Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →PREMIUM RUSH in Theaters August 24
August 22, 2012PREMIUM RUSH ABOUT: Dodging speeding cars, crazed cabbies and eight million cranky pedestrians is all in a day’s work for Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the best of New York’s agile and aggressive bicycle messengers. It takes a special breed to ride the fixie – super lightweight, single-gear bikes with no brakes and riders who are equal part skilled cyclists and nutcases who risk becoming a smear on the pavement every time they head into traffic. But a guy who’s used to putting his life on the line is about to get more than even he is used to when his last envelope of the day – a routine “premium rush” run – turns into a life or death chase through the streets of Manhattan. Directed by David Koepp; Written by David Koepp & John Kamps; Produced by Gavin Polone; Executive Producer -Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda; Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez, Jamie Chung.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentRUTH CARTER: STYLING & PROFILING
August 20, 2012Ruth Carter Shines With SPARKLE Designs By Darrylynn Hutson Synonymous with style, design and exquisite detail, Ruth E. Carter is the costume designer to call when a filmmaker needs to tell an authentic story though a characters’ attire and accessories. Getting her start in the theatre and in opera houses, Carter remembers getting her shot for the first time as a feature film costume designer from Spike Lee on the classic School Daze in 1988. Her portfolio today reads like that of a Hollywood A-Lister, with credits in over forty films, including classics as I’m Gonna Get U Sucka, The Five Heartbeats, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, What’s Love Got to Do with It and most recently, Sparkle, which was released August 17. MN: What are the responsibilities of a costume designer? RC: Essentially, the costume designer designs the look of the film. Most of the time people get that confused with a fashion designer and although we do work with fashion and we love fashion, it has more to do with coordinating the look of each character. Sometimes there is fashion that’s required and other times there’s not. You really have to know people and what makes people who they are through their clothes. MN: We know that every film starts with the written word. How did you feel about the script for Sparkle? RC: I’m always motivated about the story: if it moves me in some way, if it makes me laugh or makes me cry, just like you are in the movie theater. I like it for the same reasons in the script form. Once I read the script as I did with Sparkle, I was motivated by the 60s and Motown and that’s where my process started with researching the 60s and the Motown era. When I …
Posted in Music | Leave a commentSPARKLE IN PICTURES
August 15, 2012SPARKLE in Theaters AUGUST 17. CELEBRATE THE LEGEND THE CHARACTERS Of SPARKLE Sparkle Anderson – JORDIN SPARKS The youngest of the Anderson sisters, Sparkle sings in the church choir and is a loyal daughter to her rigidly religious yet caring mother. But her dreams of becoming a famous singer/songwriter and her love of the new sexy soul music put her at odds with her upbringing, until an opportunity to join her sisters as a performing trio give her a first taste of breaking free to pursue her goals. (Original SPARKLE played by Irene Cara) Tammy “Sister” Anderson– CARMEN EJOGO The oldest daughter of Emma is the most openly rebellious of the Anderson girls: a confidently sexual, natural headliner with the looks and voice to make it, and whose attraction to a powerful man becomes her escape from a confining home life. When her desire leads her into another emotional prison, however, her world nearly comes crashing down. (Original “Sister” played by Lonette McKee) Delores “Dee” Anderson – TIKI SUMPTER Smart, gifted and clear-eyed, Dee is the Anderson sister with a future mother approves of: college and a medical degree. As one-third of the performing Anderson gals, however, she sees up close how her sisters’ dreams create a family rift, leading her to speak up – and act – in life-changing ways. (Original Deloris played by Dwan Smith) Emma – WHITNEY HOUSTON A single mother and dress shop owner with a hard life behind her and a safe, comfortable, deeply religious life in the present, Emma has provided a church-based, well-looked-after life for her daughters, if one that doesn’t allow much room for individual dreams and desires. Her daughters’ forming a singing group wasn’t in her plans for her children, and it threatens to blow simmering tensions in the household …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentSPARKLE in theaters August 17
August 5, 2012SYNOPSIS Detroit, 1968. The Motown sound is sweeping the nation. Girl groups are hotter than ever. Over their mother’s (Whitney Houston) objections, three beautiful sisters—Delores (Tika Sumpter), Sister (Carmen Ejogo) and Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) —are taking the local music scene by storm. But their dreams are bigger than Detroit. Their manager, Stix (Derek Luke), is just as ambitious and will do whatever it takes to make it to the big time, even if it means using the girls—and his love for Sparkle—as the foundation of a new musical empire. Behind the music and lights, the recording industry is a ruthless and unforgiving place, just as Mama had warned her girls. Sister, with her good looks and voice, is the natural headliner of the trio, yet her complicated personal life threatens to overshadow her talent; Delores has her sights set on a different kind of life outside the spotlight; and young Sparkle must push past her deepest fears if she is to fulfill her destiny—does she really have what it takes to go all the way? Riveting and soul-stirring, this timeless tale reminds us of the unbreakable bonds between family, the high price of fame and what can happen when we dare to show the world how brightly we can sparkle. Directed by Salim Akil; Screenplay by Mara Brock Akil; Story by Joel Schumacher and Howard Rosenman;Produced by Debra Martin Chase, T.D. Jakes, Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil, Curtis Wallance; Cast -Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green as Black.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentSPARKLE Anticipation Grows as Whitney Houston is Remembered
August 4, 2012“I believe SPARKLE will not only be a tribute to the legacy of Whitney Houston, but I also think it will be the impetus to which many people will find inspiration to navigate their own lives through the vicissitudes of life into the field of their own dreams.” Bishop T.D. Jakes – SPARKLE PRODUCER IN THEATERS AUGUST 17 ABOUT SPARKLE When it comes to your dreams, will you know when to make the right move? For 19-year-old Sparkle, an innocent, bubbly young woman growing up in late 1960s’ Detroit, making that leap has its rewards and its consequences. The girl who grew up admiring her mother and sisters and loving everything about singing would soon discover love, hurt, disappointment, independence and courage through music, and her quest to be a star. SPARKLE is the story of three sisters who love each other fiercely, who each have their own dreams and ambitions, and who form a girl group as a way of capitalizing on the Motown sound sweeping the nation. And it looks like they’re going to take the music world by storm. But looming over them is the shadow of a strong mother who isn’t necessarily supportive of that dream, and hard realities about the spotlight that threaten to tear at the fabric of their tightly knit family. This new version of SPARKLE is an ode to the genius of the original 1976 movie, modified to the music, fashion, lingo and historical affects of the 1960s, while maintaining the emotional clarity and aspirational spirit of the earlier classic. The city has been changed to Detroit, the home of “Hit Factory” Motown, and the original struggling single parent is now an upper middle class family doing very well. But it retains its enriching focus on the consequences of choices and how …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentGABBY DOUGLAS – OLYMPIC GOLD HISTORY!
August 3, 2012For Olympic Coverage – www.nbcolympics.com Douglas shatters glass ceiling with historic win By WILL GRAVES, AP LONDON (AP) — Gabby Douglas believed two years ago, when she convinced her mother to let her move halfway across the country. Martha Karolyi became a convert over the winter, when the bubbly teenager with the electric smile developed the tenacity required to be a champion. Under the brightest lights, on the biggest stage, that belief shattered a glass ceiling. Even if the first African-American to win an Olympic all-around title didn’t quite realize it. “I kind of forgot about that,” Douglas said with a laugh. Don’t worry, Gabby, the world is going to have fun reminding you. Douglas soared her way into history Thursday night, leading the whole way to climb a mountain paved by Ron Galimore, Dominique Dawes and a handful of others who showed the sport isn’t just for the white or the privileged. “How inspiring is that?” said Natalie Hawkins, the woman who allowed her then 14-year-old “baby” daughter to move from Virginia to Iowa in 2010 after Douglas convinced her that she was good enough to compete at the top. She didn’t have to wait long to find out. Douglas was still trying to get used to the feeling of having her second gold medal in three days around her neck when Oprah chimed in. “OMG I’m so THRILLED for Gabby. Flowing happy tears!!” Winfrey posted on Twitter. Karolyi, the U.S. women’s team coordinator called it “history made” while Liang Chow, the coach who channeled Douglas’ precocious talent, believes his star pupil is “ready to move onto higher things.” She certainly looked like it on a flawless night in which Douglas grabbed the gold during her first event and never let silver medalist Viktoria Komova of Russia come close to …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentBOKEEM WOODBINE
August 2, 2012A CONVERSATION WITH ACTOR BOKEEM WOODBINE By Sonya Jenkins With an acting career that has spanned 20 years, actor Bokeem Woodbine has played some of the most colorful characters in television and film. His roles have ranged from the rough and rugged to the naughty and noble, and have given him an edge in Hollywood as a compelling actor who delivers with a punch. With a repertoire of films under his belt, including STRAPPED, JASON’S LYRIC, GRIDLOCK’D, RAY, THE BUTCHER and several other films and television projects, Bokeem’s latest feature film TOTAL RECALL – in theatres August 3 – takes the Harlem born actor to a new level – science fiction. In TOTAL RECALL, Bokeem plays Harry, the friend and brother figure of Quaid (Colin Farrell). Bokeem admits that acting in a science fiction film was on his “bucket list.” Bokeem took some time to chat with me – via phone – about his career. He also shared his tips for aspiring actors. Keep reading for our conversation. Bokeem: Hi, Sonya. How are you? Sonya: I’m pretty good. I saw the screening [of TOTAL RECALL] last night and I had no clue about your character, but I felt like I already knew your character. Do you know what I’m saying? Bokeem: Not really. Is that a compliment? I’m not sure. What do you mean? Sonya: I know, right. I should make myself clear. Well, I envisioned what type of character you’d play before seeing the movie. You tend to play bad boy roles. So, let me start off by just asking you about your roles. Do you like that you have an edge in being cast as a bad boy? Bokeem: Not really, Sonya. Because I’ve got to tell you, over the last couple of years I’ve also appeared as …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | 2 CommentsSANAA LATHAN SHARES HER SUCCESS TIPS
August 1, 2012“I’ve trained myself to be so focused on what’s going well that I won’t allow myself to even entertain difficulties because I feel so blessed in life and in my career. This is a spiritual belief: When you focus on what’s difficult then it will be more difficult. When you focus on what’s good, it will be better. For me, if anything, the difficulties of being an actress have deepened my faith. It has deepened my spiritual practices.” Advice to Aspiring Actors: “Get into acting class, do some theater and act as much as you can,” she suggests. “I think a lot of people try to get into the business without having any kind of study, so I would encourage them to study.” SANAA LATHAN – ACTRESS
Posted in Celebrity Success Tips | Leave a commentTV ONE’S “R&B DIVAS” TO PREMIERE MONDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 10 PM ET/ 9 PM CT
July 28, 2012TV ONE’S NEWEST DOCU-SERIES, “R&B DIVAS” “R&B Divas” tells the current real-life story of five multi-talented, beautiful R&B stars – Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Syleena Johnson, Monifah Carter, and Keke Wyatt. The docu-series captures the friends as they come together to record a charity album inspired by the late Whitney Houston. At the same time, they are all juggling myriad personal challenges, triumphs and responsibilities in addition to making music – including raising families. Faith prepares for a major move as she maintains her businesses and helps manage the estate of her late husband, hip hop icon Notorious B.I.G. She also launches a new hair care product line, Glass Hair Products. Monifah reveals an important lifestyle choice that she’s kept private to her family and friends, and works to maintain her newfound sobriety. Keke is pregnant, emotionally volatile and convinced that she can’t go anywhere without her husband/manager. Nicci is launching a new plus-sized clothing line called Curvato, while Syleena makes a career decision that will affect her entire family and put additional strain on her financially. Beginning Monday, August 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, 9 p.m. CT with eight one-hour episodes, the beautiful and equally talented divas will give a personal glimpse into their private worlds as they lean on each other and offer candid revelations about their efforts to deal with major life challenges and transitions such as divorce, parenting issues, drugs, alcohol, physical abuse and more. They have pasts, they have futures…but most importantly, they have each other. SPECIAL GUESTS: In addition to the casts’ family members, celebrity friends and guests on hand to support the ladies include Kevin Hart, Trey Songz, Anthony Hamilton, Kelly Price, Tank, Avant, Voletta Wallace (B.I.G.’s mom), Kenny Lattimore and more.
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentVANESSA BELL CALLOWAY HOSTS ROLAND MARTIN ANNUAL DINNER PARTY
July 26, 2012It only made sense that Roland Martin, host of Washington Watch and a social media aficionado, would use only technology to invite friends to a private dinner party at the Los Angeles home of actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tuesday- July 17. The “digital list” of attendees – culled from Martin’s cell phone – included Elise Neal, Jesse Williams, Tracey Edmonds, Salli Richardson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tatyana Ali, Judge Greg Mathis, Robinne Lee, Dondre Whitfield, Tanika Ray, Chris Spencer, Jackee Harry, Bill Duke, Sonja Norwood, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Judge Kevin Ross and a host of entertainment and media executives. “I grew up in Houston where my family would throw get-togethers just for the fun of it, so this party is what I like to do when I come out to the west coast; I simply do not have enough time to do lunch with everybody,” said Martin. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it. I simply sent out a text message on Thursday and here we are!” Guests dined on a gourmet meal prepared completely by Calloway. The menu featured slow roasted chicken, “Killer Shrimp” in spicy champagne and garlic sauce, Korean BBQ, fried cat fish, coconut rice, potato salad, grilled mixed veggies, and a mixed greens salad with candied pecans and goat cheese in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Martin thanked Calloway who was gracious enough to open her home and host the party. “I enjoy hosting people and cooking for family and friends,” said Calloway. “I’m getting a chance to meet some new people tonight. It has been my pleasure to help Roland celebrate community and fellowship.” Photo credit: Nu Vision Media, courtesy The FrontPage Firm.
Posted in Photos | 2 Comments ← Older posts Newer posts →
