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‘Tis the season for bright Christmas lights, questionable fruit cake, beautiful white snow, and the love and warmth of having the family around for the holidays…or not. Almost Christmas directed by David E. Talbert tells the story of the Meyers, an African-American family who after the loss of a loved one desperately tries keeping the Christmas cheer in the family. Talbert who also directed First Sunday (2008) and Baggage Claim (2013) is back with an hilarious film with celebrities such Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise, Keri Hilson, and many more.

Spoilers! Caution! There were several aspects of Almost Christmas that gave me even more reasons to add this film to my favorite movie list. First is the beautiful intro. As the film starts the audience is transported into the past when everything was much easier and happier for this family, until tragedy hit. I felt very connected with the Meyers family throughout their story and I felt a sense of nostalgia as I remembered some beautiful moments I had with my own family during the holidays. Second, I loved the relatable relationships that each of the family members had with each other and additional characters in the film. The sibling quarrels, laughter amongst family, and dealing with loss all helped me to become better connected with the Meyers family. Lastly although I enjoyed every actor’s performance, I especially loved Mo’Nique’s presentation as the hilarious, classy, direct, yet loving Aunt May. Personally it has been a minute since I have seen Mo’Nique on the big screen, so I was glad to see her in this film.

After watching this heart-warming and entertaining story one will want hug his or her family close. I would definitely recommend this film to any person yearning to add to their Christmas movie list. I would rate this film 5 out of 5 stars!

–YNG–

Directed by Ryan Coogler, the Oscar-snubbed film, Creed (2015), delivered an enthralling story of a young man who works to create a name for himself apart from his famous father. Coogler isn’t a newbie to the filmmaking world as he can put Fruitvale Station (2013) and the anticipated film, Black Panther (2018) under is cinematic belt amongst several other films. Creed features popular names in Hollywood such as Sylvester Stallone, Phylicia Rashad, and Tessa Thompson. In 2015 Coogler called upon Michael B. Jordan once again to play Adonis Johnson Creed, Apollo Creed’s son.

The film commences with Adonis Creed locked up in a juvenile detention center. No older than thirteen, Creed foreshadows his boxing skills while fighting with a peer in the center. Hopeless and angry Creed is later rescued by Apollo Creed’s widow who then raises Adonis Creed until is mid-twenties. Creed is everything that any manger would want to see in a hardworking employee, however, the office-lifestyle doesn’t quite sit right with Creed. Traveling miles away from Los Angeles, California to Philadelphia Creed seeks a perfect trainer whom could help him rise to the level of boxing expertise that he has always wanted. I think we can all guess who that is :)

Creed is a compelling movie that appeals to even non-boxing fans. With a great cast, soundtrack, and story anyone could identify with. As a non-boxing nor Rocky film series fan, Creed was better than I thought it was going to be. I really admire films that show how much an actor had to commit and physically train to stay connected with his or her character. Without question, Michael B. Jordan was fitting and and outstanding choice for the character Adonis Creed. I can’t wait to see more of Jordan and what he puts to the table as an actor. Out of five, I would rate this film a five out of five.

--YNG--

“Amélie,’’ directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a movie that has been recommended to me a dozen times. For some reason I never had the time to watch it until recently, and I completely fell in love with this film. Popular French actress Audrey Tautou plays Amélie Poulain, a quirky and innocent young woman from Paris who strives to bring sunshine to the lives of those around her. Although the film is centered on the life of Amélie, there are many side stories that help tie the storyline together. As a writer sometimes I find it difficult to add smaller side stories that don’t steer my audience from the main plot, causing confusion—therefore I admired this aspect of the film.  

I found Tautou’s character to be very cute and lovely in how she notices the small things that make life beautiful. Life doesn’t seem to get her down, and if despair creeps her way, these emotions don’t last for long. Amélie Poulain is the epitome of youth and vibrancy as she takes control of her fate and finds true love through a series of memorable events. I really admired the cinematography fashioned by Bruno Delbonnel. Watching this film, I felt as if I was looking through an album of old pictures. The color scheme had a very classic yet exaggerated look that included a mixture of dim caramel browns, greens and animated reds. Those who will watch this film in the future, I’m sure will find a little bit of Amélie in themselves. I would definitely recommend this film if one is looking for a playful French film with a bit of romance and adventure. I would give this film 4 out of 5 stars.

--YNG--

I have finally seen the popular Sleepless in Seattle, written and directed by Nora Ephron. Sleepless in Seattle is one of those movies that I was embarrassed for not seeing, so I thought I would let Netflix help me check this one off my long list.

This movie is actually very cute, with just the right amount of romance and humor. Tom Hanks is perfect for the role of Sam Baldwin, a father grieving over his newly deceased wife. Baldwin struggles to get his life “back on track,” and is reluctant to accept the help of his 8-year old son, Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger). To bring some happiness into his father’s life, Jonah phones into a radio program in search of a new wife for his dad. Many hear the broadcast, especially Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), who makes it her goal to track down the caller and meet him.

I loved how this film portrayed the innocence and compassion of children depicted through Jonah Baldwin. I remember when I was younger and I felt as if most issues could be resolved so simply. It wasn't until I was older that I understood that life’s tragedies were more complex and sometimes took longer to get through.  As a father Sam Baldwin aims to be strong for his son while keeping him happy and positive. Even at such a young age Jonah Baldwin wants to comfort his father and regain some normalcy into their lives. Their relationship is very sweet and relatable.

The film is adapted from, “An Affair to Remember.” This theme is prevalent throughout the whole film mainly through Annie Reed.  Meg Ryan brings out another sense of innocence through her character. Reed is simply a sweet New York native who seeks more from her relationships, which ultimately brings her closer to meeting Sam Baldwin. As their story progresses each character eventually fills a void in his or her life.

This film is absolutely excellent and is the perfect romance film to see any night. Love is strong and this movie proves that love can be found even if the two are on opposite ends of the country. I would rate this film a 4/5. If you haven’t seen Sleepless in Seattle yet, please go watch it!

-- YNG--

I suppose three times the charm for Shonda Rhimes, writer of the hit show How to Get Away with Murder. Rhimes’ new show airs on ABC alongside her more popular pieces, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. How To Get Away with Murder features award winning star, Viola Davis, who received one of her best roles in my opinion. Davis’ character, Annalise Keating is a professor who takes her four competitive law students under her wing to give them a genuine taste of the reality of criminal justice. Toes are stepped upon and it gets a little cut throat as these students fight for Keating’s praise.

Rhimes’ tends to paint her female characters with the color of strength, intelligence, and independence especially with the character Annalise Keating. Keating is the perfect combination of strength, beauty, and vulnerability, which really makes this character human and relatable. I am extremely happy that Viola Davis was casted for this role, further opening up the possibility of black women playing more positive and resilient roles in television. Davis is also accompanied by Aja Naomi King who plays the unwavering Michaela Pratt. Both actresses are excellent, and are perfect role models for other black women looking to be a part of the television and film business. Onward we have some not so new faces but equally exemplary, that graced the scene such as Matt McGorry who played the role of officer Bennett on Orange is the New Black. It seems as if McGorry has traded in his badge for the scales of justice as he plays the goofy and entertaining Asher Millstone on HTGAWM. Another familiar face is Liza Weil who plays Bonnie Winterbottom on Rhimes’ new show. When I first saw Weil on the screen I knew I had seen her from somewhere but I couldn’t put my finger on it. After a couple minutes of researching, I remembered that she played the role of Paris Geller on Gilmore Girls. Also not to mention she has appeared several times on Scandal. Additionally Alfred Enoch, who played Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter movies, now graces American television. Enoch plays curious Wes Gibbons who surprises me with his unexpected and escalating boldness in each episode. Also might I add, Enoch does a fabulous American accent, which is probably better than any English accent I could ever attempt. This year has been a great year for Enoch, King, and Davis as they were nominated for the 46th NAACP Image Award. Now last but not least we have Michigan native, Jack Falahee who plays unforgettable Connor Walsh. Falahee’s character is a member of the LGBTQ community and offers freshness, deviousness, and sexiness on the screen. Walsh graces us with some of the steamiest sex scenes while giving a more positive view of the LGBTQ community in television. Connor Walsh is a character that is arrogant and manipulative but adds the perfect amount of spice to the new show. This character, as well, pushes the doors of opportunity and possibility open even more for LGBTQ members in television.  

The show is absolutely breathtaking and offers a bit of competition, drama, romance, and suspense. There are many surprises in the storyline as the law students get their hands dirty during a catastrophic incident that brings the series to a close for now. There are multiple flashbacks throughout the series bringing the viewers to one incident that might destroy the lives of our four law students for good. How to Get Away with Murder is entertaining and if you are interested to see a glimpse behind the scenes of the justice world this show is for you. I couldn’t wait to see each episode as I dove further and further into the mystery and suspense of each character's lives. As far as the first series goes, I would give this show 5 stars. 

--YNG--