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KLEOPATRA GIRL'S RINGSIDE REPORT: Divine Intervention Film Premiere @ Laemmle Music Hall 3 - Review

'Divine Intervention': A Bullz Eye Production – Van Elder film

By Eugenia Wright a/k/a Kleopatra Girl

(December 4, 2007)

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"Yes, Babu, there was a lot of whoopin' and hollering and it wasn't because of the Holy Ghost!"

Divine Intervention is a refreshing film about young Black love. At the premiere screening held at The Laemmle's Music Hall 3 Theatre in Beverly Hills, there was a small crowd and no more than two or three photographers on the red carpet.

But the film, which made a quiet non-descript entry among the week's blockbusters, that included Beowulf, was hugely popular with its predominantly African-American audience and generally well received.

Filmed in South Central, it's the story of a young preacher that comes to the neighborhood church subbing for the reigning Pastor who is on-leave due to illness.

This same pastor, happens to be the father of a beautiful daughter in her mid-twenties. The love relationship that develops between the young preacher and the daughter (portrayed by Wesley Jonathan and Jazsmin Lewis), amidst the twisted backdrop of a backbiting congregation, lustful members, unwanted LGBT infiltration, Judas-type sell-outs, shocking innuendos and undisclosures, an over-bearing self-righteous father (James Avery) and two mischievous but loveable "Indo/Endo…nesian" church-goers (Cynda Williams and Luenell) is beautifully interwoven into the fabric of this story as its center piece. The two lead characters are very handsome to watch on-screen and the chemistry was undeniable. At the end of the film, one could still take a breath and say Amen.

Now, the after-party held at Chakra Restaurant, known for its exotic Indian food, in-door waterfall and Kama Sutra indulgent decor was another matter. It was downright scandalous and Lord have mercy fun. The director kept many glasses filled with complimentary drinks. The one lonely little hop-to-it bartender did a great job serving up the tall orders and logging in the hefty tab. Yes, Babu, there was a lot of whoopin' and hollering goings on too in the private booths with brightly colored semi-closed drapes and it wasn't because of the Holy Ghost. Those who attended will no doubt be in the pews next church Sunday praying for a little masala guidance, Ghandi wisdom and Divine Intervention.

Celebs at the after-party for 'Divine Intervention' (photo: Vinni Ratcliff)

Celebs attending the premiere included: Van Elder (Writer/Director/Producer), Lisa DeWitt (Producer), William Hanford Lee, Jr., Roz Ryan, Reynaldo Rey, Luenell, Loretta Devine, UNE', Ernest Thomas, Punk (I Love New York), Willie Macc (College Hill) and publisher Miller London (Urban Network Mag.).

Cast includes: Wesley Jonathan, Jazsmin Lewis, James Avery, Laz Alonso, Cynda Williams, Roz Ryan, Reynaldo Rey, Luenell, Shang Forbes and Carl Gilliard

Log on here for show times: http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=226

Eugenia Wright is a former actress turned freelance writer/publicist. You may write to her at kleopatragirl117@hotmail.com

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Eugenia Wright and Van Elder

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