My Opinion: Under One Roof

Why?

Review: A Raisin in the Sun

I wouldn't have missed Monday night's ABC broadcast of A Raisin in the Sun for the world. Three of my favorite actresses all in one movie? It's a film-lover's dream come true.

Phylicia Rashad was brilliant as Lena Younger. Just brilliant. Loved her as always. Audra McDonald as Ruth Younger, amazing. The range of emotions she and Ms. Rashad displayed were breathtaking and heartfelt. I honestly don't know how they do it. Sanaa Lathan was captivating in the role of Beneatha Younger, a character I believe was born well before her time. I loved her youthfulness and energy. And those little things she does: the eye rolls and the way she clips her words...those little things added a little something special to her performance.

And then there's Sean Combs. I have to admit, I watched him carefully because I wanted to clown him. But I couldn't. I honestly couldn't. No, I would not call his performance as Walter Lee brilliant. I think that's an honor reserved for actors with that special something. But I thought he pulled it off better than expected. I can't hate on him. I honestly can't. I read somewhere that he pulled from his own early experiences as a man on the grind to make his character believeable. I could see that in his performance. And I have to applaud him for his efforts. Offscreen, though, he's so....*sigh*

As great a movie as it was, I'm told I should see the original with Sidney Poitier (I've only caught bits and pieces over the years). I will do that because Mr. Poitier's talent is incomparable. And then I'll also get the 1989 version with Danny Glover because I'm curious to see what he brought to the Walter Lee role. I've always respected his work and I can't imagine anything less than brilliance from him as well.

So that's my take. And the only other thing I have to say is...can we please have more black movies of this calibre? Please?

Note to Self: Get on TLC's "What Not to Wear"

So I've started campaigning to get the attention of What Not to Wear, the popular TLC makeover show featuring fabulous stylists Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. I watch this show religiously and I jot down the rules that I think fit my body type, all in hopes of someday using them on a shopping spree to replace the disgustingly gross wardrobe currently hanging in my closet.

I'll admit it. I'm a fashion victim. I'm still wearing clothes from when I weighed 314 pounds (I'm currently at 260 and shrinking daily). They do nothing for me. They're misshapen, faded, worn, and in some cases torn. I'm embarrassed to leave the house in my clothes. So I don't. Leave the house, that is. As little as possible, anyway (I'm currently working from home so that's not too difficult). And when I do leave, it's mostly not until the nighttime, when there are fewer people on the streets that will be subjected to my style-challenged ways.

At least I recognize the problem.

So I've emailed thirteen of the show's casting people (I don't know the technical term). I hope that's not considering spamming (yikes). But a sista is desperate. Beyond...actually.

I'll keep you posted. And if you're not already watching the show...watch the show! Maybe you'll see me on there someday as part of my Makeover-In-Action Project. Meanwhile, you can still catch my little web reality show on mylifetime.com (Lifetime TV's online community) as part of the SC Johnson-sponsored Clean Start Challenge. See you there!

An American Idol Favorite: Joanne Borgella

So I'm excited about the new season of American Idol, of course. And I've picked my favorites, of course! I'll be writing about my other picks later, but right now Joanne Borgella is of particular interest to me. I've been a fan of hers since she appeared on and won MoNique's Fat Chance back in 2005. Apparently, she's had a steady career since then as both a plus-size model and a vocalist. I'm looking forward with great anticipation to see what she brings to the competition this season...

The Mean Girl Never Wins...

So Bianca is out. I actually thought she'd last at least into the top three, if not the top two. Oh well.

I have to say that I believed her when she said that we haven't seen the last of her. She's determined. And a little shady. She'll be alright.

Kimora Lee IS Fabulous!

I'm sitting here watching a Life in the Fab Lane mini-marathon, and I felt like I wanted to write a few lines about Kimora Lee. But as I was Googling her, I came across this post at BET.com, and I can't think of anything else that needs to be said that this blogger hasn't already said.

Regina King: Guest Blogger on BET.com

As part of the promo for her upcoming movie "This Christmas", veteran actress Regina King is visiting BET.com daily as this week's guest blogger. Who knew little Brenda Jenkins would grow up to be such a prolific talent?

Be sure to stop by each day to view her thoughts on the industry, her current project(s), and why bootlegging really does hurt Black Hollywood.

Writers' Strike Update

This looks promising...

Project Runway

How I got into watching this particular show, I'll never know. I don't have a high interest in couture fashion (what with my most of the time just not "getting" it...and then there's the whole 'these garments were created for a size 0-2 model' thing). But I do like it. I'm down for anything that allows creative minds to run freely.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't learn anything from Reality TV. I learned, for instance, that I'm desperately in need of a head-to-toe makeover, especially since I lost all this weight. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9-1-1.

Anyway, if you haven't already, check it out!

Well, We Knew It Was Coming...

She may be gone from ANTM, but she's not over. I do believe we'll see Ambreal doing other things. I don't know what the future holds for her as a runway model, but doesn't she write and/or perform poetry? Or was it singing? Whatever the specific talent, she's a creative soul. I think she'll pop up on the scene another time another place.

Meanwhile, I was almost dead-on with my ANTM Top Six Pick.

"Nikki Parker" on "Ugly Betty"

At least that's what it felt like I was watching when I tuned in Thursday night.

Mo'Nique was the guest star on this particular episode. She played the role of L'Amanda, the crazed weekend security guard who develops an unrequited crush on Professor Oglevee, er, Betty's boyfriend, Henry. It was a role that could have been played by any random actress in her first prime-time role. I have to say, I was very much disappointed.

I wanted to see Mo'Nique appear on the show in a glam role, say, as the owner of a full-figure magazine, modeling agency or advertising firm that wants to do business with Mode. I wanted to see her enter dressed fabulously, with an entourage, and being led by a sleek black panther with a diamond-studded leash around its neck. I imagined a storyline that would have allowed her to share screen time (not to mention all the narrowed-eyed sharp-tongued catfight-like dialog two primadivas can deliver in a forty-two minute episode) with the deliciously evil Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Now that would have been memorable, and a testament to how far (not how full-circle) Mo'Nique's career has come since The Parkers.

This Week on ANTM

Well, for all of Tyra Banks' best intentions, this season's ANTM cycle has just lost its one and only plus-size model, Sarah. I did think she'd go a little bit further in the competition, but she, like almost every other model her size in cycles past, seemed to become uncomfortable in her own skin after being around the thinner models for so many weeks. Unfortunately, it led to her dismissal this week. I'm sorry to see her go, but I hope she can parlay this into a career of some sort. Nigel himself said the camera loves her. Perhaps she'll be able to get some print work somewhere.

Meanwhile, she delivered the best line of tonight's episode, in response to shady Heather-hatin' Bianca, who with fake frustration claimed to be the biggest girl in the house. Sarah gave her the dumb look and returned with something like "Are we really gonna play this game?" Ha! Love that.

Afterthought: Looking at this particular picture of Sarah, I almost wish her makeover hadn't included a haircut. Maybe just a change of color (something reddish/brown/blonde) or a blunt cut would've been nice.

Who Cares What Those Writers Do?

I just returned from having dinner with my mother and several of her girlfriends. As is always the case when a group of women are gathered, several different conversations were going on at once around and across the table. I asked one of the ladies, who has dabbled in writing for years now, what her thoughts were on the impending Writers Guild of America strike. Before she could offer up an opinion, my mother made a face and--in a voice dripping with disgust--said, "Who cares what those writers do?"

Exactly.

That's exactly the mindset and mentality that has brought on the Writers Guild of America West member strike, which officially begins (picket lines and all) just a few short hours from now. I'm not a television writer, so I definitely don't understand fully the Ins and Outs of it all. What I do understand of it is that since 1984--when Hollywood unions made a deal to accept a really really small percentage of home video sales because at that time it was an untested market and studios argued that production costs were high--writers have been twisted out of alot of money, which is shameful because they are, after all, responsible for the words that come out of the mouths of the actors who make these shows successful. (These days, for example, writers only get about 3 cents on a typical DVD retailing for $20.) Writers just want a little bigger piece of the pie. And why not, considering the way DVD sales have taken off since then, even becoming more profitable for studios than box office receipts. Let's not forget the countless hours of television programming streaming all day every day via the internet. Believe it or not, the writers of those shows don't get paid for that either.

So what will television be like if this strike should drag on and on? Viewers and studios may not fully appreciate the impact of it all until they ask, as my mother did just a couple of minutes after expressing her unsolicited opinion, "So what's good on television tonight?" and find nothing but repeats and--God forbid--even more Reality TV.

Some People Just Get Everything!

Variety is reporting that Tyra Banks has inked an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. to develop scripted shows, reality programs and direct-to-DVD projects. She also signed a series development deal with the CW and has restructured her Bankable Productions staff.

Glad to see her doing her thing, but I also have to admit that I'm just a wee bit envious! I'd love to pitch and develop some projects too. Gimme one day in the life of Tyra (minus the modeling and photo shoots, of course)...

I know, I know, I'm whining again!

So They Really Do Use This Stuff In Real Life

I'm sitting here watching one of my new favorite shows: Numb3rs, starring Rob Morrow and David Krumholtz. [Not too sad that I'm home alone on a Friday night. I don't even bother dating anymore. The only men asking me out are not good for me.] I am absolutely intrigued by the application of mathematics to criminology. Okay, so once they launch into formulas and numerology, I'm lost. Still, it's impressive.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't also mention the chocolatey-goodness that is actor Alimi Ballard, who I think looks like a slightly taller and more filled-out version of Sean Patrick Thomas.

Yet another reason to tune in.

ANTM: The Fab Five

Is it five or six models that end up going overseas to some exotic location as the competition begins to wind down? I'll pick my Top Five now: Bianca, Heather, Lisa, Jenah and Saleisha. If it's six that travel, I'd have to add Sarah as the sixth.

As for who I think will be in the final episode? Kinda too early too tell, but I think it will be Heather, Bianca and Saleisha. Who will battle on the runway? I think it'll come down to Heather and Bianca. The winner? I can't call it yet...

Ding Dong, Ebony's Gone!

So the buzz all over the ANTM message board at cwtv.com is that many viewers think Tyra was mean to Ebony last night for throwing away the modeling opportunity given to her. And throw it away she did!

If you didn't see it, Ebony was in the bottom two, which is just where she wanted to be (and truly where she belonged). She told her fellow housemates even before stepping into panel that she wanted to go home. It came across in her interaction with Mr. Jay and in her pictures (did you peep the snarl in her closeup?). It came across from the moment she stepped into panel. And it came across when the judges were critiquing her pictures. In fact, I think she was purposely even more off-putting than usual (as if that were even possible)because she wanted to tick them off and be sent home. It backfired though, because Tyra chose her to stay over Ambreal.

And then it happened.

This is where I'm in defense of Tyra. Now, I don't remember her exact words at the moment (I'm not in a TIVO household anymore so I couldn't play it back, but I will watch the episode online later), but I do recall that Tyra did check Miss Ebony and called her a quitter. Some viewers thought that was rude. But here's the thing: I don't believe Tyra would've come that hard if Ebony hadn't been so funky all along (and let's not act like she hasn't been) and if she hadn't been so flippant in the way she announced that she just didn't want to be there anymore. Sometimes it's the way a person says something that works either for or against them. The end result probably would've been the same, but Tyra's response would most likely have been different. In fact, think back to Cycle 7 when one of the twins (I can't recall which one) expressed her doubts at being in the competition. Yes, she was sent home, but Tyra was wayyyyyyy nicer about dismissing her. You see? Tone and attitude truly make a difference.

I will say this for Ebony, though. She was woman enough to take herself out of the race before it went any further; before the opportunity was taken away from another model who really wanted to be there.

Drama.

America's Next Top Model

I'm a Top Model fan. I'm not sure why, really. Well, maybe it's because I like to see people realize their dreams. Maybe it's because I like to see those who have become successful make it possible for other people to realize their own successes. Or maybe it's because I like a little drama (as long as it's not my drama). Because there is always drama on ANTM.

But this comment is not really about that, per se. There are professional bloggers who will give you a scene-by-scene commentary on the show. No, the point of this post is that I think it's time for ANTM to switch it up a bit.

I say that because, each and every cycle, there are a couple of models who are dismissed too early. A couple who should be allowed to develop a little more before they get the boot. And then there are those who should be dismissed early but aren't.

So I'm pitching an idea to the producers. [Well, not officially. But I am going to write it here and perhaps someone will stumble upon this post and pass it along to the right people.]

Next cycle, why not allow all thirteen girls to stay through the first three photo shoots? At the first panel, the judges would deliberate as usual and grade the girls on their performance (but not reveal the results to the girls or the viewing audience). Same process for the second panel, which means the models leave both times not knowing where they stand or whether they will be among the three that will be dismissed all at once at the third panel.

Ha! Now that's entertainment.

This Cape Is FIRE!

I'm diggin' this cape worn by Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia.

Writer's Block on Girlfriends

I was just over at the CW website checking out the storylines for this week's shows. I'm really looking forward to Girlfriends. This week, Maya, who has become my favorite character (probably because she's an author) begins ducking her publisher when she experiences Writer's Block and is unable to complete her third book. It should be pretty hilarious because I just noticed that this episode is written by Mark Alton Brown and Dee LaDuke, both of whom penned several episodes of the witty southern belle comedy Designing Women. I'm already smiling.

Meanwhile, I know a little something about Writer's Block. I'm blocked right now, as a matter of fact, and the only good thing to come of it is that I'm able to turn my attention back to blogging while I try to figure out what's going on with the characters of my new fiction project--the long-overdue second story in the Scenes From the Indigo Lounge series that I began as part of the Amazon Shorts program over at Amazon.com. Hopefully soon, I'll figure out where I want to go with the story and pick up writing it again.