Eddie Murphy as Richard Pryor in Biopic

It is being reported that Eddie Murphy has signed on to portray late comedian Richard Pryor in a film about his life. Oscar- winning director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) is set to direct the film. Pryor's career highs and lows, including his well-publicized battles with alcohol and drug addiction and his struggle with multiple sclerosis, will all be addressed in the film. Condon is eyeing a summer 2010 release of the film. The project was reportedly turned down by the Fox Searchlight Pictures, but given the greenlight by The Weinstein Company. Murphy previously starred with Pryor in the film " Harlem Nights".

By: Kadeem Lundy

Madea Goes To Jail Movie Review

Madea is back and stirring up trouble in Tyler Perry's new film " Madea Goes To Jail". The film which was released by Lionsgate films on February 20th, and took in over $41 million over it's opening weekend follows Tyler's beloved character Madea as she is finally sentenced to serve time in prison for her numerous crimes over the years. The film is based on Tyler's 2006 play of the same name.

(Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate Films)

However besides the storyline about Madea finally being sent to prison another storyline takes place in the film at the same time, in which the two stories combine. Candice, played by Keisha Knight Pulliam is a prostitute on the streets of Atlanta, and when she is arrested she comes into contact with a former friend Joshua, played by Derek Luke who is now a successful lawyer and tries everything in his power to help Candice, but she still winds up serving time in prison where she befriends Madea who protects her as well as gives her wisdom to help turn her life around.

Eventhough the film is loosely based on the play it is very different from the play the only central element that remains from the play is the idea of Madea being put in jail. Also Madea's storyline is not the central plot of the film as with all other films in which Madea appears,in terms of the movie focusing on the relationship between Candice and Joshua. Instead Madea serves to bring comedy, as well as motherly wisdom to the dramatic elements of the film, hence the film switches at times from being pure comedy to pure drama. However a few of the characters in the film are very one sided like the villian Joshua's fiancee Laura who tries everything in her power to separate Candice and Joshua, and put Candice in jail forever. Likewise Candice is portrayed as someone who has been a victim all her life, so the film has us cheering for her to finally find peace and happiness while wanting the villain to be exposed and brought to justice.

There are numerous cameos by notable celebrities in the film such as Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, and Sherri Shepherd, just to name a few. Television judges Greg Mathis and Mablean Ephriam make appearances as judges who try to put Madea in prison. Dr. Phil McGraw makes a notable, but yet funny appearance in a scene where he argues with Madea about getting her to explain why she acts the way she does.

I had the chance to interview a few celebrities at the New York premiere of the film, one being Naturi Naughton who recently portrayed Lil Kim in "Notorious". I asked her what impact does she feel Tyler's films have on the African American culture, and why does she feel Tyler's films are so successful and she stated, " He has a huge impact, he touches on issues that we can all relate to." I also asked Tyler himself what message would he like the viewers to receive from this film and he said, " Forgiveness; learning how to forgive yourself and others".
After viewing the film I feel that Tyler does get his message across of trying to forgive others and moving on with one's life. I also liked the fact that he adds the comedy element into the film, which makes the film worth watching. My only criticism would be that I would have liked to have seen more scenes with Madea, but I highly recommend this film which will definitely have the audience rolling of laughter.
4 stars.

By: Kadeem Lundy

Madea Goes To Jail NYC Red Carpet Premiere

On the night of February 18th, 2009 Lionsgate Films rolled out the red carpet at New York’s own AMC Lincoln Square Theater for the premiere of Tyler Perry’s new film “Madea Goes To Jail”. Besides the film’s cast which includes Perry, Keisha Knight Pulliam and Derek Luke in the lead roles; many well known celebrities such as Mary J. Blige, Ray J, Monica, and newcomer Naturi Naughton(who recently gave a breakthrough performance as Lil Kim in “Notorious“) all made appearances at the premiere.
In this latest Madea film in the series; Madea is finally sent away to serve hard time in jail after running from the police for many years and a high speed car chase through Atlanta. While at the same time Candy, who is a prostitute gets sent to jail as well where she befriends Madea, and is inspired by Madea’s wisdom and mentorship to help turn her life around, and make a change. The film is based on Tyler Perry’s 2006 play of the same name. Judge Greg Mathis, Dr. Phil McGraw, and Judge Mablean Ephriam all make cameo appearances in the film.
When I asked singer/actress Naturi Naughton what does she believe is the impact that Tyler Perry’s films has on the African American community, she simply said, “ He(Tyler) has made a huge impact on the African American community; he touches on so many issues that we can relate to.” I also asked Tyler himself what message would he like the viewers to receive from this particular Madea film and he stated, “ Forgiveness; learning how to forgive yourself and others.”

By: Kadeem Lundy

Friday The 13th Movie Review

The hockey mask wearing serial killer Jason Voorchies is back in the latest Friday the 13th film. However this is not just another installment in the Friday the 13tth film series but a complete reworking of the storyline. The film keeps many elements of the original series, while at the same time being surprising and scary. Everyone who is familiar with the original Friday the 13th film series already knows the basic storyline, deformed boy drowns, his mother goes crazy and becomes a murderer and is ultimately killed, boy returns from the dead and seeks revenge on all camp counselors. But this new film gives a bit of a twist that the original film never hinted on which was what if Jason had never been dead in the first place.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. pictures)

In the new version of Friday the 13th Jason is introduced as a character in a myth, a story that was thought to be created to scare camp counselors. However that myth seems to be more real than they expected when the character comes to life and wreaks havoc so to speak, as Jason begins killing them off one by one. Then some time passes and another group of intruders roam along Jason's territory Camp Crystal Lake, and are murdered one by one as one of the intruders searches for his missing sister, where she was last spotted.The film lets the viewer see how Jason becomes Jason, and gives us some clues about how he was able to survive. From what drove Jason to become a serial killer to how Jason lived to why he started wearing his trademark mask are all explained to some degree in the film. The film becomes one of revenge, and protecting what one feels is rightfully theres, and trying to unlock the clues of the unknown. However like the orignal film series Jason never says a word and remains the silent monster stalking his victims. also in this film Jason does not just kill his victims with his trademark machete but uses other methods and weapons to accomplish his task.

I must mention this is not a remake of the original remake. As everyone may already be aware in the original Friday the 13th film Jason Voorchies was not the killer, his mother was and in fact, Jason appeared as a figment of the main character's imagination. The character of Jason wasn't introduced until the second film, and did not wear his trademark hockey mask until the third film in the Friday the 13th series. What this film does is combine the sequence of the first four films, and adds it's own spin.

I would highly recommend this film, especiallyto anyone who was a fan of the original Friday the 13th series. Not only does it have plenty of suspense, and fear factor, but it gives all the characters personality especially Jason who in the original film was sort of like a mindless beast. In this film Jason uses clever tactics, and traps to get his victims. Bottom line you mess with Jason you better watch out.

By Kadeem Lundy

Upcoming Events

LL Cool J Concert at the Nokia Theater in Times Square- Thursday February 19, 2009 @ 9 PM
Ne-Yo with special guests Jazmine Sullivan & Musiq Soulchild at Radio City Music Hall
Friday February 20, 2009 @ 7 PM

Friday The 13th NYC Premiere

I recently attended the New York City premiere of the film "Friday the 13th" which is a remake of the 1980's classic horror movie series. The film which is being officially released on February 13, 2009, had the pre-screening at the AMC Empire 25 Theater in Times Square. The film's producers as well as the actors who portrayed the two main characters Derek Mears (Jason Voorchies) and Jared Padalecki ( Clay) were in attendance. After everyone was seated the producer's as well as the actors in the film introduced the film to the audience.

(Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros/ NYC Comic Con)