BV Movie Blog

5:12:27 PM EST "...when our schools get all the money they need and the air force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber." I saw this on a bumper sticker a few months ago. I've gotta get myself one of those!

No matter how painfully annoying it is to watch Hillary Swank try to keep a beat while bobbing her head to Tupac's 'Keep Your Head Up,' this story is sure to hit home for many of us. 'Freedom Writers' is a good reminder that our public education system continues to fail us... miserably.

I remember being pushed through the bureaucratic chaos of public school. During my freshman year of high school I was failing most of my classes. Little did I know that there was only one thing that mattered to the school administration -- my test scores. They had to do something to try to keep me -- any everyone just like me -- on track. "Get good grades, get paid." That was the unofficial slogan for a pilot program that was brought into my high school. While the thought of getting paid $50 for every 'A' I earned sounded good, even that wasn't enough to motivate me into coming to class. I understood that I was being taught to memorize rather than learn. But as long as students tested well in school, teachers weren't facing pay-cuts from their already below-average salaries, and unfortunately this was, is, and will likely continue to be the bottom line.

It's easy to play the blame game, but in reality there are so many factors as to why this system has failed us. We can start with the government, who has placed emphasis on spending for weapons and security as opposed to resources for our youth and future leaders. We can move on to the teachers and school administrators who care only to follow along with class curriculum and make it through the day. And we can end with the parents who have swept their kids out the door to be raised by the streets. This is the cycle, and the message that 'Freedom Writers' makes a good effort to deliver.
           
The film was a testament to what we've known all along; our kids can't be expected to succeed in substandardsocial conditions, especially when they are forced through a public school system that expects them (and ultimately sets them up) to fail miserably in the end. Looking past the dialogue (which sounded more like a compilation of refrigerator magnet quotes) and overworked inspirational scenes, I can appreciate the real life Erin Gruwell for her unobstructedeffort to change the way these kids perceived education and their own capabilities. Frankly I could care less about the cliché 'white teacher saves the day again' story line. If there were more Erin Gruwell's in this system, we would be making some serious progress towards educating our youth beyond tests.

Controversial author and educator Akil put it best in his recent writings, which I have embraced and I respect him for his forthright honesty: "Just because the student has "memorized" information, doesn't indicate that the student has developed the ability to think, intellectualize, contemplate, or mentally problem solve. This "memorization" is not mind-development; it is mind programming. This memorization doesn't train a person to use their mind as a productive tool at all, it just uses the mind as a dysfunctional empty bucket to hold irrelevant information."

Posted by celiaherrera12




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1:03:39 PM EST

I almost felt obligated to jump on the bandwagon with the hype over 'Dreamgirls.' I have the utmost respect for these legendary women in entertainment, and of course the behind-the-scenes people who paved the way for the rest. But at the end of the day the movie just didn't do it for me.

I don't think the 13-year-olds in the house realized what they were in for either when they spent their hard earned $6.50 on tickets. The "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from the audience quickly turned to grunts and sighs as the film revealed itself as a musical.

It's unfortunate that the dialogue wasn't worked in more tactfully. There was one point where I'm sure there were 10 extremely loooong songs back-to-back.

Don't get me wrong... the acting was superb. Jamie Foxx plays Curtis Taylor Jr., the lowdown sleazy manager and love interest to Deena Jones, played by Ms. Beyoncé Knowles. Eddie Murphy got another chance to shamelessly rock his skin tight pants and half-buttoned shirt as James 'Thunder' Early. And Jennifer Hudson belted out some of the most soulful sounds the music industry has heard since the glory days of Motown, no kidding.

But again, the movie just didn't do it for me.

There is really only one scene that I can remember clear as day, strictly for the irony. Deena Jones is reminding Curtis Taylor Jr. that his forte is music... not movies. It just doesn't get any better than this folks.It's almost as if she was talking to every rapper/singer gone actor, and every actor gone rapper/singer.

Truth be told, this one is for die-hard musical fans, or young bucks who just don't know any better.

More on 'Dreamgirls'

Check out BV's Dreamgirls Photo Gallery

The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
Before you head to the theaters to see 'Dreamgirls,' watch what Beyoncé and Jamie Foxx had to say about working together on such a legendary project. Beyoncé stars as R&B singer Deena Jones, and Foxx as her ruthless manager/love interest Curtis Taylor Jr.

BV Entertainment Newswire
BEYONCE: Her "Freak Um Dress" Never Fails Her

Posted by celiaherrera12

 

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11:11:19 AM EST

In 1970, Marshall University was crippled when a plane carrying 75 members of its football team, family and fans crashed en route home from a game on the road. For the past 36 years the community of Huntington, West Virginia has worn the scars of this tragedy. 'We Are Marshall' celebrates the road to recovery for the entire town as they struggle to salvage MU’s football program in memory of their fallen friends.

Now, I'm not one to cry in the theater but I definitely had a worst-case scenario going here -- 'Marshall' was a serious tearjerker, and all I had to wipe my face with was a stack of painfully stiff napkins -- so you can imagine the hot mess I looked emerging from a dark theater.

Acting was stellar all the way through (Matthew McConaughey in his usual charmingly goofy routine), but Anthony Mackie really stole the show. Mackie plays Nate Ruffin, MU's talented free safety and the team’s co-captain. Previously a football player (coincidentally, Mackie was also a free safety in his glory days on the field), Mackie was right at home working his talent both on and off camera.

In preparation for his role, Mackie had a chance to connect face-to-face with the Ruffin family. Mackie and company ended up playing a game of Spades for hours as they shared their memories of the real Nate Ruffin. In an exclusive interview with Miki Turner, Mackie talks about his experience on the set of 'Marshall,' his connection with the Ruffin family, and his guilty pleasure in reliving the fashion of the 70's.

Watch the interview here.

Sadly, though Nate Ruffin was one of only four MU players who narrowly missed the disastrous flight, he passed away in 2001 from cancer. In his will, Ruffin wrote a last wish to be buried alongside his old teammates -- six MU players who were burned so badly in the plane crash that they could not be identified.

If you don’t want to be stuck in my predicament when you head out this weekend to check out 'Marshall,' take a hefty pack of Puffs with you. The good kind... with lotion.

Who's the best man on the playing field?
Watch the debate in Watch Miki Turner’s one on one with Anthony Mackie

AOL MovieFone: 'We Are Marshall unScripted
It's Matt on Matt as McConaughey and Fox interview each other

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4:09:13 PM EST

Ok, honestly? On the music tip -- I can do without Big Willie's albums in my collection (with the exception of 'Homebase' for the classic 'Summertime' track of course), but my movie collection wouldn't be complete without Will Smith's gifted acting talent. By now, we know what to expect from Smith. After his award-nominated work in 'Ali,' his charismatic charm in 'Hitch,' and slapstick comedy in 'Bad Boys,' Smith has been doing his thing on film for years.

Now it's little man's turn. Jaden Smith is the first of the three Smith kids to join daddy on the credit roll and the 11-year-old proves that he can hold his own on the big screen. So is the smallest guy on the set already giving daddy some acting advice? Watch Miki Turner's exclusive BV interview with Smith as he shares his experience working on 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'

In a recent More Than Words podcast with BV's Ken Gibbs Jr., the real Chris Gardner opened up about the painful process of revisiting the harsh realities of his past in the book, and now the blockbuster version of his life story.

"What I found out, is when you take the lid," Gardner reflects, "first of all like a lot of us, I had conveniently put a lot of things in these little boxes in my head. They all had the same sign on them saying 'DO NOT DISTURB.' What I found out is when I took the lid off of one, it was connected to another, another, and another. It was very painful, but at the same time, very liberating."

Liberation. Now that’s, a real 'happyness' ending.

Listen to the real Chris Gardner: broker, philanthropist, and now, author of the book and foundation for the movie, 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'

More Than Words - Chris Gardner, 'The Pursuit of Happyness'
 Part 1

More Than Words - 'The Pursuit of Happyness' is "The Book of Us"
 Part 2

Who doesn't love a good success story? Check out the triumphs of these individuals, and feel free to share your own experiences with the BV community.  

Farrah Gray, Born and raised in the projects on Chicago's south side...
At six years old Farrah Gray set out selling home-made lotion and hand painted rocks door-to-door. By seven he was a self-proclaimed 21st Century CEO. At eight he co-founded U.N.E.E.C – Urban Neighborhood Economic Enterprise. Now, Gray is 21 years old, and the youngest person to have an office on Wall Street. An accomplished author, entrepreneur, and non-profit organizer, Gray's life the true story of a Reallionaire.

Julie Dash, Born and raised in New York City just before the Civil Rights Movement...
Julie Dash was born during a time that was pivotal for Africans and African Americans alike. With a fight for independence ensuing in Africa, and the Civil Rights Movement approaching its dawn in the 1950's, Julie Dash came into this world to meet her challenge: becoming a landmark African American woman filmmaker, during the first stages of a tumultuous era. A pioneer in film and entertainment, Dash paved the way for independent film, African Diaspora, and women of all cultures.

De'Ron Smith, He had it all, lost it all, and somehow found the strength to get it back...
De'Ron Smith had everything a humble man could ask for - a wife, child, and growing career in the military. But a few bad decisions sent his life into a tailspin and Smith found himself on a long path to recovery from the strife of drug addiction, and the painful past of his childhood. Overcoming his own demons, Smith prevailed over the struggle. Now as a youth leader, church organizer and inspirational speaker, De'Ron Smith has shared his story in his autobiographical book, 'Innocence of a Child.'

Posted by celiaherrera12

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5:04:33 PM EST

I'm sorry to say that action-packed Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson didn't have much to do in his role as Jamal Atkins in 'Home of the Brave.'

Apparently when the filming in Spokane began, 50 had even less a role but director Irwin Walker added several scenes for his character. In one scene, Atkins is arguing with a worker at a VA Hospital - and even that wasn't scripted. "There was no dialogue for that scene. I just was in character, and I just went off on him," states 50.

In all fairness, even though he didn't have much screen time, 50 Cent managed to get a few laughs from his comic scenes in group therapy - and of course it just wouldn't be 50 without a dramatic end to it all. It's Atkins vs. the Spokane police when Jamal meets his fate.

After a scheduled performance in Iraq, 50 Cent came away with a renewed perspective. "Your spirit," he said, "changes with that much death around you."

This is exactly what Samuel L. Jackson's character Dr. Will Marsh is experiencing after returning home from the war. Jackson's performance was atypically quiet and reserved, but he had no trouble conveying what it was like coming home after witnessing dismembered bodies ship in by the dozens, and amputating limbs on fellow soldiers. "I think it's time to sort of put a face on what's going on and the reality of it all," said Jackson of the film. Depression and alcoholism begins to destroy Dr. Marsh. Through Jackson's emotional performance we are given a glimpse into the reality of many real life war stories.

The movie doesn't have to delve too deep into the post-traumatic psychology of war, which I can actually appreciate. Too often, movies attempt to analyze far too complex a situation for a feature length film. Critics would argue that summing up the struggles of tens of thousands of soldiers in such a simple manner is unjust - but I think the message is clear - reestablishing the daily routine of Starbucks latt‚'s and a nine to five job is a painful struggle for soldiers who have experienced the horrors of war.

While 'Home of the Brave' isn't exactly getting rave reviews, I think the more relevant point to visit is the fact that Iraq is turning into Hollywood's new playground. At what point do we say ENOUGH? The country is in ruins, and millions of people are suffering from international and civil turmoil while Hollywood capitalizes. The only difference for them is that they are home.

Posted by celiaherrera12

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3:17:15 PM EST
Feeling Quiet

The illicit diamond industry has fueled corruption, greed and war across the continent of Africa for far too long. Any success in interrupting the flow of death and destruction should be hailed as nothing less than a miracle.

In a recent BV interview, Djimon Hounsou shares his experience in filming 'Blood Diamond,' and how his role as Solomon Vandy speaks to the struggles of many Africans today.

"The thing that was so beautiful in 'Blood Diamond' is that it also envelopes so many other issues ...child soldiers ...the displacement of millions of people throughout neighboring countries." Hounsou, originally from a small village in the West African nation of Benin, relocated to France to pursue education, and later to the U.S. to pursue his career in entertainment.

"The level of corruption throughout the continent [of Africa] is unbelievable," says Hounsou with a somber sigh. He compares his role in 'Diamond' to his work in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film, 'Amistad' stating, "The civil war, and this exact story took place in Sierra Leone."

Hoping that the spread of 'Diamond' will challenge the integrity of the diamond industry, Hounsou believes that the impact of an American film could easily ignite change. "The awareness can really drive people to demand more of these diamond companies, certainly in the West, to really do what is right. To this day I have yet to see where the benefit [of mining diamonds] is for those countries in Africa, and certainly the African people."

"We know that when some of those businesses settled somewhere in the West here, the better the infrastructure is in those places," states Hounsou. "Why is it they can't do that in Africa?"

Though it would appear that playing his role in 'Blood Diamond' required an insurmountable burst of emotional energy, Hounsou's relation to his country's pain was, sadly, effortless. "I didn't have to struggle to get connected for those scenes."

Posted by celiaherrera00

More on 'Blood Diamond'

BV Exclusive Interview:  Djimon Hounsou

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12:52:52 PM EST
Feeling Chillin'

"After what I experienced with The Passion [of the Christ], I frankly don't give a flying..."

Obviously Mel Gibson didn't care much for the disparaging reaction from movie critics before the release of 'Passion of the Christ.' But these same critics are singing a different tune for Apocalypto after the success of his first subtitled biblical epic that bankrolled more than a billion bucks in ticket sales. There's no doubt that this guy is a great movie director and has become Hollywood's newest visionary. A billion bucks says so.

"The fear mongering we depict in this film reminds me a little of President Bush and his guys," says Gibson of his new action epic. The "fear mongering" that Gibson is referring to relates to the Mayan empire's conviction that human sacrifice will satisfy the thirst of the Gods and save their dying agricultural crops.

Extreme? Yes. Unfathomable? No. The Holy Bible and many other religious texts are filled with stories of animal and human sacrifice as a means to please the powers that be. But let's face it, even without recreating the story of Jesus Christ and depicting the barbaric practice of human sacrifice, Mel Gibson has been the ongoing centerpiece of Hollywood talk.

After his DUI arrest this past summer (where Gibson rambled off some anti-Semitic remarks to arresting officers) Gibson shares sympathy with Seinfeld star Michael Richards. "I feel really badly for the guy. He was obviously in a state of stress. You don't need to be inebriated to be bent out of shape," said Gibson of Richards' racist rant at the Laugh Factory.

With the release of Apocalypto nationwide, the question is whether his recent remarks will affect opening weekend box office sales.

Personal conduct aside I'll give credit to Gibson for filming another movie in native dialect and casting actors that are indigenous Mayans. I'm reminded of all the movies that miserably failed at maintaining cultural identity: 'The Mexican,' starring Brad Pitt, 'The Last Samurai,' starring Tom Cruise - and my all time (fictional) favorite: 'The Last Black Man on Earth,' starring Tom Hanks. Paul Mooney was dead on with that one!

While the story line was true to any action epic -- love, war, and heartwarming triumph -- the movie didn't touch on the highly debated subject that arises from the Mayan calendar: What will happen on October 21, 2012?

According to the Mayan calendar on this date the winter solstice sun will align itself with the 'black hole' in the Milky Way. Many theorists translate this prophecy as a fiery end for planet Earth. Again, religions worldwide have predicted similar apocalyptic endings, but we are talking about one of the most accurate calendars known to modern day science. It has never, NEVER faltered.

As our Entertainment Newswire guru Karu Daniels would say:

Ummmmmmmmmm...

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3:19:33 AM EST
Feeling Worried

There are over 1 million people living with HIV in the U.S.

In a country where access to prevention, education and treatment is readily available - this is ridiculous. Fortunately, over the last decade or more, the HIV and AIDS community has garnered a huge amount of support via Hollywood, and we all know that when Hollywood talks, America listens. With movies that share the message, emotion, and impacts of the disease, HIV and AIDS education has secured its place in mainstream Edutainment.

While the faces of HIV and AIDS reach far and wide, there is undoubtedly a dominant profile, and after directing the new film '3 Needles,' Thom Fitzgerald believes that the primary target has already been narrowed down. "There is no one face," said Fitzgerald of the overall infected population in a recent BV interview, "but if you want to reduce all the people with AIDS to one face, it would be female, and young, and poor." (Read the full interview here)

A true tragedy that even Hollywood can't put enough makeup on to keep sexy during the fight scenes.

Now, while I would like all of us to take some time out of our day to show our support and contribute towards the transformation of this epidemic, there is only one thing I will urge you (yes, you) to do. Go... go... GO GET TESTED.

TOP 10 HIV/AIDS MOVIES

	Rent (2005) 'Rent' tells the story of a year in the life of a group of young bohemians in East Village New York. Omnipresent throughout the film, issues of homosexuality and HIV/AIDS take firm root in this musical-gone-big-screen movie. Actors like Taye Diggs and Rosario Dawson bring this adaptation of the award-winning Broadway play to life.
	Dear Francis (2005) According to the United Nations, the African kingdom of Swaziland has the worlds' highest HIV infection rate, with nearly 40% of its adult population infected with the virus. The stories of two strangers unfold as 'Dear Francis' sheds light on the shadows of a spreading epidemic that is on the verge of wiping out an entire civilization.
	Angels in America (2003) The TV mini-series 'Angels in America' takes place in 1985 during the Reagan administration. This mini-series takes a close look at the prevalent HIV and AIDS issues of the time, while religion and politics inevitably work their way into the script.
	Before Night Falls (2000) Reinaldo Arenas was a Cuban poet, rebel and novelist. The type of rebel to masquerade his homosexuality just to spite his Cuban government, Arenas was out for revenge by any means necessary. 'Before Night Falls' highlights the struggles and triumphs of this modern-day activist.
(image unavailable)	One Week (2000) If you have ever taken an HIV test, you know just how easily the following seven days can put you into an emotional downward spiral. In 'One Week,' a soon-to-be groom who has reason to believe he may be infected has the week of his life waiting on his HIV test results.
(image unavailable)	Chocolate Babies (1997) Stephen Winters 'Chocolate Babies' digs deep into the world of HIV and AIDS activism, guerilla style! An unconventional team of activists take on the grueling challenge of giving a voice to the HIV and AIDS issues in their own New York City neighborhood. Two drag queens, an HIV-positive man and his HIV-positive sister come together to fight for what they believe, all the meanwhile battling their own personal struggles.
	Boys on the Side (1995) 'Boys on the Side' is the story of three unlikely friends who end up on the road in search of a break from reality. Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker and Drew Barrymore share the screen to depict the life of three women who find both comfort and unease in each other's company while dealing with friendship, sexuality, and AIDS.
	Philadelphia (1993) Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a gay lawyer infected with AIDS who is fired from his high-powered law firm when his colleagues realize the truth about his lifestyle and condition. Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a mid-level injury lawyer is forced to deal with his own phobias and prejudice when he decides to help Beckett sue his ex-firm. 'Philadelphia' was released during the height of societal prejudice in the homosexual and HIV and AIDS community, and serves as a reminder that we have come a long way.
	And the Band Played On (1993) This compelling HBO TV movie explores the discovery of the AIDS virus from the late 1970's, through its clinical development in the early 80's. The end proves to be the highlight of the film, which graciously acknowledges some of the great legends and icons we have lost to the HIV and AIDS virus.
	Longtime Companion (1990) We watch as a small group of friends becomes even smaller, faces fading as one by one the HIV/AIDS virus claims their lives. 'Longtime Companion,' the title, refers to a time when the New York Times refused to refer to homosexual partners as anything other than... "longtime companions" of the deceased.

Posted by celiaherrera00

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6:16:34 PM EST

The phrase "déjà vu," translated in French as "already seen," refers to the illusion of having seen or experienced a situation before. My guess is that the majority of us have had at least one experience of déjà vu.

Denzel Washington's career has been somewhat of a déjà vu in itself -- adding his new role as ATF Agent Doug Carlin to an ongoing list of government and law enforcement personalities: Police Detective Keith Frazier in 'Inside Man,' US Army Captain Ben Marco in 'The Manchurian Candidate,' ex-CIA Operative John Creasy in 'Man on Fire,' Florida Police Chief Matt Lee Whitlock in 'Out of Time,' Navy Dr. Jerome Davenport in 'Antwone Fischer'...

Despite his recurring roles, Washington has been on my top ten list of actors for years -- and his performance in 'Déjà Vu' has undoubtedly renewed my faith in his talent. Though his intensely emotional facial expressions were ready for action (yeah, you know that infamous raised eyebrow that I'm talking about), Washington really broke free from his typical somber routine with some well deserved humor à la carte. The laughter in the audience confirmed an unspoken agreement -- after knocking out some teary-eyed performances, Washington has rehabilitated his humor with this role.

Washington's confrére Paula Patton plays Claire Kuchever, the missing link in Officer Carlin's investigation. Patton is gorgeous -- seriously, how many actresses can pull off natural beauty as a burned murder victim on an autopsy table? And alongside Patton, Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg, Elden Hensen and Erika Alexander dish out some great supporting roles.

While the rest of Hollywood has dominated the big screen this Fall with supernatural phenomena du jour ('Saw III,' 'The Grudge 2'), 'Déjà Vu' visits the obscure space between fact and fiction; the mysterious realm of time travel and its effect on the human psyche.

But while 'Déjà Vu' opens our minds to the possibility of reshaping time and space, it largely sidesteps the reality of our current surroundings. Filmed in a post-Katrina New Orleans, I expected 'Déjà Vu' to paint a clearer picture of the stagnant rebuilding efforts in the Big Easy. To my surprise Katrina secured only a short mention in dialogue and a brief shot of a neighborhood mangled by the storm, still untouched.

Could Director Tony Scott have used 'Déjà Vu' as a reminder to the public that New Orleans is still feeling the effects of the storm more than a year later? My answer is yes -- could have, should have, but didn't. And as the French saying goes, C'est la vie.

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Seen it? Rate 'Déjà Vu'!

More on ‘Déjà Vu’:

'Deja Vu': Denzel All Over Again by Miki Turner

Even when you know exactly what prize is behind Door No. 1, you never really know what to expect…

Read More

 

Denzel Washington’s Career Gallery on BV
Check Out The Gallery!

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4:01:22 PM EST
Hearing Don't Put Down Your Flag (M1/Dead Prez)

A good film festival is a source of inspiration.

 

Inspiration to join HUD protest lines.

 

Inspiration to join educators in altering the face of public education.

 

Inspiration to cut your credit cards into tiles for your child’s next mosaic project.

 

This, my friends, sums up the 29th Annual Starz Denver Film Festival.

 

Each year, Starz Denver brings the limelight to groundbreaking filmmakers, and successfully bridges the gap between shoestring budgets and established production studios. Starz turned the spotlight on Canadian filmmakers this year; inviting directors like Allan King and Erik Canuel to share their latest works.

 

Though the film fest didn’t have a huge draw on celebrity appearances, ‘Catch A Fire’ star Tim Robbins showed face to accept the John Cassavetes Award, highlighting his extensive career both as an actor and director. “I’ve been real lucky to do all kinds of parts, and it’s been a real active choice from the beginning,” said Robbins of his career in a recent Denver Post interview.

 

Defining moments of the festival so far include Matt Tauber’s ‘The Architect,’ ‘Blackboard Jungle’ starring Sidney Poitier, and Danny Schechter’s latest project ‘In Debt We Trust: America Before the Bubble Bursts.’

 

Though ‘The Architect’ was based on the story of a Chicago housing project, the film’s director Matt Tauber opted to shoot this ghetto saga in the Bronx -- and it’s no surprise that his fire was returned. “We were filming in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods,” Tauber told BV during a brief Q&A. “People were throwing things at us from the rooftops – bottles, CD cases – and one night when we were on our way out, we were actually shot at.” This incident may not qualify Tauber to join 50 Cent’s entourage, but it is admirable that ‘The Architect’ sheds light on the poor design -- structurally and environmentally -- of America’s housing projects.

 

‘Blackboard Jungle,’ the 1950’s high school drama starring Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier served as a reminder that pop music didn’t always have its place in film. Rock n’ roll was on the rise, and ‘Blackboard Jungle’ pioneered what would soon become the standard for a permanent union between film and music. Unfortunately, an equally present union between school and violence seems to have followed suit.

 

I’m handing the Celia’s Choice Award to 'In Debt We Trust: America Before the Bubble Bursts,' a documentary by Danny Schechter (director of the award-winning 'WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception'). Schechter does an outstanding job of uncovering the ongoing corporate criminal activity behind the scenes of the credit industry. Virtually everyone I know is up to their eyeballs in debt (I admit, I'm just over the kneecaps) but after witnessing the obvious deception, I'm ready to chop away at my own plastic.

 

Even with the financial lingo tossed around by experts and politicians, Schechter manages to draw a clear picture of the real impacts of America's play money. Honing in on the dysfunctional, and often uncontrollable spending habits of the average American consumer, ‘In Debt We Trust’ reveals that our national debt is destined to be our economy’s demise.

 

The PlayStation 3 madness is a perfect example of the consumer spending disorder. Hordes of people lined up and camped out to get their hands on the new video game console last week. Ending in robberies, injuries, and drive-by BB gun shootings, the release of PlayStation 3 serves as an all-time low in consumer greed and lunacy.

 

I wasn't able to check out Sunday’s film lineup, but saw a few shiners on the bill including ‘EMPz 4 Life,’ a look at the experiences of a young Guyana native in Toronto, ‘Rock the Bells,’ an interesting feat in producing a historical Wu-Tang Clan performance, and ‘Rain in a Dry Land,’ which closely follows the trials of two families who are forced to relocate after being caught up in Somalia’s Civil War.

 

Really, it’s the indie film scene that allows us room to breath; not necessarily room to breath easy, but rather room to breath deeply... to take in all that is wrong with the world, in hopes that it will make a little more sense on its way out.

 

“Knowing my condition is the reason I must change.” ~ Lauryn Hill

 

Posted by celiaherrera00

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