Homey Does Play That

 In Living Color, one of Fox's best early offerings is making a big comeback in 2012. The show that helped launched the careers of Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey and all of The Wayans Brothers, is back in action with host and executive producer Keenan Ivory Wayans in charge.
 What does this mean? Hopefully we get to see our old friends Homey, Wanda, and more. Also, there's the possibility of a reunion of the original cast members. Let's hope that Fox won't try and censor the creativity and sass that made the show unique. It was the alternative to Saturday Night Live at a time when the humor was more biting and less diverse.
 I somewhat hope the fly girls don't come back. And I don't just mean the originals,  I mean any. Dancing in television shows should be reserved for shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.
 But above and beyond anything else, let's hope that Keenan and his brothers will continue to be uniquely original, dynamically inspired and a good place for young talent to explode.

In Living Color

A Graceful Idea

 There has just been news today that Princess Grace Kelly is getting the biopic treatment nearly thirty years after her death. Her cool, elegant on screen presence is still unmatched. And while she was best remembered for her three-peat appearance in the Hitchcock cannon, she won an Oscar for The Country Girl before becoming princess of Monaco.
 Who should play Grace Kelly? That's a loaded question. I can tell you who I don't want to play her. That would include anyone with the first name Jessica, Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and so on. Why? Well, I don't think neither Alba or Biel can carry a film, but more importantly they don't resemble her in the slightest. Natalie Portman is an amazing actress, but her look is too different from the late Princess to work. Mila Kunis is another dynamic screen presence, but again her background doesn't match to play Grace Kelly.
 My next thought would be a blonde, but then again most blondes don't really stand out. Some boards and comments say Rachel McAdams or Charlize Theron. I'm leaning towards Charlize Theron. She is one of the most graceful (no pun intended) screen personalities and she also has that same type of class and elegance that made Princess Grace such an icon. Another dynamic that Theron brings is her tenacity. Even though it seems Grace Kelly lead a charmed life, she had to fight her parents' objections, preconceived stereotypes about blondes and the Hollywood casting couch to fully make it.
 I think this could be an amazing movie, but it all depends on who is given the role and who directs. It makes all the difference between another Ray and another Amelia.

Princess Grace Biopic

Everybody Tolerates Chris

 Chris Brown is definitely a lightening rod for controversy after nearly three years of trying to atone for his assault on former girlfriend Rihanna. He's released two albums and co-starred in "Takers" alongside fellow bad boy TI. He's even won a number of awards for his latest album "FAME" and scored three top tens. But the real question is, will he ever be as welcome in pop culture as he was in 2008?
 That remains to be seen. He's currently about to start production on Project B Boy, a dance film based on the documentary of the same name co-starring alongside Josh Holloway of Lost. And you can't hurt him for trying, he's apologized (and then ranted), explained (and then criticized the media) as well as working with other artists like Justin Bieber and Joe Jonas.
 While these are all large strides, Brown's temper has gotten him in trouble because of his violent outbursts and bratty attitude. It's almost like he's still 19 and refusing to accept the responsibility of his unfortunate actions. Rihanna, has seemingly forgiven him and even said she's a fan. How come we can't?
 I don't know about those of you reading, but his attitude prevents me from buying anything he does. While his songs are still catchy, he still doesn't have the vocal chops of Usher nor the charm of JT. And he certainly doesn't have their team of publicists, PR reps, and managers who help keep them out of trouble and keep them full steam ahead. But he also doesn't have the maturity and wisdom that has sustained their long and satisfying careers.
 Will Chris Brown fully redeem himself? That question remains to be unanswered, but let's hope he really does try to grow up.

Planet B Boy

A Lapse in Judgement

Tyler Perry's upcoming "Marriage Counselor" will feature a familiar name. No it's not an athlete or musician turned actor or an actual actor. It's a personality and no not like the ones on Late Night with Letterman or anything. Take a step or look back. Yeah, it's Kim Kardashian.
Why Perry asked her to be in the film? Why do good people get kicked off Dancing with the Stars or talented people get lost in the spotlight? It's an unanswerable question. Kim Kardashian is a questionable figure in pop culture. She's only famous because of an alledged lapse in judgement and it seems Tyler Perry's making the same sort of lapse by including her in his film.
 If Dancing with the Stars is any indication, don't expect much from Kim K. She's more of someone to look at than listen to. Her public image was shaped in trying to act like she is famous for something other than a sex tape. Unfortunately, videotape doesn't lie. But maybe this movie will succeed in getting Kim K off of the big and small screen once everyone finds out her talent is trying to act like she has one.