June Movie Club Notes

I must apologize for the lapse in posting on this site. There is no excuse, I'm just lazy. But the vitality which has been exhibited by movie club members over the past five years deserves to be recorded. We've changed a lot over the past five and one-half years but the enthusiasm for film has remained.

The choices for June were The Visitor selected by Kathi and 3:10 to Yuma chosen by Harold.

I'll start with The Visitor which Kathi said she found while looking for another movie. She thought it sounded interesting and hoped that everyone would enjoy it. We all did. The lowest rating this film earned from the group was a B and that is a rousing success in Harlem Movie Club terms.

Ron gave the movie its B saying that he found it slow to start and a little too long. Puma admitted that there are few films she doesn't like but she particularly enjoyed the multiculturalness of the film and felt it was "very real' and "not contrived". She thought the slowness of the film helped give the viewer a chance to see and appreciate the way the main character (Walter) handled the stresses he felt. John felt that it was the "type of film that shows the reason people make films". All agreed that the characters were portrayed in a way that really made you care about them and that the movie was realistic and easy to relate to.

The ratings for The Visitor are as follows:

India B+

Lori A-

Nero B+

Kathi A

Zanetta A-

Ron B

Puma A+

Stephanie A

Zorah B+

Carl A

Mona A

David A

John A

Harold A-

Hope A

Patrice A

Gwen A-

Rita B

Tonique A

In contrast to The Visitor, 3:10 to Yuma was a real disappointment, although the grades it received weren't extraordinarily bad. Harold selected the film because, based on what he had heard of the western, he thought it would be much more interesting. David thought the movie was "cliched, corny, boring and irrelevant". "But for Russell Crowe, I would have given the movie an F", he said.

Puma, true to herself, gave the film an A+. Once again she saw the film in mythological terms. She also likes anything with Russell Crowe. Stephaine liked that Crowe's character was redeemed in the end by his relationship with Don Evans, the character portrayed by Christian Bale.

3:10 to Yuma grades:

India B

Lori B

Nero B

Kathi B-

Zanetta C

Ron B

Puma A

Stephanie B-

Carl C

Mona C

David C-

John C

Harold B-

Hope B

Patrice B

Gwen B-

May Movie Club Notes - Trying to catch up

Although I started writing this post in May, it is now August and I am really trying to take care of the backlog of Movie Club notes. Here finally are May's notes.

Our regular Movie Club season usually runs from September through June but we've acquired so many new members this year and we're having so much fun that at our May meeting on the 9th, we decide that this year we will continue meeting into July. (As a historical point, the first couple of years we met year round but had such poor showings during the summer we decided to suspend those meetings.) We have such a good time discussing the movies of the month and everything else under the sun that folks actually miss the social connection when there isn't a meeting.

This month's movies were The Mist, selected by Puma and The Forbidden Kingdom selected by John. I have to say that both films received mediocre ratings as shown below, but of the two The Forbidden Kingdom was probably the bigger disappointment. The first time that megastars, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, have been in a film together is big news for a lot of people. Unfortunately, most of the group agreed that the talent deserved a better vehicle. The film was beautifully shot and some of the martial arts scenes were incredible. Nevertheless the film did receive one A+ rating from Puma who said this is her "favorite kind of story", campy, hyped-up adventure. She said that she was "on the edge of her seat with delight". Unfortunately for the filmmakers she was the only one who felt that way at Movie Club and also it seems in the general movie viewing public.



Here are the Movie Club grades for The Forbidden Kingdom



Kathi B

John B

Puma A+

Zanetta B+

Stephanie F-

Ramona C+

Gwen D

David B+

Harold C

Gregg C

Carl B

Ed D+

Hope C

Patrice C


The Mist didn't fair much better. Most thought that the film was somewhat saved by its unexpected ending. Puma thought that the violence and gore was excessive and gratuitous. Harold thought that the best part of the film was its look at how people react when they are locked down together and have few choices. Carl was reminded of The Twilight zone and both he and Stephanie thought the film would have better if it had focused on the interaction that Harold mentioned. How diverse folks act when they are trapped together.

And the ratings for The Mist:

Kathi C-

Yvonne C+

John D-

Puma B

Tonique C

Stephanie B-

Ramona C-

Gwen D

David B+

Harold C+

Carl C

Ed C

Hope C

Patrice C

India A+

Next month's movie selections are: 3:10 to Yuma and The Visitor.

April Movie Club Notes

Thanks to Zanetta for writing the Movie Club notes in my absence.


We were pleased to welcome to the club new members Tanique, Rylona’s friend and neighbor, and Patrice, introduced to the group by India .

Meet the Browns
Yvonne chose the movie Meet the Browns, but, (perhaps fortunately for her) wasn’t there to defend her choice, and could not be reached for comment, though we did try. Puma was one of two participants who gave the movie its highest rating, a B. Puma explained that she enjoyed the romantic aspect of it, as it was a sentimental love story that touched her heart. She disliked the humor however, calling it stereotypical and tacky. Specifically, she said, the beating was nothing to be made fun of. Patrice, the other B-grader, qualified her rating saying that it was a “B for a Tyler Perry-type movie.” She said her score also reflected the fact that she closely identified with the single mother story line.

Brother John gave the film its lowest grade, a “double F,” and for the first time in the history of our movie club said that he is seeking a refund from the person who chose the movie! In keeping with his usual commentary from a technical perspective, his first observation was a violent objection to the “purple make-up,” making the characters look like the “painted white people portraying Indians in the 1950’s Spaghetti Westerns.” Then, he said there was no script, and on top of that this had to be Angela Bassett’s worst performance of her entire life, compounded by the fact that she is much too old for the role, and her costuming made her look like a hobbit, all tolled making this the worst movie he has ever seen. Ron echoed the opinion, stating that Rick Fox should stay on the basketball court, and there was no flow to the movie. The movie was described as buffoonery and demeaning to women, with most of the characters portraying a “ho’,” both men and women. Most of the other commentary was aligned with the disappointment described above, with Karl adding that it was too predictable, and Rylona echoing that it was a tired story line.

Gregg however, tried to offer the movie’s screenwriter some reprieve—he said “I have to applaud Tyler Perry though for taking on the issue of neglected children. People need to see the effect of what happens. He also appreciated that TP addresses the issue that there are so many negative voices in our community, specifically quoting the line “ Have you been beaten down so much that you can’t recognize a positive person?” Sister Kathi offered that the caretaker was the one character that had some substance. Zanetta, although she didn’t see the movie, was just relieved to have not been called out as the worst movie-picker for once.

Here are the ratings for Meet the Browns

John FF
Gregg C+
India C+
Carl C
Patrice B
Puma B
Ramona C+
Ron F
Rylona D-
Kathi D-
Tanique C
Valerie C+


There Will Be Blood

Notes pending on this film, however ratings are listed below:

John A
Gregg B
India B+
Carl B
Puma A
Ramona B
Ron B+
Rylona C-
Kathi B+
Zanetta B+

May Movie Choices
Puma - The Mist
Brother John - The Forbidden Kingdom

March Movie Club Notes

Welcome to Puma and her daughter India our newest members of the Harlem Movie Club. We hope that you enjoyed your first contact with us as well as we enjoyed meeting you.

Our March meeting was somewhat historic. Never before have we had such an overall widespread difference of opinion concerning a film. 14 members reviewed Best Picture Oscar winner, No Country for Old Men and 50% of them gave the film a B or better, while the other half rated the film as low as a 'V', which of course has no point value but indicates the strong dislike the viewer felt for the movie.

Valerie selected the film based on one clip she had seen in preview where Anton, the Javier Bardem character, forced an elderly grocery store owner to flip a coin. That scene piqued her interest so much that she wanted to see more. Obviously she liked what she saw because she gave the film an A-.

For many others however, the film was disjointed, confusing, senseless and had no flow which they reflected in their low ratings. However our newest member Puma, provided such a different perspective on the film, that even some of those who didn't like it wanted to go back and see it again. Puma felt that the film was an allegory, running on different levels which was not meant to be taken literally. As a keeper of Native (American) storytelling traditions, she saw the film as following old native story principles and symbols throughout. She felt that the Coen brothers must have been influenced by some interaction with Native peoples in their home state of Minnesota. Her comments demonstrate the value of having more and more members in our club and I hope that all our members will make an effort to bring new people to our meetings.

Other comments on No Country ranged from Ron's "didn't flow. scared the hell out of me" to Damon's the "movie was horrible. I just wanted it to end already". David thought that No Country was "a meaningless, cliched waste of the Coen Brother's political clout in Hollywood". That they "drag down the whole industry when they produce an artistic fart just because they can."

Here are the ratings for No Country for Old Men:
Rita A-
Yvonne C
David D+
Carl A
Ron C-
Harold C+
Hope A-
Ramona B
Valerie A-
Zorah C+
India B
Puma A+
Tiffany F
Damon 'V'

Our second film for March was Michael Clayton. Hope chose this film for two reasons. One, George Clooney and two, both George Clooney and the film were nominated for Oscars.

The sentiments for Michael Clayton were a lot more uniform than we saw with our privious selection. Everyone enjoyed the film on some level but some more than others. Zanetta really liked the film but thought it could have easily been done as a "made for TV movie". Tiffany and Ed also liked the film but thought it had been done before, and better, in movies like Erin Brockavich, The Firm etc. Valerie and Ramona, both with experience at law firms, felt that the movie offered an accurate depiction of what life is like in large firms.

Ratings for Michael Clayton:

Valerie A
Zorah B+
Ron B+
Yvonne B-
India B
Rita B
Harold B-
Gregg B+
Puma A+
Carl B+
Mona B
Hope B
David B+
Zanetta A-
Ed C
Tiffany C
Damon C+

What's Goin' On?

Prince Among Slaves



Tuesday, March 25 - 7 PM-9PM, Columbia University Morningside Campus Earl Hall, Dodge Room - FREE!



A True Story

A highly educated member of the ruling class, Abdul-Rahman was captured in a regional conflict, sold into slavery, survived the Middle Passage, and ended up in Natchez, Mississippi. After 40 years of enslavement, his journey to freedom eventually included the support of Sec. of State Henry Clay and Thomas Gallaudet as well as meeting Pres. John Quincy Adams in the White House. But the story doesn't end there; he struggles to free his nine children. Will he succeed? Directed by Andrea Kalin and re-enactments by Bill Duke │Documentary │60 minutes 2007



Discussion and refreshments to follow. For further information regarding this event, please contact Raquel Whittaker by sending email to oucfilmseries@columbia.edu or by calling 212-854-4194.



Harlem Symphony Orchestra



Apollo Family Series, Sunday, March 30, 4PM, Apollo Theater



The Harlem Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2004 to highlight the visibility and historic contributions of African American classical musicians. The orchestra is made up of African American graduates of the nation’s top conservatories and music schools, including The Julliard School, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman School of Music, and Indiana University. The orchestra performs traditional symphonic works, and music by African and African American composers. Violist Amadi Hummings is a native of New York City and serves as conductor and music director.

For tickets: Ticketron or call the Apollo box office, 212-531-5305

What's Goin' On?

Here's what's happening in Harlem and around town that you might want to check out.


Romare Bearden - Works: Cubist and Caribbean
Now through Saturday, March 29 see the works of
master artist, Romare Bearden, at the Essie Green Galleries, 419A Convent Avenue, in the village of Harlem. 212-368-9635. Shown is "The Uncoupling of the Hounds" ( 1946)
Not to be missed!

Afro Diaspora Sounds
Abdou Mbacke will perform traditional African music and drumming at the City College of New York, Friday, March 14 - 3 PM - Shepard Hall, Room 95. FREE

Big Apple Jazz/ EZ's Woodshed - Harlem Rent Parties
Every Friday night in March. Shows begin at 8:30 PM until... Free
2236 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd between 131st and 132nd Streets.
March 14 - featuring The Vocalists. Frank Senior, LeeOlive Tucker, Jimmy Jones, Audrey Silver, Lester Deane.

Black Magic
ESPN will televise a two-part documentary, Black Magic, commercial free, on Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17 at 9 p.m. The film covers the Civil Rights Movement as told through the lives of basketball players and coaches who attended black colleges and universities. It is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and Wynton Marsallis, and is produced by former NBA star Earl Monroe.

Hulu
Watch movies, movie clips, TV shows and videos online all for FREE via Hulu, a joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp.

What's Goin' On?

Here's what's happening in Harlem and around town that you might want to check out.


First Thursday Strolls: Hats off to JAZZ on W.181st Street presented by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance
Thursday, March 6, 7PM (concert 7:30 - 9:30pm) NOMA Stroll to KB Gallery to see an exhibit of local artists and hear a jazz concert by The Allen Won Quartet, the first of three concerts at the gallery sponsored by local arts organization Artists Unite. Artists Unite presents a Jazz Composers Series at the new KB Gallery featuring contemporary musicians based in the NYC area.

New York International Children's Film Festival
Does your child like going to the movies? Did you know that there is a film festival dedicated to children's films? Well there is and from now until March 16 you and your children can enjoy 20 movies grouped by age for children from 3 years old to mid-teens. You can even attend the Best of the Fest awards and closing party on the last day of the festival. A little taste of the Oscars?

Harlem Stage on Screen: Creatively Speaking
For the adult crowd, check out the 16 films showing at Harlem Stage at The Gatehouse Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16. The 12th season of the Harlem Stage annual film series, featuring NY Women in Film & Television. Tickets $12, discounts available for Harlem residents and Harlem Stage members.

Black Shadows on the Silver Screen: Friday Matinee Film Festival for Seniors
Finally, you don't have to be a senior to enjoy the weekly showings of some forgotten gems from the '20's, '30's and '40's showcasing the talents of Black filmmakers and actors.
Lincoln East Senior CenterFriday, March 7 through Friday, June 20. A Memory Lane of Black Cinema for Harlem's African American Seniors!

ANF Short Film Collective In Conjunction with NY Perks Present: A Special Film Presentation "A Deeper Love "Written, produced and directed by Darrell Smith.

Thursday, March 13, 2008 -Reception 6:30pm;
Film Screening: 7:30pm;
After Party: 9:00pm
Suggested Donation: $5.00
NY Perks,
193 Smith Street between Warren & Baltic Street,
Brooklyn, NY
F or G Train to Bergen St

A DEEPER LOVE tells the story of the perfect match. Gina and Kevin share a bond that is strong enough to go through anything. But when a new love enters her life, she must make a decision that will change her life forever. Chyna Layne (Lee Daniels' PUSH, HBO's LIFE SUPPORT) and Rayan Lawrence (BACKSTAB, Dr. Miracle Commercials), Petri Hawkins Byrd (JUDGE JUDY), Gwynne Flanagan, Christopher L. McAllister and Nazanin Nour lead outstanding performances.

To RSVP: rsvp@actnowproduction.org or
347-274-0563
Hosted By: Ashanda Tarry
Producers:Gregory Jones, Marty Majeske & Aaron Ingram

Come meet the Director Of This Film On the 13th