MOVIE REVIEW: Get On Up: The James Brown Story

"I love when a movie explains the WHY of someone."-Viola Davis on Get On Up

I just got back a few hours ago from seeing Get On Up, the story of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. I heard that this movie was in production a long while ago, and have been excited every since, watching interviews, sneak peeks and trailers as often as I could.
I saw it at 9:30 in the morning, because I really do hate opening weekend crowds, so I try to go when it'll be less crowded and less crazy. The movie theater was still pretty full, but quiet and still thank God, as we all watched and were mesmerized as Mr. Brown's life shined across the screen, thanks to Chadwick Boseman.

I LOVE Chad, and have for quite some time, even before 42 (the Jackie Robinson Story) came out. It hit me when I finally got the chance to see it that I had seen him before... in Lincoln Heights, which was big on ABC Family from 2007-2009. Even then, as he played a soldier suffering from PTSD who was also the son of the main character towards the end, I noticed his talent...and his good looks, of course (*smiles*)! But mostly his talent, I promise!

MOVIE REVIEW: The Help

The leading ladies of The Help, Emma Stone, Viola
Davis, and Octavia Spencer grace the cover of
Entertainment Weekly

I went to the movies last night impromptu with the rest of the fam, like a family night, which is weird because we don't go to movies during the week much. My dad really wanted to go see Planet of the Apes, but I said, "Forget that. If I'm going to the movies, I'm going to see The Help." And that I did. Parents went to go see the monkeys attacking people, and I prepared myself for a to hide tears from my little sister, who I knew would probably laugh at me. 

I wrote yesterday on the LA premiere and showed the official trailer for the movie. For those who missed it, here's my mini spiel again. The book that the movie is based on was written in 2009 by Kathryn Stockett. It's the story of college grad Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone) who starts up a secret writing project with maids Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) on their experiences working as maids for whites in Jackson, Mississippi. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a snooty white woman named Hilly Holbrook, who you just want to slap upside the head a good amount of the time. The ladies' book, involving several other maids around Jackson, becomes published and really makes a stir around town! The book & movie take place in the early 1960s, when segregation was high, and the fight for civil rights had really just begun.

*Sigh* Can I say that the book captured my heart, and the movie did too. I even spoke with a few women who had read the book as well, and we agreed that the cast did an amazing job! And as I figured, by the end of the film, I was in full-on tears. My sister was looking at me like I was crazy. I had to write my feelings out on it. Now, don't worry for those of you who haven't seen it, it's not a full recap! No spoilers here, PROMISE! Well, maybe minor details, but that's just so you can remotely keep up with me. Nothing major, though. It's just me getting my emotions out. May not be perfectly written, and long, because I write too much. But sometimes, I just have to write. With no limits, no cares. Writers know how I feel.

Read my take after the jump!

The Help LA Premiere + Trailer (Video)

Today is the opening day for the movie The Help, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Octavia Spencer. For those of you who don't know the plot, here it is quickly. The story follows fresh college grad Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone) as she enters into a secret writing project with maids Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) on their experiences working as maids for whites in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 60s. Bryce Dallas Howard plays, Hilly Holbrook, one of the white women who has the craziest drama with Minny (can't say much, but those who read the book know what I mean haha)! I finished reading the book that the movie is based on by Kathryn Stockett Monday. I went through 500 PAGES in less than a week. The book was that good. And with the talent of this cast, I expect the movie to be good as well. Definitely see the film, and read the book too! Check out the LA premiere of the movie and watch the trailer after the jump!