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Burden (2018)
Redemption Song
I tip my hat to team #Usher. The dedication of those responsible for connecting the Co star with this role, especially with his recent fall -from-grace, in my opinion has been signed- sealed -and delivered! As the supporting actor to legendary and highly esteemed Forest Whitaker, in his portrayal of Rev. Kennedy- a real life persona whom held strong convictions against his local klans party acts of hatred despite the immediate effects and potentially long termed 'backlash' from both the black and white community, family members (son), and other klansmen after adopted son to grand-wizard Mike Burden decides to leave his KKK roots behind. Mike's turn around is fueled by love, and like other films I've reviewed, it's the stories about forgiveness, triumph, and persistence that are most powerful amongst today's attractive audiences. Ushers Clarence plays an important role and is very powerful in the storytelling. This character's purpose is intended to pose a very serious question and analyze others . During the fight scene between the Bullish head-strong site leader and Mike, the newly freed klansmen, played by Garrett Hedlund and Co Star 'Usher' as Clarence, was freakishly realistic and sparks my curiosity to discover the real Clarence Brooks. After Mike comes out -of -pocket, he gets fired and kicked off the jobsite for using the N -word and without any regard summons for his friend 'Clarence' to come join him , which he bravely replies, but In that moment, Usher's character challenges the audience to think about the way we respond . But the nerves of Mike to try offloading his Burdens right, yet Usher diligently justifies his buddies behavior in his performance alongside Forest Whitaker during his depiction of south carolina Rev. Kennedy which was a well executed visceral moment -Quote: ("that boy just says whatever, I don't even think he knows what he's saying sometimes".) Again, instantly, this scene forces us to think whether we have friends like Mike, maybe not a former KKK member ,living in the back Hills of Carolina, but with other faults of their own? The filmmaker also shows us the complexities of friendships and relationships depending on where you are in life, especially in this instance but most importantly relationships get tested and we have to decide who we are and who we aren't. Basically love conquers all, that's the morale of the story.. cliche but true. This is certainly Usher's redemption song, within itself, which speaks to a diverse enough group of people rich or poor/ black and white. I read a quote recently that said "Those who mind shouldn't matter and those who matter will never mind". Pretty amazing huh! I highly recommend this film.
Moonlight (2016)
Compassion Project- Think Before You Act/ Speak
In honor of the 49 victims we're remembering lost during the Orlando pulse nightclub attack, I dedicate this review to those women and men, their families, and friends. Kudos to the writers and everyone else involved In this story about courage, time, betrayal, acceptance and forgiveness. This project is a masterpiece. The author's ability to take us through a sequence of events that carry out to tell this story In a way that challenges understanding and seeks empathy in a mirrored - non judgemental manner. The tough topics presented vary from jealousy, drug dealing & abuse, bullying, single- parenting, image, poverty, male rights of passage, sexuality/ manhood, fatherhood, motherhood, and some cultural education -which either will give voice to the voiceless or convict those willing to surrender to change. The fact that we usually see the consequences of another person's actions without giving credit to the cause well this film accomplishes that. I'm happy to have discovered and learned.
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
1am watch from my beautiful hotel room @ the (Courtyard Marriott Vista Centre Orlando)
This is such a sweet 'ole fashioned' honest story about Hope, Love, and Trust. It felt like a distant lover who runs rampant through your mind just before bed and the first thing you ponder when you wake. The Screenwriter and Director are brilliant to have woven such quieted realistic elements into this timeless plot twist about two very different individuals commitmented to each other's journey to the other side. It's what I'd imagine most people to undergo when they leave their norms, whatever that is, in search of something better. It's the in between status. It where the support from others really count. Also, it's where courage meets faith and rule breaks become critically necessary to create defining moments for pushing forward. This film obviously touches on so many other ethical issues, that have persisted for decades, but the humanity revealed in the main characters, their need to uncover the truth, while admitting to each's own, was done gracefully- in this bravo performance! I highly recommend.
Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy (2017)
Think and Grow Rich Workshop
I had the honor of attending this year's annual Orlando International Film Festival
sponsored by JD3TV and Leigh Simons production -where I watched the film and met special guest business entrepreneur and speaker, John Chin and James Dentley, and it was fabulous. The film touches on groundbreaking truth about many of history's failed successes from a business perspective and personal development. I highly suggest tandem workshops centered around this film to whomever decides to invest their time. Although, I've never read the book itself, I don't look at the movie as an easy alternative. The visuals are really good. The diversity of stories and people is far more accurate and less evading than a book. I highly recommend this watch.