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06-18-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
AL SHARPTON SAYS 'WHAT SHAKEDOWNS?': Rev. challenges NY Post writers to debate after negative articles.
*Rev. Al Sharpton has released a statement condemning the New York Post for publishing articles that accuse him of shaking down corporate CEOs through threats of boycotts.
The most recent article, published Sunday by writers Isabel Vincent and Susan Edelman, claims that several companies donated thousands of dollars to Sharpton’s National Action Network after the civil rights activist threatened to accuse them of racist practices.
Anheuser-Busch, Macy’s and Colgate-Palmolive are among the companies cited by the Post that contributed over $50,000 to NAN in the past year.
Sharpton denies the newspaper's allegations in the following statement from his media rep, Rachel Noerdlinger, titled "Where's the Shakedown?"
"The New York Post continues its efforts to undermine the civil rights movement with articles that mislead the public. New York Post reporter Isabel Vincent writes an article entitled "Sharpton Shakedown; Boycotted CEOs write checks to Rev. Al," even though the article had no evidence of shakedowns or corporations claiming that their contributions to NAN were in any way coerced or intended to buy silence.
To the contrary. Ms. Vincent conceded that every corporation she spoke with had nothing but positive things to say about NAN, even if they did not agree with every NAN program or effort. None mentioned feeling "shaken down," either on or off the record.
Further, the Post, in its typical fashion, omitted facts that contradicted the article's shakedown premise. Most notably, Ms. Vincent did not include one example of when Reverend Sharpton and NAN spoke out critically against companies after they had contributed to NAN, such as corporations from the music industry whose offices were marched on for their promoting indecent music lyrics, or criticizing Pepsi for its use of a rapper in an ad campaign whose lyrics were offensive, or Comcast who had a reporter who made an offensive statement. In addition, notwithstanding the fact that NBC has long sponsored NAN events and has been honored in the past, Reverend Sharpton led the charge against them to fire Don Imus.
Further, the Post skillfully omitted that most corporate contributions to NAN are made in connection with sponsoring an event, such as a convention or dinner, and their contribution is made in exchange for corporate sponsorship, promotion and advertising; not much different than when Macys places an ad in the Post. Obviously, neither the Post with its advertising revenues, nor civil rights organizations or other charities with their events supported by corporations, could fully function without receiving financial support from those where there are disagreements.
I have spoken with Reverend Sharpton about this article and he has informed me that he will be extending an invitation to Ms. Vincent to defend her article on his national radio show program tomorrow or Tuesday so people can judge for themselves whether she had any facts to substantiate her misleading headline and article in today's New York Post, or whether this was simply a hatchet job consistent with those made by individuals who are at odds with the civil rights movement. A newspaper or reporter who had nothing to hide should jump at the chance to promote their story if true.
Only those allergic to discussing the truth would duck such an invitation"
The 8 companies the Post highlighted in its "Shakedown" story are dealt with below, Noerdlinger continues:
• Fact 1: Colgate Palmolive was never threatened with a race rally and reporter Vincent admitted to NAN that in her view there was no pressure placed on Colgate Palmolive to contribute. • Fact 2: MGM Mirage. Ms. Vincent admitted that the Post had no information that NAN received funds from MGM Mirage. NAN is unaware of any funds received from this corporation.
• Fact 3: General Motors. Ms. Vincent omitted that Reverend Sharpton had been critical of General Motors, including threats of boycotts for years prior to NAN receiving minimal support from GM.
• Fact 4. Chrysler. Ms. Vincent omitted that Chrysler was actually a defendant in a class action lawsuit where it was alleged that the company was discriminating against African Americans applying for car loans. Neither Reverend Sharpton nor NAN were plaintiffs in that case or in its settlement.
When the case was settled, Chrysler was obligated to contribute to charities. • Fact 5. Forest City Ratner. Ms. Vincent misleadingly writes that, 4 years after Reverend Sharpton blasted Forest City Ratner for "low wages," he made a "dramatic flip flop" and supported them. Rather than stating the objective facts that Forest City's practices have changed dramatically, she resorts to using subjective quotes by Reverend Sharpton to defend the shift, which obviously could be interpreted as self serving, and therefore a weaker defense.
• Fact 6. PepsiCo. Although Reverend Sharpton made clear to Ms. Vincent that he has been critical of Pepsi as recently as last year, she did not include that as a fact in her report.
• Fact 7. American Honda. Ms. Vincent failed to make clear that Reverend Sharpton and NAN send such letters to all corporations based upon their performance, and not whether they contribute to NAN, thereby giving the false impression that American Honda was shaken down in exchange for a donation. Further, there is no evidence whatsoever, as the Post headline suggests, that there was a threat of a race rally or boycott against them.
• Fact 8. Macys. Reverend Sharpton has been critical of Macys before, during and after NAN received financial support from Macys to offset event costs.
SWIZZ BEATS SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON DIVORCE: Producer says Alicia Keys has nothing to do with his divorce.
*Music producer Swizz Beatz sat down with MTV News to discuss rumors that an affair with R&B superstar Alicia Keys broke up his marriage to R&B singer Mashonda.
Swizz says the only "affair" having to do with Keys was the "Teenage Love Affair" remix he produced featuring LL Cool J. Reports of anything more salacious with the singer – as suggested in stories posted on MediaTakeOut.com and in the pages of Hip Hop Weekly – are simply not true.
"That sh** just looks like drama," he told MTV of the media outlets. "They got another big name involved. No, I'm not doing [any] f***ing interviews. Only thing I'm commenting on is music-related. I don't comment on my personal life. Why start now? You start commenting on that sh**, then they start twisting it out. I'm not gonna speak about nothing. They [gave Mashonda] two pages in Hip Hop Weekly. She didn't even say nothing about Alicia. They blew it up on MediaTakeout.com. They flipped that into some other sh**.
"I'm not hiding anything," he added. "I can see if I was hiding something. I'm a grown man. Nobody is living no perfect life. Mashonda has a single coming out that I funded, photo shoots that I funded. We made our statement that we're still working together. They didn't wanna believe it. I said I would be continuing to support her career. Nobody wants to look at that sh**. They wanna look at 'Alicia Keys.' That sh** is ignorant."
Shifting attention to the "Teenage Love Affair" remix, Swizz explained: "I used the Slick Rick 'Teenage Love' on it. Then I had your man LL do the old-school 'When I'm alone in my room, sometimes I stare at the wall.' ... He used that flow."
Meanwhile, Swizz's new album is called "Life After the Party" and aims for an October release. The first single is "Where the Cash At." He already finished a video and is working on a remix.
WILL.I.AM'S OBAMA SONG NABS EMMY: 'Yes We Can' honored with first-ever award for Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment.
*Will.i.am's video for the "Yes We Can Song," an ode to presidential candidate Barack Obama, was honored with the first-ever Emmy Award for Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment.
The new category, which recognizes innovative production techniques and the use of media enhancement to support content, was handed out Friday evening at the 35th Annual Creative Arts & Entertainment Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony in New York City.
A collaborative video produced by artist will.i.am and Mike Jurkovac, and directed by Jesse Dylan, "Yes We Can Song" has garnered over 25 million views and growing. It was originally posted on Feb. 2, 2008 right before Super Tuesday, and has since become a viral phenomenon on the Internet through YouTube, MySpace, and its official site www.YesWeCanSong.com.
The video features a bevy of celebrities, including Common, John Legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kelly Hu, Nick Cannon and Scarlett Johansson.
During the Webby Awards earlier this week, where will.i.am was recognized as the Artist of the Year and acceptance speeches were limited to five words, he proclaimed, "Now we know we can."
NAOMI CAMPBELL SETTLES CASE WITH EX-MAID: Ivana Lovas, one of several former housekeepers, had sued for abuse, breach and more.
*Naomi Campbell has settled a case with her former housekeeper after the woman accused the supermodel of various offenses, including racial discrimination and abusive behavior.
British newspaper Sunday Mirror reports that Ivana Lovas took Campbell to an employment tribunal amid accusations the catwalk queen made her life a "living hell" in the four months she was working for her.
Lovas said Campbell abused her when she threatened to quit and criticized her language skills. The London-based housekeeper left the job in October and filed suit against Campbell citing unfair dismissal and breach of contract, as well as racial and sexual discrimination.
A preliminary court hearing also heard that there were "two occasions of aggressive, abusive and criminal behavior" on the part of Campbell.
According to the Mirror, the case has been settled out of court with Campbell reportedly paying her former employee thousands of dollars. A rep for Campbell has confirmed the case will be going no further, telling the Mirror, "I can confirm the matter has been resolved."
LUDACRIS IS A BUSY MAN: Rapper has new Web site, acting gigs, TV show and much more on his plate.
*Ludacris is getting his full hustle on with a myriad of ventures outside of his hip hop roots.
In addition to his upcoming television series "Battleground Earth" on the Planet Green network, the artist has several acting gigs on the horizon, a new album in the works and has just launched a new Web site WeMix.com, which allows musicians to upload their material, collaborate with others and receive feedback.
"This is a site where you can get your music heard," Luda told the Associated Press. "You put your original music on here, you can get feedback, and this is a new way for music industry executives to sit in the comfort of their own homes and look for artists."
"What's most important is that they don't have any pressure from the outside world; they can (upload) their original content with no one telling them how their music should be," he said.
Ludacris, whose real name is Christopher Bridges, says he's already found some country and alternative acts on the Web site that he may sign to his label Disturbing tha Peace, distributed by Def Jam Recordings.
Meanwhile, Luda's "Battleground Earth" series with co-host Tommy Lee will feature a series of competitions between the rapper and the rocker to determine who's the greenest.
"Tommy Lee and myself were two people who didn't have that much knowledge of being eco-friendly at first," he said. "I signed on because I wanted to learn (and) teach others. We're learning about alternative fuels, recycling, solar panels, eco-barrels, everything that you could possibly imagine to try and save the planet."
As for film and TV projects, Ludacris stars in the forthcoming movies "Max Payne," starring Mark Wahlberg, and "RocknRolla," directed by Guy Ritchie. His new CD, "Theater of the Mind," is slated for release in September.
RACHEL ROY COLLECTION EXPANDS UNDER NEW DEAL: Designer and husband Damon Dash ink with Jones Apparel.
*Rachel Roy and her husband Damon Dash have signed a deal with Jones Apparel, Inc to expand her fashion brand, the Rachel Roy Collection.
Under the agreement, Jones Apparel will retain a 50% stake in the venture, with Dash and Roy as founders holding the remaining interest, reports Allhiphop.com. Roy will retain creative control and continue overseeing the design, manufacturing, and production of her line.
The Rachel Roy Collection, launched in spring 2005, is currently available in high-end department stores Nordstrom's, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. The brand has expanded overseas to the United Kingdom, the Middle East, South Korea, and Indonesia.
“Both Rachel and her clothing appeal to many audiences around the world, making her a widely renowned design talent,” Dash told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “Through this partnership, we will be able to explore new opportunities for Rachel Roy, the brand.”
GEORGE LUCAS BEHIND TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FILM: Surviving members of unit hope movie will include discrimination faced at home.
*The next project from "Indiana Jones" writer/producer George Lucas will be "Red Tails," a film about the Tuskegee Airmen and their record of successfully escorting thousands of U.S. bombers during World War II.
The unit's surviving members tell the Associated Press that they'd also like the film to show the hardships they endured on the home front, like seeing German prisoners of war being treated better and afforded rights that were withheld from black American citizens.
Producer Rick McCallum said both elements are addressed in a script by John Ridley that "balances difficult and painful issues with what is, at its heart, the story of men with a dream to fly and serve their country."
"It is a story of incredible adventure and enormous courage," said the producer, who's scouting locations for "Red Tails" in Prague, Czech Republic, and Italy. "I think the story will speak to anyone who has ever wanted to succeed at something others told them was impossible."
Lucas, who hopes to begin shooting by year's end or early 2009, invited several airmen to his Skywalker Ranch a few years ago to record their personal experiences, which will be incorporated in the film. One of them was Col. Herbert Carter, who tells of the constant adjustment of being respected as a soldier on base, then having that dignity snatched away once off-base, where they were "just another Negro in Alabama in the eyes of the civilian population."
But he said the real story is how they overcame an environment that said "they didn't have the ability, dexterity, physiology and psychology to operate something as complicated as aircrafts or tanks," Carter told the AP.
The movie's title refers to the color of their fighter planes' tails, which were distinctive and allowed U.S. bomber crews to know they were being escorted by the aggressive Tuskegee Airmen.
GAME'S 'LAX' RELEASE DATE AGAIN DELAYED: Fans can cross off July 8th and pencil in July 22nd.
*The Game has once again pushed back the release date of his upcoming Geffen album "LAX," reports Billboard
The new street date is July 22, moved from previous release dates July 8 and June 24. No reason was given for the most recent switch. The Game scrapped June 24th because his rival 50 Cent was supposed to drop G-Unit's "T.O.S. (Terminate on Sight)" the same day. But that album was also pushed back, and is now slated for July 1.
"L.A.X.'s" first single, "Game's Pain" featuring Keyshia Cole, is No. 26 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Other tracks on the set include the Lil' Wayne-assisted "My Life," "Angel" with Common, "Camera Phone" and "A Thug and a Gentleman," both featuring Ne-Yo, "Us Live" with Chrisette Michelle," "Put Ya Hands Up" with Busta Rhymes and the promotional single "Dope Boys," with Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker.
MARY J. HELPS STRANGER GET DRESS OFF LAYAWAY: Singer dips into own pocket after overhearing woman's predicament.
*Mary J. Blige was shopping at the Diane von Furstenberg store in New York's Meatpacking District when a woman at the counter appeared to be in distress over an item she couldn't afford.
"The girl had a dress on hold that she loved, and the bill was $900. She thought it was only $500, and she couldn't afford it," a witness told the New York Post's Page Six."
That's when Blige swooped in with her pocketbook and told the saleswoman: "Go get the girl. I want to pay for the balance on the dress," the witness recounted.
The customer at first turned down Blige's offer but eventually agreed after the singer said: "I know what it's like to want something and not be able to have it. I insist."
The woman wanted to send her a check for the balance, but Blige said, "Just enjoy it. I'm blessed, so let me do this."
METS GIVE WILLIE RANDOLPH PINK SLIP: Manager fired and replaced temporarily with bench coach.
*The struggling New York Mets (34-35) let go of their manager Willie Randolph on Tuesday, delivering the news in a statement released at 12:15 a.m. PDT Tuesday morning, reports the Associated Press.
"I'm really stunned by it," Randolph said as he left the team hotel shortly before noon Tuesday. "I was surprised by it."
The move comes following weeks of rumors that Randolph's job was in jeopardy, and several hours after the Mets beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-6 for their third victory in their last four games.
The team's pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto were also released in Tuesday's team overhaul. Randolph will be replaced on an interim basis by bench coach Jerry Manuel.
Randolph led the Mets to within one win of the 2006 World Series. They got off to a strong start again last year but plummeted down the stretch and were unable to rebound.
The former second baseman, who played in the Major Leagues for 17 years before becoming a manager for the Mets in 2005, said he was sorry he wasn't able to "fulfill what my dream is, to come here and help this team win a world championship."
RAIDERS STAR JAVON WALKER BEATEN AND ROBBED: NFL receiver found unconscious on Las Vegas street corner.
*Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker was found unconscious on a Las Vegas street early Monday. Police believe he was the victim of a robbery.
Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Norm Clarke says the NFL player was seen Saturday night at Tryst at the Wynn spraying the crowd with some of the 15 bottles of Dom Perignon Rose champagne he ordered.
Clarke also said Walker partied at Body English at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino until 6:30 a.m. Monday and that his first round of champagne cost him $15,000.
Around 7:19 a.m., he was found unconscious near the intersection of Koval Lane and Winnick Avenue, according to Metro Police. The athlete also suffered significant injuries, officers noted.
He was taken to Sunrise Medical Center’s Trauma unit, where he was listed in fair condition late Monday afternoon, hospital officials told Vegas news station Fox 5. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
EDDY 'ELECTRIC AVE.' GRANT DROPS 'VERY BEST': Artist pacts with UME to unleash catalog of hits. Tour set for August.
*Eddy Grant, best known for his 80s hits "Electric Avenue" and "Romancing the Stone," has signed a licensing deal with Universal Music Enterprises for the distribution of his music catalog spanning 40 years.
"The Very Best of Eddy Grant – The Road to Reparation," due July 8 from Mercury/Ume, will be the first project under their new arrangement. The set includes his solo tracks recorded between 1979 to 2005 -- from his second album, "Walking on Sunshine," to his latest, "Reparation."
The collection includes 11 classic tracks selected by Grant himself, including his two biggest hits in the U.S. (the #2 pop "Electric Avenue" and Top 30 pop "Romancing The Stone") and three U.K. Top 10s ("Gimme Hope Jo'Anna," "Do You Feel My Love" and #1 "I Don't Wanna Dance).
Born in Guyana and raised in North London, Grant is scheduled to perform at July's O2 Wireless Festival and Nelson Mandela's 46664 Concert in Hyde park later this month. "Electric Avenue" will also be featured in a new movie out this August, "Pineapple Express" starring Seth Rogan.
Current tour dates for Eddy Grant are listed below:
August 2008
1 Toronto Mod Club
3 Montreal Osheaga Festival
4 Boston Paradise
5 New York BB Kings
6 Philadelphia Trocadero
8 Washington DC Birchmere
9 Richmond Toads Place
10 Atlanta Variety
12 Chicago Martyrs
13 Minneapolis Fine Line
15 Denver Bluebird
16 Atlanta Variety
18 Seattle Neumos
19 Vancouver Richards
21 Portland Wonder
22 San Francisco Slims
23 San Diego House of Blues
24 Anaheim House of Blues
26 Los Angeles El Rey
28 Las Vegas House of Blues
BET'S 'BALDWIN HILLS' READIES NEW SEASON: Five new well-off kids join five previous cast members for second round beginning in July.
*BET's reality series "Baldwin Hills" returns for a second season next month with five new cast members joining five holdovers from the previous run.
The show that follows a group of middle-class African American teens in the Baldwin Hills section of Los Angeles will tease the new season on June 24 following "BET Awards '08." The official series premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 10 p.m.
Season two of this 10-episode, half-hour series opens with a "kick-back" hosted by returning fan-favorite and aspiring rapper Sal. The party reveals a hotbed of warring cliques and shocking revelations as new faces and old friends get together for what's supposed to be a good time.
Veteran cast member Staci is struggling to balance college life and financial realities; supermodel-in-training Gerren is still stuck on showing her ex Moriah that he's lost a good thing; and "mean girl" sister act Lor'Rena and Aunjel are intent on wreaking havoc with Moriah's new relationship.
Behind the scenes of her catty new alliance with Lor'Rena and Aunjel, it seems that Ashley is still struggling to decide whether she wants to follow in her mom's (actress Vanessa Bell Calloway) footsteps after attending Spelman College, or pursue her dream of dancing.
New additions Seiko and Justin find that they have a checkered past in common, but Justin reveals a surprise that could be a deal-breaker for Seiko. Football star and newbie Johnathan is working overtime to balance athletics and the dream of giving back to his community, and basketball cutie Moriah finds out that a "kick-back" can also be a minefield as ex-girlfriend Gerren and aggressively determined Lor'Rena corner him all in clear view of his new girlfriend.
Meanwhile, "Baldwin Hills: The Complete First Season" will be released on DVD July 29. The two-disc set features all ten drama episodes plus the original cast auditions, interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Tyler Perry's cousin; Vonzell explains gun; 'Notorious' movie clips; Paula's single again; Reginald F. Lewis event.
*Tyler Perry's cousin Marlon Campbell tried to name drop his famous relative while promoting his own movie, only to learn that Mr. Madea wasn't having it. According to TMZ.com, Perry's lawyers got wind of Campbell's film "Oblivious" being marketed with the use of Perry's name and quickly sent a letter to Campbell, stating any connection between Tyler's work and "Oblivious" is "intentionally misleading" and "wrongfully infringes upon the economic value of Mr. Perry."
*Former "American Idol" contestant Vonzell Solomon is explaining her recent run-in with police at Southwest Florida International Airport after an unloaded gun was found in her luggage. She said: "I in no way intended to enter the plane with a firearm. I was rushing to make a scheduled flight and simply did not realize it was in my handbag until I went through security." The aspiring singer was detained last Tuesday and charged with a misdemeanor count of carrying a weapon into the airport.
*Fox Searchlight has released new behind-the-scenes footage from "Notorious," the biopic about the life of rapper Notorious B.I.G. Cameras capture the many NYC and Brooklyn locations of the film and interviews with Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace, rapper Lil Cease, director George Tillman and more are featured. For this footage and more visit producer Wayne Barrrow's http://www.NotoriousBlog.net.
*Paula Abdul and her boyfriend, restaurateur J.T. Torregiani, are no longer dating, reports E! The 46-year-old "American Idol" judge began seeing Torregiani, 34, last July, and the couple moved in together soon afterwards.
Her rep told E!: "They broke up months ago."
*Reginald F. Lewis, the first black billionaire, will be celebrated at a private event in the Hamptons to honor his life, legacy and his many historic achievements. The affair is to be hosted by Widow Loida Lewis at the Reginald F. Lewis Estate on July 6 at 1 p.m. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is to receive the First Reginald F. Lewis Award at Loida Lewis' East Hampton Estate Beach BBQ in honor of her late husband. Michael Strahan, Charles Oakley and Timbaland are scheduled to attend.
BLACK LAWMAKERS CONDEMN XM-SIRIUS MERGER: Group says proposed plan doesn't set aside enough room for minority-owned channels.
*The Washington Post is reporting that black lawmakers are criticizing plans for the proposed merger of the XM and Sirius satellite radio companies, saying the deal does not provide enough opportunities for minority-owned programming.
Over the weekend, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J.Martin announced support of the merger after XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio voluntarily agreed, among a series of other concessions, to lease 4 percent of their radio spectrums, or 12 channels, for programming run by minorities and women.
But senior members of the Congressional Black Caucus say 4 percent is not enough. The group has been pushing for the merged company to lease at least five times that amount of spectrum to companies owned by racial minorities.
In an interview yesterday, Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus's working group on satellite radio, called Martin's proposed compromise "completely unacceptable," reports the Post.
Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), a former chairman of the caucus, said yesterday that he was "extremely upset" about the proposed deal and that he would speak to his colleagues about taking action to stop the merger
-- perhaps legislative action -- unless the percentage is increased.
"It's shocking to the conscience in this day and age, where the minority populations comprise a significant part of the satellite radio audience, that Mr. Martin would settle for what I deem to be crumbs that have fallen off the table," Cummings said. "We can do much better. I am hoping that this can be revisited."
EUR FILM REVIEW: Kicking It
Hobos Find Self-Esteem Competing for Homeless World Cup
Film Review by Kam Williams
*When you're homeless, as the late Rodney Dangerfield used to say, "You don't get no respect." Street people are generally shunned by society to the point where some start to wonder whether they are still fully human.
For this reason, Kicking It, narrated by Colin Farrell, is an important documentary. The movie marks the remarkable directorial debut of Susan Koch who ventured to Cape Town, South Africa to record for posterity a soccer competition called the Homeless World Cup.
The event was the brainchild of the World Economic Forum which sought to dramatize the plight of the least of our brethren by offeringg them an opportunity to prove themselves at the sport that the rest of the world calls football.
The games were staged at the same time as the official World Cup in 2006, but the national teams entered here were all comprised completely of the homeless. Among the 48 countries represented were the United States, Kenya, Rwanda, Ireland, Namibia, Mexico, Uganda, Afghanistan, Holland, Russia, Paraguay, Australia, Ghana, Finland, Spain and Kazakhstan, to name a few.
This is not a film to be watched merely for the soccer matches, although a sports fan might find that aspect of the production compelling. Rather, what makes the picture worthwhile are the intimate portraits painted of seven of the participants. From Dublin we have Damien, a goalie who wants to get off methadone, and his team captain Simon, a recovered addict who is still grieving the loss of a brother to drugs.
Then, there's Alex from Kenya, who supports his family back in Nairobi by cleaning toilets in a soccer stadium. Meanwhile, ex-con Jesus, 63, hails from Madrid, where he did time for bank robbery. Despite his age, he's considered the heart and soul of the Spanish team which is made up of substance abusers, alcoholics and a prostitute.
19 year-old Afghani Najib admits to being plagued by nightmares triggered by memories of public executions carried out by the Taliban's reign of terror which claimed the lives of his father and a couple of his siblings. Craig, an orphan from Charlotte, North Carolina, also 19, has anger management issues due to an unstable childhood spent on a merry-go-round inside the foster care system. The film's final subject is Slava an undocumented and hence unemployable Russian whose country now has over 5,000,000 similarly-situated street people.
After the closing festivities, Kicking It signs off with a bittersweet postscript updating how everyone we've just met is doing today, whether unchanged, relapsed, deceased or finally inspired to get off the streets and find gainful employment. A tearjerker certain to elicit concern and compassion from anyone watching for the billion on the planet still
homeless.
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 98 minutes
Studi Liberation Entertainment
To see a trailer of the film, visit: http://www.kickingitthefilm.com/
EUR FILM REVIEW: The Incredible Hulk
Ed Norton Incredible as The Hulk
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Five years ago, The Hulk was brought to the big screen by Ang Lee. But despite critical acclaim, the Academy Award-winning director’s artsy interpretation flopped at the box office.
Now, Universal Pictures has decided to go back to the storyboard, and to reintroduce the Marvel Comics superhero afresh as if the initial adaptation of the picture didn’t even exist.
The new picture is directed by Louis Leterrier (The Transporter) who has opted to overhaul the entire cast. So say sayonara to Eric Bana as the title character and to the rest of the principals, including Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly, two-time nominee Nick Nolte, Sam Elliott and Josh Lucas.
This version stars Ed Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner, a scientist who was conducting research with gamma rays when something went horribly wrong in the lab.
Via the magic of flashbacks we learn that Bruce was left with a short fuse which transforms him into an invincible green behemoth whenever he fails to control his temper. We also know that his girlfriend Betty (Liv Tyler) was knocked unconscious in the same accident and that her father, Army General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt) blames Banner for his daughter’s injuries.
As the story unfolds, we find Bruce on the lam and working on an assembly line in a Brazilian bottling factory which manufactures soft drinks. He’s been quietly trying to find a cure for his condition while keeping a low profile.
But then, a cut on the finger leads to a bit of his blood dropping into a container of soda about to be shipped to America. And before you can say “Ay Caramba!” the source of the contaminated gamma-laced crate is traced back to its point of origin in Brazil and a crack team of Army commandos soon descends on the place. The mild mannered Banner, who had been
incommunicado for almost six months, loses his cool and turns into The Hulk in order to escape.
He returns to the States, and enlists the assistance of fully-recovered Betty, only to have her dad’s henchman, Blonsky (Tim Roth) still on his tail. Worse, Blonsky morphs into a worthy, superhuman adversary, The Abomination, after voluntarily being injected with an experimental radioactive serum.
This development inexorably leads to a colorful showdown in Harlem of all places. At that juncture, computer-generated imagery tends to dominate the screen, with the protagonist and his new nemesis knocking each other up and down 125th Street in a special f/x-driven battle royal which practically looks like a cartoon.
Between its uncomplicated plot and high-impact action sequences, this kid-friendly adventure is a perfect summer blockbuster. Note the closing credits cameo by fellow Marvel superhero Iron Man hinting that a joint sequel might be in the works. Also look for brief tribute appearances by Lou Ferrigno who originated the role of the Hulk on TV, and by the
character’s comic book creator, the legendary Stan Lee.
Can anybody smell the franchise that Marvel is cooking?
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for violence, frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive
content.
In English and Portuguese with subtitles.
Running time: 114 minutes
Studi Universal Pictures
To see a trailer of The Incredible Hulk, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_JHpLY7S_A
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"Big goals get big results. No goals get no results or somebody else's results." — Mark Victor Hansen
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
June 18: Singer Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men is 37. Rapper Silkk The Shocker is 33.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
The hippest, smartest spot on the 'Net for African-American intelligence is at www.urbanthoughtcollective.com.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
June 18, 1899: W.H. Richardson patents baby buggy. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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