Notorious B.I.G.: Bigger Than Life (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Prolific hip-hop documentarian Peter Spirer (Thug Angel, Beef) delivers another fast-paced and stylish piece. The high points--rare home video footage of B.I.G. in candid moments; Memories by Matty C, Method Man, Easy Mo Bee and several childhood friends illuminate exactly what made him such a legendary emcee. and strictly UNBELIEVABLE footage of B.I.G.'s caravan leaving the Peterson Automotive museum literally seconds before he was shot. The downside is that there is absolutely NO MUSIC BY BIGGIE in the film at all. Interviews with Diddy and Ms. Wallace are glaringly absent. The bulk of this film is made up of outtakes of B.I.G. from the superior Rhyme and Reason. Even the bonus feature, LIVE FROM BEDFORD STUVESANT shows other kids freestyling, but whenever B.I.G. reaches for the mic, it fades to white. It seems likely that they have their own film projects in the works. So if you are a true Biggie fan, you will definitely want to cop this. Spirer definitely has the chops and cred to pull off the definitive documentary of Biggie, but without the participation of Bad Boy and Biggie's estate, it's impossible to give this 5 mics.

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The Notorious B.I.G. is no doubt on every Hip-Hop fan's short list of the greatest rappers of all time. Most importantly, B.I.G. was respected and revered by his peers in the game. Everyone from Jay Z to Tupac became captivated by his velvety flow and unparalleled rhyme style. He left behind a legacy that reached mythic status. Now for the first time the real Notorious B.I.G. is revealed in this fascinating film. Hear the stories firsthand from his closest friends and some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop -- Diddy, Method Man, Easy Mo Bee, Matty C, E-40, Raekwon and many more. See raw, uncut footage of B.I.G. freestyling on the streets of New York, rare home video footage, a never-before-seen interview done with Biggie shortly before his death and undisclosed footage from the night of his murder. Directed by renowned Hip-Hop documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer (the Beef series, Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel), this comprehensive film is definitive proof that the Notorious B.I.G. will always be Bigger than Life.

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Tyler Perry: Meet the Browns Review

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(More customer reviews)This play, to be completely honest, was one of the funniest that I have ever seen in my life. I just can't stop watching it. It is a hoot! Not only is it funny, but it ends with a very positive message, just as all of Tyler Perry's plays do. It is amazing when you can mix comedy with Christian themality in order to portray a positive message here.
Essentially, after "Pop Brown" dies, the dysfunctional Brown family comes together to plan his funeral. Through planning his funeral, many different problems and issues arise within the family including a lonely woman who ends up finding love, a woman torn up inside because of her murdered child along with a husband whom she has tensions with, a husband who has cheated on his wife, and three sibilings as well as the whole of the Brown family who in the end discover the importance of family. I won't reveal anymore about the play because I want you to discover it and discover the wonderfulness of it for yourself. Believe me, this play is a keeper as well as the other ones in the Tyler Perry Collection.
My only thing against MEET THE BROWNS (which is my favorite of Perry's collection) is that Madea isn't in it. However, you'll discover "Brown" as he is called steals the show! 5 stars easily.

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A funeral can be a time for laughter (and lessons) when the kooky Brown family gathers to bury Brown's (David Mann) 107-year-old father. It's a foot-stomping sound-stirring send-off and a great reminder--"Ain't nothin' like family, ain't nothin' like love!"

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A Mother's Prayer (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw the actual play and fell in love with the story! Everyone can relate to the struggles this family encounters. The singing is unbelievable (thank you Johnny Gill and Shirley Murdock) and the humor is sure to brighten your day. This play will open up your eyes and heart, and re-teach you some life lessons you've may have lost.

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A Mother's Prayer, starring Robin Givens (Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys), Johnny Gill (legendary R&B singer), Shirley Murdock (Man of Her Dreams) and Jermaine Crawford (HBO's The Wire), tells the compelling, heartwarming tale of family members torn apart by their individual struggles. The only thing that can truly bring the family back together is a mother's dying wishes. With a lot of love, this family is about to learn the true meaning of the saying: the family that prays together stays together. Come along on an emotional journey through song, laughter and triumph.

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This Christmas (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Christmas looked like it was going to pass without any cinematic holiday cheer. Luckily audiences will find a special gift at their local multiplexes from Preston A. Whitmore, a filmmaker whose latest picture comes wrapped up with so much holiday mush that it would be hard for even the biggest scrooge to scowl at its spirited Christmas message
It's the most wonderful time of the year again, and the Whitfield family plans to continue their holiday tradition of bringing the entire clan back home for a few days of presents, good eating and family squabbling. The only problem with This Christmas is that each of the children has brought more than just gifts. Absence without leave, surprise pregnancies, interracial relationships, cheating husbands and angry bookies are just a few of the surprises in store for the family's matriarch, Ma Dear, making it a Christmas that will either tear the Whitfield's apart or bring them closer than they've ever been before.
With This Christmas, Preston A. Whitmore successfully bounced back from his sophomore slump. The choice to "Crossover" into the holiday genre is a big move, though looking at the filmmaker's oeuvre, he seemingly defies categorization. Written with heart, This Christmas isn't just impressive for its well balanced drama and comedy. Its ability to transcend its targeted audience to become a holiday film that can be enjoyed by anyone who has ever experienced family dysfunction makes the picture a refreshing surprise.
With an all-star, African American cast including Delroy Lindo, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba and the lovely Sharon Leal, Screen Gems certainly seems to be pushing the racial factor when marketing This Christmas. While this strategy will probably draw in adequate box-office receipts (See Tyler Perry's success), This Christmas will draw the majority of its fans next Christmas when it finds a wider audience on DVD.
Though many of the family's problems translate to touching and humorous bits of cinema, This Christmas ultimately suffers from one fatal flaw, too much conflict and no easy way out of it. There is so much going on, that the tidiest and most satisfying conclusion seems far too difficult to reach. It also seems that the character of Joe, played by Delroy Lindo, has the answers to everything. Able to pacify everyone from street thugs to the U.S. government in a single night, Joe gives Santa Claus a run for his money on this Christmas Eve.
However plausibility isn't the strong suit of the Whitfield family. There are plenty of nit-picky details audiences will pick up on that could easily take them out of the narrative. While viewers might scoff at bits such as buying the picture-perfect Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, the performances from the actors, tight editing and gorgeous cinematography will help get you through This Christmas.
If filmmakers should write what they know, then Preston A. Whitmore certainly knows Christmas and family far better than war or basketball. A solid holiday outing sure to please any audiences that comes across the film, Whitmore's well executed dramady should resonate far longer than This Christmas.

-Joe Russo

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This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family.

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