Talk To Me

What’s it about:
Set in the 60’s and following the illustrious career of Ralph “Petey” Greene, one of America’s most charismatic ex cons who manages to talk his way onto live day time radio. It isn’t long before his “tell like it is” approach transforms him into a household name.

Is it any good?
It’s brilliant. With excellent performances from Don Cheadle and the exceptional Chiwetel Ejiofor this ranks among the best films I’ve seen this year. Sharp photography, cinematography and a phenomenal soundtrack ensure a real feel good factor at the end of 118 minutes.

You’ll remember this bit:
The steam roller fashion in which Petey Greene trys to land his own show are truly hilarious as he delivers one put down after another. Go see it then go and see it again!

Auto Pilot

Dream Ticket the brand new radio show featuring yours truly and Broadcaster Emerson Forde was piloted over the week end have a listen in the podcast section of this site and let me know how you think we did…what does Emerson mean when he calls me a poster boy?

Take Ten

Wanna win a cool t-shirt? Head over to the Take Ten section of this site to find out more.

Nation of millions…

This years Screen Nation Awards, which are the black equivalent to the BAFTAs, were bigger bolder and more lavish than they have ever been with a host of stars gracing the red carpet. The awards now in its 5th year and arguably the most important date in the black movie calendar were well attended by the cream of UK entertainment in both TV and film.

Slick and sophisticated it was held at the swanky Hilton Metropole in London and for the second year running partnered with Sky TV who will broadcast the ceremony on Sky Movies Drama on 29th October. Hosts Colin Salmon and Jose Darby expertly ensured the evenings success and their verbal jousting kept each of them on their toes.

This year’s event saw the introduction of the newly created Vanguard award, which recognises significant achievement on screen over a number of decades. TV drama Roots was selected for a special mention and was honoured as the seminal television series of all time. Actress Leslie Uggams, who played Kizzy in the series, was on hand to accept the accolade. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

The crowning event of the night had to be Actor Morgan Freeman being awarded a gong for the most outstanding contribution to film and TV. The actor unfortunately was unavailable to pick up his award however veteran film critic Barry Norman was fortunately on hand to accept his statuette on his behalf.

Later that night RnB sensation, Nathan, had the crowd captured as he gave the audience a whistle stop tour of his current hit and future material. His mini PA was a perfect accompaniment to the cocktails in full flow till the early hours. TOUCH came, we saw, we conquered.

Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV Morgan Freeman
Inspiration award Moira Stuart
Male film Performance David Harewood: Blood Diamond
Female film Performance Naomie Harris: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest/ At World’s End
Male TV Performance Aml Ameen: The Bill
Female TV Performance Sharon D Clarke: Holby City
Presenting (Public vote) Ainsley Harriott
Male TV Star (Public vote) Adrian Lester: Hustle
Female TV Star (Public vote) Freema Agyeman: Dr Who

Gangster Tip

After starring alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in the phenomenal movie it seems rapper TI has taken his role a little too seriously. The rappers arrest for illegal firearms possesion may amount to jail time, currently on bail TI is said to be hopeful that he’ll avoid a lengthy sentence…but man oh man just look at his collection…

One Nation

Tonight see’s the return of one of the most important event in the film buffs calendar. Screen Nation will see a host of stars grace the red carpet to battle it out in order to walk away with that golden statuette.

Yours truly will be bringing you the results as they happen…that is if I don’t get carried away with the amount of champers that’s likely to be on offer. Good Luck to both Ashley Walters and Aml Ameen for their respective nominations.

Unleash Hell…

Do want to put your questions to Russell Crowe about his new movie American Gangster? You do? Well here’s your chance as I’m interviewing him this week. Using the feedback link on this news item leave me the question you would most like to ask. When I see him on Thursday I’ll use your question…if it’s any good and depending on how many I receive.

The transcript of our conversation will be available here early next week and the audio will be available in the Podcast section of this site soon after.

What are you waiting for…get your question in!

Somethin’ Elsa

Thanks to Elsa O’ Toole you’ll soon get the low down on what’s hot at the forthcoming Abu Dhabi Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi 14-19 Oct 2007. She’ll be giving a round up in the MMTV section when she returns but for now this is what I’m missing out on…

The Middle East International Film Festival – Abu Dhabi (MEIFF) is a cultural event dedicated to bringing a diverse slate of international films and programs to the community and introducing filmmakers from around the world to the resources of the region.

Presented by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), MEIFF is committed to nurturing relationships and providing opportunities to those looking to invest in the future of film. In this regard, the Festival will launch the inaugural Film Financing Circle (FFC), which will become a significant annual conference on the subject of international co-productions. The Middle East International Film Festival – AbuDhabi (MEIFF) debuts October 14-19, 2007 and the Film Financing Circle (FFC) launches October 15-17, 2007.

Abu Dhabi is a city unprecedented in its ability to develop and grow in response to the global marketplace.

Rendition

What’s it about:
Thanks to Elsa O’ Toole for the heads up on this one. Directed by the Oscar winning Director Gavin Hood and featuring an ensemble cast of Meryl Streep, Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, JK Simmons and Alan Arkin Rendition is a series of vignettes that allow a detailed account of what happens when American authorities detain suspected terrorists and the measures they use to ensure their abduction goes unnoticed.

Is it any good:
I’m a fan of Hood’s work so it was not surprising that I liked this. The story, whilst on the face of it is pretty depressing, unfolds in an unconventional manner. Your perception and the stance you take at the beginning of the film will be challenged and I guarantee you that at several points during the movie you’ll get a little teary…unless you are pretty cold and heartless killing machine.

You’ll remember this bit:
The film’s story revolves around an assassination attempt and the way in which the participants in this are unveiled is masterful. The skilled way in which Hood’s would be assassin is revealed is well thought out and a great pay off for sitting through, what at times are painful scenes.

E.T.A: 19th October

Holy déjà vu

Call me cynical but isn’t this just lazy film making. We’ve had Alien Vs Predator already and that was a simply hideous. However, this looks as though it’s going to be better than it’s predecessor. What do you think?

Mean n Green

Ok so the cast of the Justice League of America is taking shape but shock horror gasp. Tyrese is in talks to play the Green Lantern…Dear God No! There are many other actors who could bring this JLA member to life. I think Ashley Walters would make a superb Green Lantern, but what say you? Who do you think could…erm, do him justice.

More Sex…

You can tell it’s a slow news day can’t you. Here’s an on set clip from Sex and the
City: The Movie. We need this in our lives…just like cancer, not!

Anyway enjoy…if you can.