Good Hair, Premiere's on big screen

The HBO Films documentary "Good Hair," co-written and produced by Chris Rock and Nelson George, will finally arrive in US theaters this year after world rights were picked up by Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment.

Roadside will release the film domestically in the fall, reports Variety. Lionsgate will handle home video and other domestic ancillary rights, while HBO retains pay cable rights.

The documentary also stars Rock as he shares hair recollections with such celebs as Maya Angelou, Nia Long, Raven Symone, Ice-T and the Rev. Al Sharpton. Stories of how hairstyles impacted their lives and self-esteem helped Rock formulate an answer to a question posed by his daughter.

"Good Hair" was directed by Jeff Stilson, a writer and co-producer of HBO's "The Chris Rock Show

Common in the new A-team Movie

The question of who will play Mr. T's role of B.A. Baracus in the upcoming "A Team" film appears to have been settled, as Fox is reportedly interested in casting rapper/actor Common.

When John Singleton was attached to helm the project last year, there were rumors that his preference for the mohawked role was Tyrese Gibson, whom he had directed in "Baby Boy" and "2 Fast 2 Furious."

Ice Cube, who starred in Singleton's first film "Boyz n the Hood," was also said to be actively pursuing the role.

But now that Joe Carnahan has taken over the director's chair, word has it that he's looking to bring in his own man Common, who starred in his film "Smokin' Aces."

The rapper/actor tells Moviehole.com that the role would be "so exciting."

10 Modern day Classic Movies

1. Lady Sings The Blues(1972) - Pop superstar, Diana Ross made her acting debut in this film, which chronicled the life of jazz great, Billie Holiday. While the film is mostly fiction, with a few facts thrown, Diana Ross received The Golden Globe, The Caesar, (French equivalent of the Oscar) and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Liza Minnelli won that year for Cabaret. This film was released in 1972, at the height of popularity of ‘Blaxplotation’ films such as Foxy Brown and Cleopatra Jones. It’s popularity demonstrated that a serious drama starring Black folk could be commercially successful. While Ross is no Billie Holiday, she does some of the best vocal work of her career in this film.
Director: Sidney J. Furie
Stars: Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, and Richard Pryor.


2. Shaft(1971) - Directed by noted writer/director, Gordon Parks, this effort was as popular for the music, as it was for it’s script, which was considered innovative at the time. Shaft was the first Black Hero of modern day film - A private investigator who dressed well, lived well, was intelligent, yet streetwise and cool at the same time. It was a big risk to take at a time when most were being portrayed as “cool pimps”, “ mack daddies”, and shady characters whose morals were questionable. It, like Lady Sings The Blues was released during the height of popularity of Blaxplotation films.
Director:Gordon Parks
Stars: Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn

3. In The Heat of The Night(1967) - A Norman (Fiddler On The Roof, The Thomas Crown Affair, Agnes of God, A Soldier’s Story, The Hurricane, Moonstruck, Rollerball, And Justice For All, etc., etc.) Jewison film. My God, what a resume! The story of a Black New York City detective passing through a small southern town, who is held as a suspect in the murder of the town’s most prominent citizen. He is later detained to assist in the solving of the crime, which of course he does admirably. The local sheriff is a ‘redneck’, and most of the other White citizens, with the exception of Lee Grant, who plays the victim's widow, all seem to be as dumb as stumps. (Somehow, it gives us comfort, to believe all racists have low IQ’s, which is most often not the case.) Not only is the plot engrossing, but watching the dynamics of the relationship between the sheriff and the detective change, is totally hypnotic. It is evident with each scene that you are watching two terrific actors at the top of their game. Rod won the Oscar; Sidney wasn’t even nominated. Quincy Jones did the score.
Director: Norman Jewison
Stars: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Lee Grant.

4. Sparkle(1976) - This is one of those films most often included in the DVD or VHS collections of many African Americans, while most Whites will say, “Sparkle?” This film chronicles the rise of 3 sisters from ghetto obscurity to superstardom. It examines their relationship, and the pitfalls success inevitably brings. It features a very popular score by Curtis Mayfield actually sung by the 3 actresses who portrayed the sisters. All songs were later re-recorded that year by Aretha Franklin on her album of the same name.
Director: Sam O’Steen
Stars: Irene Cara, Lonette Mckee, Dwan Smith, and Phillip Michael Thomas

5. The Color Purple(1985) - Nominated for 11 Academy Award, this is another one of those films that is a “must have” for collectors of Black film, and one that you will also find in the DVD/VHS collections of many African American. The film is an adaptation of a Pulitzer prize winning novel by Alice Walker. It explores the life of one woman, as played by Whoopi Goldberg, and the trials and tribulation she suffers as she grows into her own, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It is probably the only role in which Whoopi was not just being Whoopi, and you get to see her really act! This film earned Whoopi her first Oscar nomination. Not just good, but GREAT performances were given by all. Quincy Jones co-produced, as well as composed the score.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar, Rae Dawn Chong, and Margaret Avery

6. Glory(1989) - An historical account of the all Black 54th regiment - Comprised of free northern Blacks and runaway slaves who fought and nearly all perished during the Civil War. It was nominated for 5 Academy Awards, winning 3, including 1 for Denzel Washington for Best Supporting Actor. The story and acting are riveting. It is an eye-opening study of the relationship between blacks and whites in the military, and in America as a whole, during that era.
Director: Edward Zwick
Stars: Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher

7. Boyz In The Hood(1991) - A coming of age story of a Black youth growing up in South Central Los Angeles. A realistic portrayal of the gangs, the violence, and the relationships that shape and alter one boy's life. This prompted a whole rash of movies in this genre, which is still to this day being imitated.
Director: John Singleton
Stars: Cuba Gooding jr., Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Regina King and Nia Long

8. Malcolm X(1992)- Based on the novel, The Autobiography of Malcolm X as written by Alex (Roots) Haley, it chronicles the life of Malcolm and his rise from street hustle, drug addict and pimp, to spiritual leader of The Nation of Islam. This film is probably Spike Lee’s best work to date. He refrained from his usual cute camera tricks, and concentrated on the story. The result is awesome. 'X' earned Denzel Washington another Academy award nomination for Best Actor.
Director: Spike Lee
Stars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Al Freeman jr., and Theresa Randle.

9. Soul Food(1997) - A true and positive depiction of Black middle class family life. It realistically gives an accounting of the relationship between mothers and daughters; sibling rivalry, and the struggle to keep the family intact. The story revolves around a time honored tradition most Blacks are familiar with - Sunday dinner. Great movie, produced by singer/songwriter Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds and his wife Tracey. Great soundtrack, which spawned hits by Mary J. Blige, Brandy, and others.
Director: George Tillman jr.
Stars: Vanessa L. Williams, Viveca A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, Mekhi Phifer, and Irma P. Hall

10. Waiting to Exhale(1995) - The Adaptation of Terry McMillan’s novel of the same name, it was labeled a ’man-hating’ film by quite a few brothers, disturbed by the way their images were portrayed. It’s the story of 4 middle class Black women, and the trials and tribulations they endure in their quest for meaningful intimate relationships, as well as a true-to-life exploration of their relationships with each other. I personally thought it was pretty balanced, showing both negative and positive images of Black men in a realistic way, and wasn’t at all offended.
....and another great soundtrack, which boosted movie ticket sales.
Director: Forest Whitaker
Stars: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Gregory Hines, Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, and Wesley Snipes.

Mos Def Convinces Next Day Air Co-Stars To Ban 'N' Word

Mos Def banned the use of the 'N' word on the set of his new movie Next Day Air in a bid to urge his co-stars to use less controversial terms to "express" themselves.

The rapper/actor stars alongside Donald Faison, Mike Epps and Wood Harris in the funny crime caper, about a drug shipment which is delivered to the wrong address.

And Mos Def convinced his African-American co-stars to make sure language in the film and on the set was respectful at all times - by outlawing the racially-charged word.

Harris says, "It was something that was very important to us. It was our way of making a statement that we can express ourselves without using the N-word. But it wasn't just in the movie that we banned the word. We also banned it on set. No one could say it. At first it was difficult, but we really stayed on top of each other. By the end of... filming, I don't know if it was something that even came up. We just didn't say it, and had no desire to. I hope that other people will start trying to find new ways to express themselves as well."

WILL.I.IAM: THE X-MEN ORIGINS WOLVERINE INTERVIEW

William James Adams, aka Will.i.Am, was born on March 15, 1975 in the City of Los Angeles where he attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

But by the time he got around to launching his own clothing line ("i.am") in 2005, the talented Renaissance man had already found fame as front man for Black Eyed Peas, the multiple Grammy-winning hip-hop group with hits like "Let's Get It Started" and "My Humps."

A versatile musician, Will not only plays various keyboards, the bass and drums, but also sings and raps as well.

Besides Black Eyed Peas, he's produced several successful solo projects, plus he has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Sergio Mendes, Usher and Flo Rida.

Perhaps his most important cultural contribution came during the run-up to the presidential election, when he released " Yes We Can ," the Emmy-winning song which ostensibly served as the Obama campaign's unofficial theme song. Will made his first foray into acting last fall when he provided the voice of Moto Moto in the animated feature Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

Here, he talks about all of the above, and about X-Men Origins: Wolverine (out this Friday) where he co-stars opposite Hugh Jackman as John Wraith.

Will.i.Am: Hi Kam.

Kam Williams: Thanks for the time, Will. By the way, is this you or just a hologram of you?

WiA: No, this is really Will.

KW: I remember when you were interviewed by Anderson Cooper as a hologram on Election Night.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoOTqT-SMI]

WiA: Yeah, it's wild being a hologram back then and now being teleported in X-Men Origins.

KW: I believe that your song "Yes We Can," played a pivotal role in getting young voters excited about Barack Obama and that it helped him become President of the United States. How do you feel about his first 100 days in office?

WiA: So far, he's done great! People are enthusiastic about America like they haven't been in a very long time. He's passed the Stimulus Bill… the Stem Cell Research Bill… he's closed Guantanamo Bay. Base on that, this dude has overachieved already. It's really too early to be judging him, but I'm super thrilled that he won, and I think he's doing a phenomenal job so far. The people judging him now are the doubters who think there's a possibility that he's going to fail. We can't afford that. It's all psychological. If he fails, that means we've failed, too, to since he's in the White House because of us. If we're going to judge him now, then we have to judge ourselves also, and ask, what have we done since his inauguration?

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks what inspired you to write "Yes We Can?"

WiA: My passion. I was inspired by his speech, and by all the invisible freedom fighters from the past who you never read about in school.

KW: Did you think it would help Obama become president?

WiA: No, I wrote it basically so teachers could teach his speech in school. I wasn't thinking, "I'm going to write this song to make Obama our president." That's not logical. I was thinking, "I'm going to write this song so we would have a politician's words being taught in schools." That was something I could do that would have an immediate effect.

KW: That's brilliant, Will!

WiA: Thank you. That was the real reason I did it, although there was the possibility that this dude could become our president once he was already being taught to the kids.

KW: As for X-Men, what a spectacular screen debut you're getting to make by being a part of such a popular film franchise.

WiA: Yeah, it's more than spectacular. It's unbelievable, and kind of crazy, if you ask me.

KW: Did you base your approach to playing John Wraith on anybody?

WiA: I modeled him after my cousin, Earl. He used to be a very, very bad, bad man. He's done some bad, bad things, but he's also a very approachable, likable, huggable kind of guy. He has some bad friends who've done bad things, too, but he has a conscience.

KW: How would you describe your character's relationship to Logan, aka Wolverine?

WiA: He and Wolverine are close buddies. They go off into the world, and mess up things, but he has a heart, and knows when enough is enough.

KW: What was working with director Gavin Hood like?

WiA: Working with him was incredible. First of all, I love his movies. He's very talented and very endearing as far as making you feel comfortable about tapping into all the emotions you need to deliver. He pulls the best out of you, and that's awesome.

KW: And how was it acting opposite Hugh Jackman?

WiA: Hugh Jackman is the nicest guy on Earth. I was like, "Dang, dude," he was so super nice.

KW: Are you planning to make more movies?

WiA: I would love not only to do more work as an actor, but to write and direct.

KW: You're an incredibly accomplished Renaissance man who has made a mark in a number of fields. But you started out in fashion. Is it still your first love?

WiA: Yeah, I love fashion. It is my love.

KW: I know you were born in Los Angeles, but where are your parents from?

WiA: My folks are from Mississippi.

KW: "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan wants to know, where in L.A. do you live now?

WiA: [Sings to the tune of Hollywood Swinging] Hollywooooooooooood!!!!!

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

WiA: It's more the opposite. I've been asked a lot of questions I wish people wouldn't.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

WiA: Afraid about what?

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

WiA: I'm happy every day of my life.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good belly laugh?

WiA: Last night.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

WiA: Can I be honest.

KW: Of course.

WiA: I've never really read a book.

KW: Why not?

WiA: I can read pretty well, but my attention span is really short. When I read, the first paragraph is great, the second is great, but by about the third paragraph or so, I'm just reading the words and it's no longer sinking into my mind.

KW: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

WiA: I'm going through that right now.

KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who's at the top of your hero list?

WiA: I have many heroes. When it comes to molding my character, my grandma, Sarah Cain, is my biggest hero. We call her Nanny. And my mom, Debra, of course, too. But aside from my family, my biggest hero is Quincy Jones, by far.

KW: A big fan of yours, Marcia Evans, loves those CDs you made with Sergio Mendes. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh307IdQ4cw] She wants to know, how you liked working in Brazil.

WiA: I loved working there. Brazil is one of my favorite places on the planet.

KW: Marcia was also wondering what you think of the Brazilian culture.

WiA: I love the culture because black people in Brazil are Brazilian, whereas in America, black people are black. The Brazilians have graduated and have accepted pigment, so they all just celebrate Brazilian-ness. I'm not saying we need to abandon our origins, but Brazilians are from Africa, too. America is almost there. Most of us don't know what part of Africa we're from anyway.

KW: I recently read a book by a sister who went back to Africa to find her roots and came back feeling more American than African.

WiA: Interesting. Brazil has faced the same issues we have, but the difference is that they were conquered by the Portuguese. Sergio Mendes taught me a whole lot about African culture and how we've evolved from slavery. He pointed out that the Portuguese didn't strip their slaves of their culture, so the Brazilian people were able to grow together as a nation, avoiding what America is suffering from.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps, like my son who is majoring in music in college?

WiA: I would say just to continue to make music and to share it on the internet. That's the future, in just making it and sharing it.

KW: Thanks again for the interview Will, and best of luck with all your endeavors.

WiA: Thank you so much, dude.