MOVIE REVIEW: For Colored Girls - Tyler Perry's Most Important Film to Date On Many Levels

For Colored Girls -- Lionsgate

Directed by Tyler Perry

Screenplay by Tyler Perry, based on Ntozake Shange's choreo-poem stage play, for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf

Cast: Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Whoopi Goldberg, Macy Gray, Michael Ealy, Omari Hardwick, Richard Lawson, Hill Harper and Khalil Kain

Film Editing: Maysie Hoy

Costume Design: Johnetta Boone

My Grade: A

First of all, this is a time when a film comes along that I wish the Academy, like the Screen Actor's Guild Awards had an ensemble acting category. I will come back to that point in a moment, but I must first begin this review with a poignant question to mass media film critics. Is Tyler Perry on some sort of list? I say that, because I could not get over the numerous negative critiques this film received citing everything from accusing Perry of hacking Shange's original poetic masterpiece to smithereens with formulaic melodrama, very little character development and Janet Jackson coming from the Meryl Streep school of Miranda Priestley a la Devil Wears Prada - actually THREE reviewers had that same insight. I found it curious. Did they have a meeting? I only bring this up, because this is one case where I must compel you to not listen to the mass media critics on this one. The other thing that seemed to be across the board with these critics is they felt that the interwoven poetry of Ntozake Shange's original work with Perry's dialogue would go way over his 'usual' audiences head. What the hell is that supposed to mean? As a person familiar with the original piece, as well as Perry's work - I can tell you that it didn't go over my head. People get it!

It is as though the mass media critics have written him off as comedy, not to be taken too seriously with the Medea films and what not. Sure, Hollywood can count on him to rake in the box office come opening weekend, but he'll never be considered for anything more than that. I wouldn't write him off just yet. This could very well be Tyler Perry's best film. In fact, it is a borderline masterpiece in social commentary. Without giving away any spoilers, unlike some of those aforementioned critics, the issues brought about through both the original play and this film are ones that are not only viable, but that need to be put on the table. If not, unapologetically, put in your face - as they are so eloquently and grittily displayed in the film.

My hope is that not only mass audiences give this film a chance, but that it gets some recognition come awards season. The depths of the cast alone, with each of the central actresses portrayals having at least one, what I affectionately call 'Oscar reel' moment. Of course, I have my favorites. I mean, in an ensemble this deep and gifted, who do you nominate or recognize? Kimberly Elise definitely could come up come awards season, as well as Thandie Newton - as both brought the bravura to their roles.

The best thing about Perry's direction of the film lay in it's nuances - and there are several. There is a scene between Newton and Whoopi Goldberg where they exchange lines from one of Shange's wonderful poems - both beginning in the same place, then drifting separately; each actress not missing a beat and then meeting up to a conclusion from where they first began. I was on the edge of my seat. Phylicia Rashad is brilliant as the wise, if not matronly apartment manager who definitely goes above the call of duty on several occasions. Rashad's performance is timed so well... It is as though she shows up, and it makes all the sense in the world. Every time... Loretta Devine shines in what I think is the best role I have seen her in, 'like you've never seen before.' Even Macy Gray's one scene will have you feeling so on edge and in the moment, if you just go with the suspension of disbelief...yes, people; (ie those critics) run with it.

Get into these characters. There is so much meat here, and for critics to just toss it away like 'whatever' really got under my nail a tad. It is the movies people. I also have to make mention of the men that are in these women's lives. Michael Ealy, in what must be the most unlikeable role an actor could have - his character definitely has some major issues, but Ealy makes you feel for him; just brilliant. Omari Hardwick, Richard Lawson, Hill Harper and Khalil Kain are all solid, as well.

Then there is that exchange between Janet Jackson's Jo/Red and her husband (Hardwick) near the end of the film. No spoilers here, but let's just say that it is a subject that I am glad somebody finally put very much in your face; in not just the African-Amercian community, but in the world community as well. Jackson's sweet soliloquy with all of it's tears and reserved rage, hurt and emotion has got to be her shining moment. I have always been a fan of Janet Jackson, but in a lot of her previous movies I always felt like I was watching Janet Jackson playing a role. Not here. This is the real deal. Pure, raw acting.

The ensemble is so important to this film and I hope audiences do go see it, get into the characters, stories and the wonderful poetry and just go with it. If you are familiar with the play, accept that this is a film based on the material and don't get caught up in trying to compare one with the other. We don't do it every time a Shakespearean piece is turned into a film, why start now?

Also, of note - if, by chance, this film gets recognized come awards season two other artist's work shines as well and that is the amazing Maysie Hoy's film editing and the masterful costume design of Johnetta Boone. Boone's task was not as easy as one would think. The costumes in this film were very important from Goldberg's clean white garb for her religiously fanatic Alice and Loretta Devine's costume jewelry to the pastel shirt worn with metrosexual fit-to-a-tee suaveness of Hardwick's suit as he's talking to Jackson's Jo on his cell phone, while walking down the street. You better believe that every outfit in this film had a reason and a purpose.

Yes, it is the details and when you have woven them altogether you have what could very well be Tyler Perry's first step at being considered a serious filmmaker; a contender if you will - damn the naysayers.

Bravo!

OPINION: The Plot Thickens as Jackson's Death is Ruled a Homicide

"WOW!"

I just can't stop saying that three letter word.

Every time I read about or see a news story on the ever-changing saga surrounding Michael Jackson's death, it just gets more and more intriguing. I can understand why the news channels and digital media have covered it so extensively. They will continue to with plot lines better than a best selling novel.

My roommate and I joked one day, when I commented that it would make an excellent movie (and think of the task the makeup artist would have at hand for whichever actor they cast to portray Jackson - let's face it; not too many people look like Michael Jackson from these past few years). We laughed because it couldn't be just a movie. It would have to be a miniseries.

Now, the affidavits and sealed documents come to light and paint a pretty sad picture. It shows how tortured a soul Jackson was, feeling the need to depend on so many drugs. Though they say he was a wonderful father, I question that notion ever more after seeing the latest developments unfold. Children are much smarter than they are given credit for - and I am sure they saw much more than I would ever want to know.

I wrote a recent article pertaining to Michael Jackson's legacy, in hopes that his music would be what he would be most remembered for. That seems less and less possible when I look at these documents and await what the next turn of events will be. I see a legacy of a very selfish, conflicted man. An extraordinary artist and celebrity, but a typical drug addict - wanting and doing anything and everything to get the next fix; no matter what.

Toxicology reports and needle marks from neck to toes do not lie. It is almost uneasy to think of all this man put his body through. Then there's this doctor, who was hired like a month before Jackson's death and seemed in a desperate way himself ...a little strapped for cash, perhaps.

What a web we weave when the character's stay the same, but their characteristics change. At first instance, I looked at Michael Jackson as a weak, frail man surrounded by Judas' and Dr. Murray, on the run - a victim of circumstance perhaps. Now, musical legacy and good Daddy aside, I see Michael Jackson as his own worst enemy, who should have maybe been a bit more careful what he wished for and Dr. Murray as a seedy opportunist.

Time will tell the tale ...as it always comes out in the wash. I just hope, for the sake of reason, that the children didn't see as much as they could have. I hope that as time goes on, Jackson's music will be what people talk about the most. And I hope that, if the doctor was in the wrong he gets what the laws have coming for him.

Most of all, after dealing with people close to me addicted to drugs and alcohol - I hope this tragedy can be a wake up call to people who think that just because they have money to do a, b or c OR can make money doing things. That they take up a sense of responsibilty in the process and if it looks, sounds or smells wrong - then guess what? It's WRONG - and just say no.

That almighty dollar... what ones will do for the possession of it, the lengths they will go to get their hands on it...to own it, to feel it, to control people with it...

It shall be interesting to see how this all progresses... too bad a man had to die, a family changed forever and so many other's held responsible for the selfishness of one...

Turn the page...

~

Read up on the latest on this story at http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/25/michael.jackson.last.hours/index.html

Legacy: Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Legacy: Michael Jackson 1958 ~ 2009

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, I was sitting at work doing my normal routine. I was already feeling sort of blue and celebrating the life of Farrah Fawcett; such an icon with her famous poster from way back when I was a boy – I remember seeing that on my brother’s wall, cousin’s wall, friend’s wall… It seems like a dot of ink on a page in a book of many; time wise. So, I was sitting at my desk updating the status of my workload when a desktop news alert came creeping up from the right of my screen. I get breaking news alerts at work, home – wherever I am, if it is breaking news I am usually the first person to be the bearer of it to friends and family. This is the little journalist in me, I suppose. After the thoughts on Farrah and Ed McMahon a few days prior and the pondering on the question of whether this was the year of the dying icons, the words “Michael Jackson Suffers Cardiac Arrest” crawled up my screen. My reaction was less than immediate, as I clicked on this devastating news story.

Within two hours, all was said and done. Normally, when a celebrity dies; it is mentioned and I reflect on what they gave to pop culture, to us as a society and to the world in their given fields. THIS was different. “This Is It” – the title of what was to be his farewell tour – was surely the case – quick and in sudden fashion. Fiercely, the news of his death took over the internet, what was seen on television, what was talked about in hallways, on subways and in the streets from Boston to Bombay. It really was fast and collective – a feeling of complete and utter loss. It didn’t really hit me until later that evening, when I was home flicking channels – and something very strange happened. I got emotional – not just shook, but I felt this sudden sense of sadness and loss. I have felt that way before, but it was due to either my parents or a close friend. Michael Jackson certainly was neither – family or friend, but he felt like it.

I instantly went on this weeklong emotional roller coaster; that still is not over, but has been put into personal perspective after much reflection and celebration of his life’s work. I was and have been officially grieving Michael Jackson. How was that possible? I felt bad for not listening to his music for many years, due to rumor and innuendo that he seemingly brought upon himself at the end of the day. For a period of time, I admit that I stepped back from even being a fan of his music. In all honesty, I had stopped listening to his music, would shake my head in disbelief at his appearance and demeanor, and hadn’t really given him much thought recently. I compare it to my ever-declining relationship with my own sister. I say that only as a guide for comparison. Anyone who has read my work knows that is not a big surprise. It happens to everybody from all walks of life. Relationships get damaged over time; due to wear and tear, people changing and life in general. So, my relationship as a mere fan, as it were – had changed to seemingly non-existent.

I gather I am not alone…

That all changed the day he died. All was forgiven. Who am I to hold down anyone’s soul? This musical genius, this artist of artists – the biggest ‘star’ ever in my eyes. Gone – within an instant. Nobody has ever, nor will ever compare. Could it be? I still shirk at the notion – one who seemed so invincible, so outrageous, so damned talented in one pinky finger compared to most of his contemporaries …was human after all. Then I thought I was crazy. He wasn’t all that really. Some naysayers will only look at the success of three albums (Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad) and three albums such a grand endowment is not worthy. I look at the accomplishments from way back, the delivery at such a young age, the sheer entertainment value, showmanship, humanitarian efforts, the evasiveness, the self-doubt, the lack of self–esteem with the world at his feet, the massive crowds, the eccentricities, the craziness, the spectacle, then the writing, the feeling, the depth of the work, the ins and outs of melodies, so much from just one… Michael Jackson sold it – lock, stock and barrel. He was the total and complete package. So, yes, I stand firm in it when I say he had to be the biggest ‘star’ ever. After speaking with colleagues and friends in the industry and seeing other iconic figures (i.e. Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, et al) make similar statements.

I remember the excitement I felt walking home after a long journey from buying his Thriller album. I recall the joy I felt watching him moonwalk across the stage at the Motown 25 special – and how excited I was for him when he was nominated for an Emmy for that performance. I remember dancing to his music; the car rides with friends where he was the soundtrack, the conversations with my grandmother about the jazz in his music and the flight of his feet, the tears I shared with my mother after seeing the beautiful video for Earth Song, and singing along with my father to We Are the World. So many memories, with so many people near and dear to my heart and soul – and Michael Jackson was there a lot of the time…and I didn’t even realize it until he was gone.

The Kubler-Ross model I studied so much in a Death & Dying class years ago (I know, how morbid…but it certainly has its place, as it is certainty we all collectively as a human race surely have in common), states five steps in the grieving process. The five stages are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.

I went through Denial almost immediately, but very briefly with paparazzi having a photo of him laying dead in the ambulance - just days after sprawled all over the cover of a magazine and on the internet. Why people are intrigued by that part of it enamors me to no end, but I guess they are. I surely didn’t need to see it in the grocery checkout line, as I sipped sluggishly on my smooth and creamy iced latte. I pointed it out to the checkout lady; my friend, Carolyn, who was just as mortified and disgusted. Yet, there we stood looking at it nonetheless. I was going through the Anger, as I addressed my guilt by perusing I-Tunes and refurbishing my collection of my favorite songs by him. Shame on me for being like so many who thought he was guilty of a, b or c – like I said who are we to judge – and even the child molestation allegations didn’t hold up with a jury. At the end of the day, who knows what really happened (save for those directly involved) and a jury acquitted him, yet society looked at him as pretty much an outcast and he seemed to withdraw more and more. We could spend hours looking back on his childhood and all he traded to be the superstar he was.

I was Bargaining as I listened to his music, sometimes tearfully and all those memories came back to me – and I thought…it just couldn’t be. I mean, after all, it is Michael Jackson. The mystical one who seemed like magic right before our eyes so many times was more than mere smoke and mirrors. Maybe it was just another phase he was going through, a big publicity stunt. Then the better (and smarter) part of my subconscious took hold of me. Then I thought maybe people will accept his music as his legacy and not get caught up in the whole mockery and spectacle of it all. Congressman Peter King didn’t really say those mean and nasty things about him did he? I mean which one of us does not have a few questionable skeletons in their closet. No human is perfect. After all, a big part of who and ‘what’ Michael Jackson was …was what we, as a collective society, made him.

Those final two stages I am still working out… Depression only insofar as what a loss, and was he ever truly happy? Not to mention, all those memories listening to his music has brought back – both a blessing as well as a curse. I miss my folks tremendously, so reminiscing about them so much recently adds to the emotiveness. Then I chuckle to myself and think I am crazy to cry …over the death of Michael Jackson?! Get outta here… Then I look at the images I see of the crowds, the shrines, and the parties celebrating his work, the impersonators and illusionists. I see the tears, the sadness, the joy of celebrating a life lived, the recognition that in mortality we see that even iconic figures are actually breathing, flesh and bones human beings.

…and finally – Acceptance…

This is not as difficult as I thought it would be. My spirit tells me all is well with our Michael – he was at peace before the ambulance got there, I do believe that with all my heart. All this drama with the family, the will, the children, the baby mama, the aggressive father, the grieving mother, Diana Ross, Liz Taylor, Liza Minnelli – oh my – none of it matters to Michael Jackson. Not anymore…
Now, it is finally all about his music. Just listen to the tune of it. Listen to Thriller and Just Another Part of Me and tell me you don’t tap your toes and wiggle a little – say no …and you’re a liar. Listen to the humanity in Earth Song and Will You Be There. Eyewitness the recollection in Remember the Time. Hear the sincerity in She’s Out of My Life and Heal the World. Listen to the innocence and plea in Ben and Got to Be There. Rock it out to Beat It and Give in to Me. Go ahead let your hair down with Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and Billie Jean. Catch the grit and grandeur of Blood on the Dance Floor and Scream. Feel the humanity in We Are the World and Human Nature. I could go on all day with this.

Michael Jackson… Thank YOU for so many memories… Honestly, it truly has been all of my life I have known you – and come to know you – and now I can fully appreciate all that you have given. I am sure wherever you are, you’re soul is looking out over all the outpouring of grief out of love and recollection. You have put a lot of wonderfulness out into the universe and it will be nice to see the realization of the timelessness of that in the years to come. You’ll be right up there with Jimi, Elvis, Judy, John and Janis, as your works of art are for the ages. Our children’s children will be dancing to the beat of your drummer, sir – and from one artist to another I tip my hat to you for all you have given. Rest easy, my friend, your work here is done – go on and enjoy your peace.

~

ANTONIO CASSONE is a freelance writer, photographer, performance artist and published author. Visit his website at http://www.photographybycassone.com to see more of his works.

To read more about the Kubler-Ross model discussed in this article go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_grief
To hear and see more from Michael Jackson – visit http://www.michaeljackson.com