, as well as a desire for regional unity and cooperation, an encouraging sign for the future. Lula's segment was especially brilliant - he is decades ahead of his time.
A number of Venezuelan, and other S.American nationals were in attendance at the screening, and many voiced their sincere thanks to Mr. Stone for backing a project that simply illustrates the truth of what these leaders stand for - a more inclusive and unified road to development in Latin America. I urge all of you that feel the need to relentlessly bash Stone, socialism, and these leaders to put your own psychological dysfunctions aside and look at facts. It's not even all that necessary for you to think critically, just address fact.
Latin America suffered under extreme poverty before these leaders, and there is no instantaneous solution. A relentless resistance has thwarted the movement at every turn, as these leaders attempt to move independently of IMF led development strategy. There is no question that Chavez has an uncomfortable and often autocratic style, but he is surely not a dictator in his actual governance. Chavez will not compromise, and will not put on a mask, an it is precisely this which has elevated other nations in the region to follow suit. These leaders withstand unfathomable international pressure, and they deserve all the credit in the world for what they have done in less than a decade in terms of socialist development. The fact that Mr. Stone has attempted to bring these truths to a larger U.S. audience is necessary and timely. It is a wonderful introduction intended for a U.S. audience who is largely misled about what his happening "South of the Border."
Excellent work
Firefly (2002)
Simply Amazing!!!
Not just a great sci-fi show, not just a great TV show, Firefly is special piece of art that will only realize its true legacy as time goes on. A true testament as to what magical work can be produced when great minds unite and challenge each other. Watching the making of piece on the DVD makes me tear up because its illustrates the bond that everyone had on and off camera. This thing was sharp on so many levels I don't even feel the need to start a list. It's just rare to see such tremendous work made for the sake of the work itself in our times. Wish there were more like it, and the feature film is such a perfect crescendo to the series. SUPERB!!!
He Got Game (1998)
An American Classic
He got game is perhaps Spike Lee's most least appreciated work, and doesn't get the recognition it deserves is such a fine fine film. From start to finish He got game presents a moving storyline amid Aaron Copland's classics. The juxtaposition of this music with basketball and urban life is absolutely genius. Sayeed's Cinematography as always makes a lasting impressions as well. Denzel is at the top of his game yet again, and the choice of Ray Allen is perfect. He got game is a story about American life, and the American family. Spike's use of symbolism through the game of basketball is phenomenal and moving. There's not a single director other than Spike who could have pulled off this American classic.
Independent Lens: Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Makes you physically sick
The documentary really examines who these monsters are and really does a nice job of illustrating the broader network of banks and financial institutions involved. By the end of the film my stomach felt a bit queasy after being bombarded by so much inhumanity. As probably most people, I'd known that the Enron thing was a huge bankruptcy and knew that Lay and the rest were trying to skirt responsibility while leaving with millions. However, I had no idea as to the extent of what kind of monsters these guys are, and how bad it can get in the corporate world today. Also, the film is great because it does not just bash these guys recklessly such as a M.Moore documentary might do a little too much of risking a loss of the central idea. This film really documents the entire network of greed and fraud of the global business community, as well as Enron employees. I really like how the film details how Enron worked and operated fraudulently from the get-go, had tons of footage of employee meetings and phone conferences. Go see this film, it is a phenomenal documentary.