Monday, January 28, 2008

Come See the Screening of "Tricks" in Memphis on Thursday!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am in another film that will be screened in Memphis today. Please come out and support this film.

Here are the details:

Event: The Official Premiere for Tricks

Date: Thursday, January 31

Screening Times: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM

Location: Malco Studio on the Square, Midtown, Memphis, Tennessee

Also, Drama Queen's first Production, "The Forgotten Ones" will be available on DVD.

Please come out and support the film and and bring your friends and all those who didn't get a chance to see it the first time!

http://www.tricksthemovie.com/

www.myspace.com/tricksthemovie

Check out these trailers for Tricks:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GTyWYtlW3Z8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pbyc0UH4KnE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dt-kYfggl9Y

Support local films in Memphis!!

Days until Tricks screening: today, baby!!!

Be easy, readers!!!!



Bad-Ass Kids, Dear Old Dad, and No Wrestling: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, went home, and vegged in front of the TV. The end.

Saturday:

I watched the Tigers win a close one against Gonzaga. We're still number one, you haters!!! Then, I went to the comic book store. Shoutout to Donnie, he's got a new comic book coming that's going to be awesome!!! Shout out to the store's owner, Ron, and shout out to Sean George, another employee. After that, I went to the ghetto theatre on Old Summer Road, the palace. I saw How She Move. It's another one of those dance movies with the flimsiest of plots. I gave it 2 and a half out of five stars on flixster.com. What was even worse than the movie was the surroundings. The bathrooms were stank, too many badass ghetto kids running around, and the theater was cold. I moved from up to the bottom section, thinking that the "ghetto people" wouldn't go down there. Boy, was I wrong. First, I sat on a row with these little kids that kept going in and out of the theater. I moved and found myself sitting in front of this group of people and anothe loud kid. I was leaning over in my seat, trying not to block their view (I'm tall). The kid's dad sits him on this little surface in front of him. The kid falls back and hits me in the neck while I'm sitting there. I don't need this. At least the kids' dad asked was I okay. I am now beginnig another self-imposed exile from the Palace. I keep giving them chances, and the environment just gets worse.

After that, I went to the establishment formerly known as Jordan's Karaoke Bar and Grill. Their new name is Jordan's catfish and more. They now have no smoking on the karaoke side. There is also a sports bar for you cancer-stick users to engage in your filthy habits. I have asthma, so I was quite pleased. Jordan's was packed. There were about three parties going on, and there were actually African-American females inthere. Of course, most were either coupled up or there were several dudes in their face. Oh, well. I only got to perform 2 songs: "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, and "Like a Star" by Corinne Bailey Rae. I was projected to sing again after midnight, according to the computer. That seemed like a mile away at 10:30 PM, so I left.

Sunday:

I watched TV and I watched the Celtics lose to the Magic in basketball. The Celtics have a great team, so they'll bounce back. I got a call from my biological father. He got into a dispute with someone and got out their car. He was on the corner of Hickory Hill (Hickory Hood) and Knight Arnold. Of course, I picked him up. I had to drive him all the way back to Somerville. That sucked. It was good to talk to him. He promised that he would pay me back (he probably won't), and he said he would take me out for lunch some time. He always says that. I had this big speech planned about how I wouldn't take this and that he shouldn't call me. Of course, I chickened out. Even my dad takes advantage of me. I have got to quit being so freaking soft!!! Score one for the biological.

After using all this gas money, I decided to be economical and watch the WWE pay-per-view Royal Rumble at the Hooters near my house. It was too crowded, and my Hooters girl wasn't even that well endowed. Talk about misleading!!! I had bought cheesesticks for $5.99, but then they put these signs on the table saying that in order for them to keep showing pay-per-views, everybody had to spend $7.oo after 7 PM. That was the last straw. I bid goodbye to the loud noise, the guy whose chair was way too close to mine, and the small-breasted waitress. I went to Burger King, used a coupon to get a free chicken sandwich (UMMMM, chicken!!), king-size onion rings, and king-size lemondade, and headed home. I also finished watching Hot Fuzz with the Fuzz-O-Meter On (Trivia comes up on the screen).

Monday:

I woke up in the middle of the night, and I watched the shows from earlier in the evening. There's a new show on AMC called Breaking Bad. The dad from Malcolm in the Middle plays a nerdy chemistry teacher dying from inoperable lung cancer. He decides to start selling crystal meth so his pregnant wife, their unborn child, and his son afflicted with cerebral palsy can be taken care of. Of course, the plan goes to hell quickly. AMC has another hit on their hand with only their second original series. Their first, Mad Men, is also excellent.

I got chewed out by the boss today. I was legitimately dragging my feet on an assignment. He tells me "If you don't want to do it, just say it". Yeah, right. I'm not stupid!!! He tells me that he knows that I can do it and he feels that he has to push me, and he believes in me. Wow, I'd give up a kidney for the biological to say something like that. I got back on top of it. I'm frustrated.

I had hoped to save up money to take a trip to LA this year. Between living expenses, this new biweely pay schedule at work that results in smaller checks (but more pay periods), and life in general, I don't know. I'm also depressed about my acting career. I haven't acted in almost two months. I have to keep performing. It's one of the few things I do that makes me feel alive. I am frustrated with this town. Only one big movie came last year, there's a lot of silly competition and backbiting (with very little to gain), and our film commissioner Lynn Sitler made a comment that a lot of actors took offense to. She said that Memphis could double for New York, but she didn't think we could convincingly give New York accents. Even the local newsman interviewing her seemed a little shocked at those comments. Lynn, if you are reading this (like that's gonna happen), you may have meant well, but it just sounded mean. It is hard enough trying to chase our dreams in this town, and it is a little disappointing if our Film Commisioner doesn't believe in us. I have to get out of this town, somehow. I'm down, but not out. Tomorrow, I will get up, watch some TV, drink some OJ, and get back on the saddle, pilgrims!!!! Be easy, readers!!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Celebrity Deaths

1. Brad Renfro, star of The Client, passed away at age 25 recently:

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1579719/20080115/story.jhtml

2. Susanne Pleshette, best known for playing Bob Newhart's wife on The Bob Newhart Show, died recently:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/playbill/20080121/en_playbill/114458

3. Heath Ledger, popular actor known for such movies as A Knight's Tale, Brokeback Mountain, and the upcoming Dark Knight, died at 28:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_en_ce/obit_ledger;_ylt=AhCljUPK6beXIWBZ0qgyAi4yDqwC

These stars will definitely be missed.

Giant Monsters, Football, and Duets: The Extra-Long Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, came home, and chilled out.

Saturday:

I got my hair cut, went to the comic book store, and then to my cousin Gloria's house. We celebrated her birthday. Shout out to my parents, my brother, my cousin Kaci, her husband Cedric, their kids, and everybody else who attended. Next, my good buddy Bryan Newcomb and I saw Cloverfield, the new monster movie out. It was okay to me. I didn't like the jumpy camera style (Too Blair Witch), I didn't like the end, and they never said where the darn creature came from. However, it made $41 million. I guess enough people liked it. Next, we went to Perkins, then we called it a night. I was tired, so I missed the hip-hop show. My apologies to local hip-hop group MOS (Masters of Sound) and rapper/producer Fathom 9(www.myspace.com/fathom9thebrotherhoodofdoom).

Sunday:

I went to an audition for a short film at the Collierville Public Library. The audition was for Frayed, which will be produced by Slacker Central Productions. I assumed that since the script was written by an African-American woman (Linda Ingram), that the main characters would be African-American. Imagine my surprise when the daughter in the main family was Caucasian. That threw me off. I joked with the director Jessica Powers about it. I still read for the dad, then I came back and read for a cheesy car salesman. Shout out to Mike McClendon (Divine Manipulation, Curbside Confessions). I hadn't seen him in about a year and a half. I also ran into Marguerite, another local actor/filmmaker, and Jeff and Jan Falk. I did my best. Hopefully, I will get a role. Contrary to popular belief, I am not in EVERY film. I'm trying to get some of my friends to stop introducing me that way. (Hi, Sparky).

After that, I picked up Bryan Newcomb, and we went over my boy Shomari's house to watch some good playoff football. The Patriots won (YAAAYYY!), but the Giants beat the Packers (BOOOOOO!). The Giants have a quaterback who played for Ole Miss, Eli Manning. I am a second-generation alumni of the University of Memphis. I will NEVER root for a stinking Reb player. EVER!!!! We watched football and chilled out. Shout out to "Angry" Nick Jones and Donovan for burning a lot of mixtapes for me. You guys rule!!!

After that, I dropped Bryan off at home and I went to the Vault for Karaoke Smackdown!! Shout out to the KJ David H, Joe, Sean George, THE Chris Haley, and Phyllis, who I hadn't seen in a while. I almost felt bad for her Cowboys, but she started cursing about the Titans. I performed "Tennessee" by Arrested Development, then Phyllis and I dueted on Timbaland's "The Way I Are". My last solo song was Norah Jones "Don't Know Why". Once, when I sang the line "I don't know why I didn't come", Phyllis had some colorful comments. God bless her and her loser Cowboys. I also helped some guy out on Naughty By Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray", Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia", and I joined David H and Joe on "My Love" by Justin Timberlake featuring TI. Props to David H for the falsetto.

Monday:

I left the house around 4 PM, picked up Bryan, and we went to the mall. Next, we saw First Sunday at the Palace on Old Summer Road. In this film, Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan try to rob a church. Katt Williams, Malinda Williams, Chi McBride, Keith David, and other solid actors are in this film. If you don't know their names, try www.imdb.com . After that, I went to Spin Street. I traded in the latest Scarface CD, Made, for store credit. I tried to like it, but it just wasn't that good to me. Scarface is one of my favorite rappers. I guess nobody's perfect. I used the store credit and my own mone to buy "Angry" Nick's birthday present. His bornday is February 28. I don't like to wait.

I have also started watching Breaking Bad, a new series on AMC. It's about a chemistry teacher who is dying of inoperable lung cancer. He decides to start selling crystal meth to build up money so his family will be taken care of after he leaves. I do have a bone to pick with AMC, though. You guys are showing Catwoman?! Catwoman?! I saw that movie for $5 at a matinee, and I wanted my money back!!!! Halle Berry doesn't watch Catwoman!!! I know the acronyms and initials are all hip and trendy, but AMC stands for American Movie Classics. Catwoman makes Gothika look like The Exorcist, and Gothika is a sucky movie. Get it together, AMC.
Be easy, readers.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Plays, Movies, and Sad Cowboys: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, rented Blade Runner with my free coupon at Blockbuster, and went home and watched TV.

Saturday:

I lounged around until about 3 PM, then I picked up "Uncle" Marvin Skinner from my job. He needed a ride, and my job's 10 minutes from my home. He showed me where St. Mary's was. I had to go to a play there later.

I went to the comic book store and hollered at my good buddy Sean George for a little while. Afterwards, I went to see this play at St. Mary's. It was a spiritual play, but it was good. I saw one of my cousins there. I knew two females in the play, Alunya (forgive my spelling) and Alicia. They did good jobs. There was a scene where Alicia had to sing. She also was beaten up by her ex-boyfriend. The fight scene was pretty intense. I also got a little upset at this scene where Alicia's daughter lied and told her mother that the boyfriend had sexually molested her. Very good play. Kudos to the actor and the playwright.

After that, I picked up Bryan Newcomb and we saw The Bucket List. We tried to make the 9:45 showing of First Sunday, but it sold out. We didn't want to wait until 11:40, so we saw Bucket List. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman played two terminally ill cancer patients who decide to travel the world and have all these experiences before they die. It was funny, heartwarming, and cool. I ran into Kim Moore, a local actress I know. She was in the theater as well. We chatted for a minute. It was good to see her. After that, I dropped Bryan off and went home.

Sunday:

I chilled out and watched Blade Runner. I watched the "Final Cut" version. It was a good film. I liked the style of the film. It was a little hard to follow. I wish I had watched one of the commentaries or finished watching the long documentary on Disc 2. Either way, that's one more classic off my list. Of course, the guys at Comics and Collectibles are still gonna give me crap for not seeing Shawshank Redemption or Citizen Kane. I'm working on it, guys. I grew up in the country, and it's been a little hard playing catch-up. I also watched the Dallas-New York football game. Unfortunately, Dallas lost. There are a LOT of Cowboy fans in Memphis. There were two very sad Cowboys fans at my brother's house, too. Sorry, Terrence and Toma. Maybe next year.

I hope to film something soon. I have been sitting around, watching TV, and getting fat. I will get back on my fitness regimen and hopefully find a project soon. I also need to keep writing. Lately, rap lyrics, poetry, and song lyrics pop into my head. I have to keep ignoring my voice and capture it on the page. Be easy, readers!!!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Year-End Pop Culture Awards: R&B Mentions

I didn't buy a lot of R&B this year, too many kid singers, and too much crap product. Also, don't get me started on the "R&B thug" trend. I did encounter a few gems this year. Okay, here we go:

Favorite R&B Album: The Daily News, Donnie

Atlanta resident Donnie tackles a variety of social issues on this album, something that seems to be a rarity in music today. On such tracks as "911", "Atlanta Child Murders", "If I Were You", and "Over-The-Counter Culture" (featuring Phonte of Little Brother), Donnie delivers music with a message. In a genre full of snap-music R&B/rap hybrids, macho posturing, and overly explicit sex talk, this album was desperately needed.

Other albums of note:

I Am, Chrisette Michelle

The Real Thing, Jill Scott

Left, Eric Roberson

Notable Singles:

"Teach Me How to Love", Musiq

Musiq bares his soul and tries the radical, honest approach on this song that many couples can probably relate to .

"You Can't Be Serious", Carl Thomas Featuring Baby Cham

Unbeknowst to many, Carl Thomas resurfaced with a third album, So Much Better. Although not on the classic level of his debut, Emotional, Thomas did have a few nice cuts, like this reggae-tinged plea for reconcilation with one of the Jamaica's hottest MCs, Baby Cham.

Well, that's it for R&B. Maybe I'll find more to love this year. Stay tuned for the TV and Music Year-End Pop Culture Awards? Will your favorite actors win? Not if they were in Who's Your Caddy? Be easy, readers!!!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

A View From the Middle's Year-End Pop Culture Awards: Music

Okay, this is something new that I am trying. I decided to post a year-end best of list, hey, all the other bloggers can do it, why not me? I'm good enough, I'm fly enough, and darn it, people like me!!! Okay, enough prologue, on to my views. Let's start with music

Hip-Hop Album of the Year: American Gangster, Jay-Z

This is an awesome hip-hop album, Jay-Z was in his zone as he talked about life on the streets, hustling, and the tragic downfall of a hustler. Loosely inspired by the movie of the same name, Jay-Z's rhymes were in rare form and the Sean "Diddy" Combs' new Hitmen Team (Sean C, LV, Mario Winans) gave him tracks with some of the most soulful samples ever. One standout track is "American Dreaming", which samples Marvin Gaye's classic "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again".

Other notable hip-hop albums:

The Cool, Lupe Fiasco

Another album that has a loose concept, this album continues the story of Michael Young History, a character who met his untimely demise at the end of the song "The Cool", off of Lupe's first album. The Cool loosely continues this concept, as Michael Young History (portrayed on the inside of the album cover and the "Superstar" video by A Different World's Kadeem Hardison) encounters "The Streets" (represented by a female) and "The Game" (represented by a large, bald, imposing male). Lupe has delivered a top-notch follow-up to Food and Liquor. There's no sophomore slump here. Lupe even rhymes from the point of view of a cheeseburger on "Gotta Eat". Lupe took what could have been a silly premise and made it a cautionary tale about the danger of many African-American's diets. As a bonus, on the Limited Edition of the CD, a DVD is included where Lupe breaks down the meaning of every song. The Cool is thinking-man's hip-hop in its purest form.

Graduation,Kanye West

Everyone's favorite whiner (He may come after me now), delivered another solid album with Graduation. Mr. West's time spent touring with U2 has definitely paid off, resulting in an album full of "stadium hip-hop". West's anthemic, larger-than-life beats on songs such as "Champion" (sampling Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne), "Stronger", "Can't Tell Me Nothing", and "Everything I Am" combine with his clever and brutally honest rhymes to make a lyrical and sonic treat. The only misstep? The lighthearted but annoying "Drunken Hot Girls" with Mos Def.

Other notable hip-hop releases:

Getback, Little Brother

Desire, Pharoahe Monch

Eight Diagrams, Wu-Tang Clan

Worldwide Underground, Tunnel Clones (Memphis hip-hop group)

Eardrum, Talib Kweli

The Undisputed Truth, Brother Ali

UGK-Underground Kingz

This album finds Bun B and Pimp C (RIP), two rap veterans, touching on a variety of subjects with a variety of guest stars (TI, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Talib Kweli, Dizzee Rasacal), you name it, and delivering one of the better double albums in hip-hop history. Fortunately, Pimp C left us with another great album before he died.

"When Do You Sleep Award?" : Lil' Wayne

If you had the right price, you could get Lil' Wayne on a song. Just ask Kanye West, Jay-Z, Little Brother, rookie rappers The Cool Kids, and countless others. Wayne could also be heard rhyming on a slew of mixtapes. Call him a sellout or a glory hound or whatever, but several hip-hop fans are eagerly awaiting his next album, The Carter 3.


Guilty Pleasure: Snap Dances

I have to admit, the "Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)" dance was catchy, as was the Crank Dat Batman, Crank Dat Lion King and others. It's a little out of control, but some of them were cool.

Honorable Mention: Cupid Shuffle

Mr. Cupid will be cashing checks for a minute with this updated line dance. Many are proclaiming it as the new Electric Slide

Honorable Mention: Cute Female Singer-Songwriters

I am obsessed with cute female singer-songwriters right now. These catchy pop tunes by hot chicks are embedded in my brain

Feist-"1234" (aka the Ipod song):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d3vIv1EwO5A

Colbie Caillat-"Bubbly":

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2PWfB4lurT4

Ingrid Michaelson-"The Way I Am" (aka the Old Navy Sweater song):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jJOzdLwvTHA


Sara Bareilles-"Love Song":

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MR5xv3pt7KI

Trend that Needs to Die: Ringtone Rap

Hip-hop suffered a 30% drop in sales this year. The reason? Most commercial rap sucks!!! They are pandering to little kids with this snap dance music, which is going to get old quick. Also, they sign these rappers on the strength of one single, make a crapload of money off of ringtones and Itunes. Here's a message, kids: Timeless music can also be entertaining, too.
Just ask Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and others. It's time to start making real music, or we'll see even more declines. Also, if you like at least five songs by an artist, buy the real album!!!! I see you pirates out there. You know who I'm talking to.

Artists to Watch for in '08:

Sara Bareilles

Kid A

Proton

Cool Kids

Wale

Ced Hughes

Ingrid Michaelson

Teisha Marie

You may not know these names now, but I will do blogs about all of them in the coming weeks. Be easy, readers!! Also, look for my (very short) R&B portion of the Year-End Pop Culture Awards (YEPCAs), as well as the Movie and TV YEPCAs. Peace.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Rain, Movies, and Crushing Defeats: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, went home, and started watching War. It turned out to be a pretty good film. Jason Statham played an FBI agent trying to track down the murderer of his partner and his partner's family. The clues point to Japanese assassin Rogue (Jet Li), but not everything is as it seems. Very good action-adventure pic. Jason Statham and Jet Li get extra points for LOOKING like they should be able to beat somebody up, as opposed to these metrosexual, nancy boy action heroes. Orlando Bloom, Ewan McGregor, Paul Walker, and Hayden Christiansen, I am looking right at you. Freakin' wuss-boys. It's a sad state of affairs when I am actually looking forward to another Rambo installment because of the lack of men's men in the action movies. End of rant.

Saturday:

I went to work, got off, got a haircut, and I went to Comics and Collectibles. Shout out to Donnie and Sean who were working there, and shout out to my buddies from the Vault karaoke nights, Kurt and Chris Haley. I rode around, chilled out at Bookstar, and went to Perkins. I wasn't feeling too good, so I called it a day and went home.

Sunday:

I spent most of the day finishing up War. I also watched the horrible defeat of my beloved Tennessee Titans. The San Diego Chargers handled us. Oh, well. I can't say I was surprised. At least we made the playoffs this year, something we didn't even come close to last year. After the defeat, I nursed my wounds by getting a sandwich from Quizno's, and then I went to the Cordova Cinema and watched I Am Legend. I don't care what the critics say, that movie rocks!!! Tell me who else other than Will Smith has the charisma to basically be on screen talking to himself and a dog for an hour? It's time for people to give this guy the respect he deserves.

It is a slow period in the film community right now, but I may be in a local artist's video this weekend. Follow your dreams, and be easy, readers!!!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Sleep, Football, and Debates: The New Year's Eve Extended Weekend Wrap-Up

Sunday:

I stayed in the house most of the day. I DID watch the Titans beat the Colts and make the NFL Playoffs. Shout out to Colts coach Tony Dungy for not playing his starters the whole time. Shout out to the Colts backup quarterback for being crummy. They gave us the game on a silver platter because they had nothing to game. However, my Titans still almost messed up several times. Oh, well, it wasn't pretty, but we are in the playoffs, baby!!!

Monday:

I finally got my car fixed, and my brother and I went to the Catfish Cabin on Airways to celebrate my mom's birthday. Shoutotut to my cousin Kaci, her husband Cedric, their kids, my Aunt Mary, my stepdad Crossett, and my great-aunt Velma. Catfish Cabin, however, is put on blog blast. First, when we enter the building, we see signs that says that the debit/credit card machine is broke, so they are only taking cash. Fortunately, my brother had my back. Next, they are only serving water, sweet tea, and unsweetened tea because they got rid of the machine that housed the carnonated drinks (it kept breaking). I have had issues with this place in the past. If I can help it, they will not get my money anymore.

After that, I went to Keenon Nikita's apartment for a New Year's Eve party. Everything went smooth, until I voiced my opinion about LL Cool J (he sucks now), and I said that 300 is a good film, but I don't consider it a classic. From there, I had to defend that remark, plus I got in even more trouble when I said that I didn't think Spike Lee's School Daze was a classic. It's an okay movie, but it's not even the best Spike Lee film!! The night became a series of debates. I began to state my view on R. Kelly, and how I feel it's wrong to support a molester. I also said that I feel it is irresponsible for an African-American to make a song like "The Zoo". It has freakin' animal sounds in it!! Isn't that just inviting stereotypes?! Everyone says that I am reading too much into it. Keenon's sister later finds out that I was dancing to the "Shootout" song by Souljah Boy. She calle me a hypocrite because that song is irresponsible, too. I should have admitted she was right, but darn it, she takes too much pleasure in being right!!! I didn't like her tone, so I lost it!!! Of course, everyone tells me to calm down. I don't. Later on in the night, I apologize to her, and admit that she was right. Afterwards, we sing songs on Keenon's mic and danced. My boys TJ and Danny started having dance battles. It was awesome!! I tried to have a "crump" battle with Deneka, but she got the best of me. I started feeling achey, so I left.

Tuesday:

I stayed in bed most of the day, hoping that rest would combat the flu-like symptoms that I had been experiencing. It seemed to work. My Aunt Mary says that whatever you start the year off doing, you'll be doing that all year. I disagree. I was sick, and I took advantage of an off day to recuperate. I will NOT be resting this year. If anything, I will make moves this year. I plan to sign with an agent, to write more, and to really try to get my name out there. The best is yet to come. Be easy, readers!!!!! And Happy New Year!!!!