May 24, 2013

The Film Strip: In ‘Epic,’ Colin Farrell is Beyonce’s Bodyguard, for Reel

colin farrell as ronin in epic

  *Before the story unfolds, moviegoers will be mesmerized by the animated superiority of “Epic.” Although visually fascinating, the film is filled with moral nuances. “Epic” tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. Ronin (Colin Farrell) heads an elite band of warriors known as the Leafmen, who not [...]




The Film Strip: Leonardo DiCaprio Sparks Jay Z ‘Great Gatsby’ Collaboration

leonardo dicaprio & jay-z

*It’s not surprising that Leonardo DiCaprio hooked “The Great Gatsby” director Baz Luhrmann up with Jay Z, who not only supplied music for the film but also became an Executive Producer. What is surprising is that at the junket for “Gatsby,”  an MTV online writer said he was surprised to find DiCaprio a fan of [...]




The Film Strip: ‘Love Is All You Need’ Star and Former 007 Agent Pierce Brosnan Guilty of Cheating

pierce brosnan & trine dryholm

*Former “Bond” man Pierce Brosnan has run the gamut of characters during his long career. Best known for his James Bond 007 role, Brosnan has amassed a number of critically acclaimed films. The best one that comes to mind is “Evelyn.” There is also “The Nephew” where African American actor Hill Harper plays Brosnan’s nephew. [...]




The Film Strip: Tribeca Film Festival in Full Swing

Muhammad Ali in The Trials of Muhammad Ali

*The Tribeca Film Festival jumped off today and will run through April 28. There are narratives, shorts, documentaries, free films, family activities, online viewings and Tribeca Talks where filmmakers have a discourse after their movies. These are just a few of the events taking place this week and next. African American offerings include “I Got [...]




The Film Strip: First Look at High Octane ‘Elysium’ and Summer Films List

matt damon (in elysium)

*This week exclusive footage of the much-anticipated sci-fi thriller “Elysium” was shown in New York at Sony’s headquarters in their screening room. Although the high-octane futuristic thriller is mind blowing, to say the least, it will raise a lot of eyebrows. The film takes place in the year 2159, where two classes of people exist: [...]




The Film Strip: Jamie Foxx: From Chains to the Presidency; Also the ‘Sapphires’ Connection

roland emmerich & jamie foxx

This week Jamie Foxx and director Roland Emmerich were in New York City at the Regal Cinemas to launch the trailer for “White House Down” and give the press and fans a first look at some film footage. In addition to being on hand to talk about the movie   Foxx, as always, brought the jokes [...]




The Film Strip: Gerard Butler (‘Olympus Has Fallen’) Faced His Demons

gerard butler (olympus has fallen)

*The Energizer Bunny had nothing over Gerard Butler when he sat down to talk with The Film Strip about his new enthralling, engrossing thriller “Olympus Has Fallen.” Rightly so, Butler was extremely hyped about this particular project for not only its entertainment value but because he is one of the producers. His enthusiasm was such [...]




The Film Strip: ‘Stoker’ Brings Good News and Tribeca FF Gearing Up

mia wasikowska & matthew goode

*It is truly encouraging to know that one of best films to open this year was “Broken City,” written by black writer Brian Tucker and now the engrossing, disturbing thriller “Stoker” was penned by Ted Foulke. Foulke is the pseudonym for Wentworth Miller, whom we all know from the TV series “Prison Break” and the [...]




The Film Strip: ‘Beautiful Creatures’ Viola Davis Says its 2013 and Black Women Maid Duty is Up

viola davis

*Viola Davis brings a new meaning to the term “caregiver” in “Beautiful Creatures.” “Beautiful Creature” Davis, who played a maid in “The Help,” took on the role of Amma in “Beautiful Creatures” because the character was empowered. “This is 2013 and I think that it’s time enough for Black women being maids,” Davis says. “I [...]




The Film Strip: A Riveting ‘Broken City’ Has 3 Big Stars Plus a Black Writer and Director

Allen Hughes

*As the best film to open this year, “Broken City” sets the bar very high for the multitude of movies to follow in 2013. The movie co-stars the amazingly talented Jeffrey Wright, is directed by the acclaimed Allen Hughes and is written by the gifted black writer Brian Tucker. This New York “Broken City” is [...]




The Film Strip: Jessica Chastain is Not Your Typical ‘Mama’

jessica chastain

*Jessica Chastain is the hottest ticket in Hollywood these days. But she’s the same affable and charming individual I interviewed the first time a couple of years ago for “Take Shelter.” This week she was at The Crosby Hotel in New York to talk about her latest movie, “Mama.” The scary supernatural film is a [...]




The Film Strip: ‘Django’ Actors & Director Provide Candid Insight into Film

django cast &director1

*If there is one truth voiced by the controversial director Quentin Tarantino, it is the fact that there are many, many stories to be told and he has taken that challenge many times. Not sure to whom the man behind “Django Unchained” was directing that statement to, but it should send a clear message to [...]




The Film Strip: Chris Tucker Back in the Game; Natalie Cole and Sonia Nassery Cole on Same Page.

natalie (2012-black tulip wide)

*At one time Chris Tucker was one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood, making $25,000,000 in 2007 for “Rush Hour 3.” Since that movie, not much has been heard from Tucker until now. Tucker fans can see him this Friday in “Silver Linings Playbook” and catch up on what he’s doing here at EURweb. [...]




The Film Strip: Daniel Craig Says ‘Skyfall’ is Key to James Bond’s 007 Persona

skyfall banner

*As the North American release date for “Skyfall” draws nears, it is quite interesting that Daniel Craig is being hailed as the “best Bond ever” and even one of the world’s most influential men. But back in 2008 when being interviewed for “Quantum of Solace,” Craig was still being disdainfully referred to as the “blond [...]




The Film Strip: Denzel in ‘Flight,’ RZA’s ‘Iron Fists’ & Javier Bardem Talks ‘Skyfall’

denzel washington

*“Flight” was one of the highest points at the New York Film Festival and was the closing film.  Cast members and filmmakers were on hand at the Walter Reade Theater in New York City after the movie to discuss the film.  Besides being an excellent story, “Flight’s” exceptional cast added to the movie’s distinction. Denzel [...]