Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →RIDE ALONG – IN THEATERS
January 19, 2014Synopsis – A motor-mouthed high-school security guard joins his prospective brother-in-law, a decorated police detective, on a shift along the mean streets of Atlanta and learns that life on the force is no picnic in this action comedy from director Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Think Like a Man). Ben (Kevin Hart) longs to marry his gorgeous girlfriend Angela (Tika Sumpter), but before he can propose he must first get the approval of her tough-as-nails brother James (Ice Cube), a top detective in the Atlanta Police Department. When aspiring police officer Ben gets accepted into the academy, he finally musters the courage to ask for James’ blessings. Still unconvinced that Ben has what it takes to provide for his beloved baby sister, James invites Ben on a ride-along through the toughest parts of town. At first James’ efforts to terrify the young trainee go perfectly according to plan, but once the pair incur the wrath of Atlanta’s most feared criminal, all bets are off. John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Movie data provided by ‘Ride Along’ Revs to $48.1 Million, No. 1 MLK Opening of All Time. Ride Along, fueled by younger moviegoers, took in $48.1 million for the four-day weekend — the best opening of all time for the MLK frame. Source- http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-ride-along-revs-672481
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentA Chat with Actor Lamman Rucker
January 15, 2014By Sonya Jenkins Actor Lamman Rucker is grinding his way to the top in film and television while mentoring the younger generation – and he’s building a strong foundation by laying one brick at a time. A man of wisdom and class who believes in achieving success the old fashioned way – through hard work, patience and perseverance – Rucker possesses good looks, charm, spiritual fortitude and a sound education. In Rucker’s most recent film, BLACK COFFEE, an independent romantic comedy, he plays “Hill,” a status hungry man with manipulative ways. While Rucker says he can, indeed, identify with “Hill” when it comes to facing challenges, unlike “Hill,” Rucker says his decisions are based on love. “Where is the love?” Rucker asks in his deep, romantic voice during our conversation via phone on a cold wintry morning. “That’s one of my questions. There is always love in there somewhere. God exists even in the darkest souls on this planet. There is light, but the light is sometimes being overshadowed by some other negative energy, influence or experience.” Little did I know that Rucker’s ‘love’ statement would not even scratch the surface of the deep thinker’s wisdom during our hour-long conversation. In person Rucker is commanding – exuding warmth in his eyes and boyish dimples that embrace his chiseled face. I had the pleasure of meeting the actor on numerous occasions. When listening to him via phone it’s easy to sense that he is driven by a tenacity to not only succeed in his craft, but to make the world a better place by being a part of the solution – not the problem. The solution, according to Rucker, is through developing traits of “character development,” as well as “physical, mental, and spiritual development.” “People think that money …
Posted in On the Scene | 2 Comments2nd Annual GEORGIA ENTERTAINMENT GALA
January 13, 2014On Saturday, January 11, 2014 the state of Georgia united for the Second Annual Georgia Entertainment Gala – a night of immaculate elegance showcasing the immense talent that Georgia has to offer in the entertainment industry. This Black Tie Evening included an awards ceremony created to honor the excellence of Georgia’s film, television and music industry professionals, Live Entertainment, and tantalizing complimentary Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres, and more. http://gaentertainmentgala.com/ IMAGES By Averi Washington More Photos – By Sonya Jenkins If you attended The 2nd Annual GEORGIA ENTERTAINMENT GALA and would like your picture included in this collage, contact us via comments below.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | 1 CommentFlorida State’s BCS Championship Win Averages 25.5 Million Viewers
January 8, 2014An average 25.5 million viewers tuned into ESPN’s coverage of Monday night’s game, making it the third-most-watched broadcast in cable history. The biggest night of the cable calendar, the 2014 BCS championship game did not top last year despite the down-to-the-wire victory for the Florida State Seminoles over the Auburn Tigers (34-31). The final score marked a clear departure from the last two years — when lopsided wins prompted audiences to lose interest later in the games. Despite that, Alabama’s 42-14 win over Notre Dame in 2013 averaged 26.4 million viewers. Cable TV’s biggest broadcast ever remains the 2011 BCS final, which averaged 27.3 million viewers for a narrow Auburn victory over Oregon. Florida State’s win marks the final college championship game under the BCS, which will be replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP) next season. The new system, an effort to ensure a consensus top team, will continue to air on ESPN. The Disney network inked a deal to air the new playoff through at least 2025 to the tune of $7.3 billion. PHOTOS: Hollywood’s Best Football Movies [5] by Michael O’Connel Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-florida-states-bcs-668917 Photo: The BCS Championship Games – AP Images
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentThe Haves And The Have Nots Returns January 7
January 7, 2014The Haves and the Have Nots Returns January 7th, 2014 9/8c Cast: John Schneider, Tika Sumpter, Crystal Fox, Renée Lawless, Tyler Lepley, Jaclyn Betham, Aaron O’Connell, Peter Parros, Angela Robinson, Gavin Houston, Eva Tamargo Returns: January 7th, 2014 9/8c Network: OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Directed By: Tyler Perry Description: From prolific, writer, director, producer Tyler Perry, The Haves and the Have Nots is a new television drama that follows the complicated dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer family and the hired help who work in their opulent mansion set in Savannah, Georgia. From the outside, the Cryers are the enviable face of success and wealth, but behind the veil the family’s dysfunction threatens to destroy their world of privilege. Cryer family patriarch Jim Cryer (John Schneider) is a powerful judge whose double-life, including tawdry affairs with high-priced escorts, puts his family and political ambitions at risk. His wife, Katheryn Cryer (Renée Lawless), is the ultimate matriarch portraying a loving and dutiful wife, but she is willing to do anything to protect her family’s status. Their son Wyatt (Aaron O’Connell) is a troubled angry jock who cares little for his own image and finds himself in and out of rehab. His sister Amanda (Jacyln Betham), a struggling law student, tries harder to live up to her parents’ expectations, but unknowingly has befriended a scurrilous young woman, Candace Young, with the power to ruin the entire family. Hanna Young (Crystal Fox) is the Cryer’s maid and the matriarch of her family. Despite having no money, she has found other types of wealth through religion and virtue. She prides herself on her dutiful son Benny (Tyler Lepley), the glue who helps keep the family together. Hanna does have one dark secret, however, her estranged daughter Candace (Tika Sumpter)—a manipulative opportunist who will stop at nothing …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentTim Tebow Lands ESPN Job
January 6, 2014The quarterback, dropped by the New England Patriots before the start of the 2013 NFL season, will be a football analyst for the cable network as well as the upstart SEC Network. After a tumultuous few years on (but mostly off) the field, Tim Tebow has found himself a new job. The Heisman-winning University of Florida quarterback, who had brief NFL tenures with the Denver Broncos, the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, will be a college football analyst for the SEC Network when it launches in August 2014. Additionally, Tebow will offer commentary on parent net ESPN. PHOTOS: Hollywood’s Connections to the NFL [4] “I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity,” said Tebow. “When I was six years old I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC.” Tebow’s obligations to ESPN, which begin with pregame coverage of the Jan. 6 BCS National Championship Game, will not preclude him from continuing to pursue a career in the NFL. Tebow was most recently dropped by the Patriots before the start of the 2013 season, leaving him a free agent. Named after the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference, in which Tebow played during college, the SEC Network kicks off during the 2014 college football season. Tebow joins a talent roster that includes Joe Tessitore, host of SEC Nation, and Paul Finebaum, host of The Paul Finebaum Radio Network radio show. “Tim is an SEC icon with a national fan base and broad appeal. He will be a significant contributor to the compelling content we will deliver with the SEC Network,” said Justin Connolly, ESPN senior vp programming, college networks. “Tim brings a wealth of …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentBlack Coffee Opening Exclusively in Atlanta-area AMC’s, Friday, January 10
January 5, 2014BLACK COFFEE stars Lamman Rucker (WHY DID I GET MARRIED?), Erica Hubbard (LET’S STAY TOGETHER), Darrin Dewitt Henson (STOMP THE YARD), Gabrielle Dennis (THE GAME) and Christian Keyes (LET’S STAY TOGETHER) and is a romantic comedy about finding love and discovering one’s purpose in life. Synopsis: Robert (Henson) picked the wrong time to meet his soul mate! After being fired from his own father’s company, he feels like his luck has run out – until Morgan (Gabrielle Dennis) enters into his life. Just as things start to heat up between them, trouble brews as Morgan’s ex-husband (Lamman Rucker) vows to get her back and Robert’s gold-digging ex-girlfriend (Erica Hubbard)returns with an agenda of her own. With the help of his cousin (Christian Keyes), Robert’s about to find out how much good can come out of a bad situation in this charming romantic comedy that’s good to the last drop.“ Photos from the film: For theater and ticketing information, please visit: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/black-coffee _________________________________________________________ A Few Facts About Actor Lamman Rucker – (Sonya’s Spotlight BLACK COFFEE Facebook Giveaway): Born: Pittsburgh, PA Grew Up: Washington, D.C. Soap Opera Credits: Lamman was in “As The World Turns” & “All My Children.” Character & years on “Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns” – (2009–2011) – Dr. Will Brown. Lamman Rucker played College & Semi-Pro Basketball. Lamman once considered being a Journalist. More on actor Lamman Rucker in an exclusive Sonya’s Spotlight interview soon!
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentA Chat with Keshia Knight Pulliam – HAIRFINITY AMBASSADOR
December 28, 2013Sonyasspotlight interviews Keshia Kinght Pulliam. LISTEN IN by clicking below! Transcription: Sonyasspotlight: Let me bounce it off with this. I think everybody is always going to associate you with ‘The Cosby Show.’ It’s such an iconic show. What do you want this generation to get from the Cosby show? Keisha Knight Pulliam: It’s such a privilege and a pleasure to be part of such an iconic part of history. I feel like with the Cosby show what everyone gets no matter what race, gender, economic background is that we’re so much more alike than we are different. ‘The Cosby Show’ crossed so many boundaries, so many barriers. And it’s still so relevant today. There’s a whole new generation of children growing up with it. And it’s funny there are younger fans growing up watching both ‘House of Payne’ & ‘The Cosby Show’ simultaneously. And they’re like ‘How did she get from there to here?’ And it’s funny because their parents have to explain to them, ‘No, that’s the same person.’ It’s a pleasure to be a part of history in so many peoples lives. Sonyasspotlight: Okay, so tell me about Hairfinity! It’s a great product. I love the fact that it’s natural. I know that you’re into the whole natural portion of things as am I. So, tell me about it! Keisha Knight Pulliam: I really, really do love the products. It’s funny because the first thing that people ask is ‘Do you use it?’and I do. I take my Hairfinity every day along with the regular vitamins I take every day and I have seen a difference. And the biggest thing for me – before coming on board and working with Hairfinity – was to make sure it was a product I believed in and that I would use. Because …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentStan the Lovesick Snowman plays at the Center for Puppetry Arts Jan. 2 – Feb. 2
December 25, 2013Stan the Lovesick Snowman Opposites attract in this charming tale of unrequited love. Stan the Lovesick Snowman plays at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta Jan. 2 – Feb. 2, 2014. Stan’s adorable story begins after a chance encounter with a dog that has been sent outside in the wintry cold. The dog tells the snowman about a warm stove inside the house, and with a “crack-crackle” in his heart, Stan falls in love with the wood-burning beauty. The unlikely romance, doomed from the start, is only the beginning in this hilarious and heartwarming tale as Stan later discovers that a young snowwoman is swooning over him as well.
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentAtlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Hosts 30th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball
December 22, 2013Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, to host the 30th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Saturday, December 21. This was Mayor Reed’s fourth UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, an event which benefits UNCF and its 37 member colleges and universities. This year’s UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball attracted more than 1,200 attendees, including entertainers from film, television and music, major sports figures, elected officials and civic leaders and volunteers. Mayor Kasim Reed and Dr. Michael Lomax began the evening with a VIP Reception. Following the VIP reception, was the signature Parade of Stars and Dignitaries, an elegant dinner, silent auction and the Parade of Masks. Dancing followed as guests enjoyed musical entertainment by legendary national recording artist Gladys Knight. Many celebrities and dignitaries lent their support at the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, including CeeLo Green, Jasmine Guy, Roger Bobb, Demetria McKinney, Kendra Johnson, Jonathan Slocumb, Bahamas Consul General The Honorable Randy E. Rolle, Susan Taylor, Derek Fonzworth Bentley, Chrystale Wilson and more. Co-chairs for this year’s ball were Hank and Billye Aaron, Ambassador Andrew and Carolyn Young, and Gary and Lori Peacock, President & CEO, Sun Trust Bank. Honorees included: Geri Thomas – Georgia State President, Bank of America Gladys Knight – Nationally Acclaimed Grammy Awarding Recording Artist, James Patterson – Conductor, CAU Jazz Orchestra. Marquis sponsors included: The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS. 3oth Anniversary of UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Legendary Singer Gladys Knight Performed Many Of Her Classics. Gladys Knight received an award on stage after her performance. The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization. Since …
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