I Don't Walk On Water...

Oh, man...

So, a couple of days ago, I came across a familiar face. And that face belonged to my favorite actor, the talented Anthony Mackie. He was guest-starring on an episode of Law & Order.

I got to thinking about the movies he's starred in, two of them which have become two of my favorite films; She Hate Me and Brother to Brother.

Now, I particularly love Brother to Brother for its direction and subject matter. I first saw the film a few years ago and was blown away by its quiet intensity. It's an art film and Anthony Mackie plays a recently out gay Black man. He develops a friendship with an elder poet which opens his eyes to the world of the Harlem Renaissance while at the same time exposing Mackie's character to poetry. The film also features my girl, Aunjanue Ellis who you should remember for her AMAZING performance as Mary Ann Fisher in the Oscar-winning Ray. In Brother to Brother, she plays the great Zora Neale Hurston.

Needless to say, the film contains some of the most breathtaking poetry including my favorite passage:

"it was almost as tho it had journeyed to meet him
the night was so blue
how does blue feel
or red or gold or any other color
if colors could be heard he could paint most wondrous tunes
symphonious
think
the dulcet clear tone of a blue like night
of a red like pomegranate juice
like Edith's lips
of the fairy tones to be heard in a sunset
like rubies shaken in a crystal cup
of the symphony of Fania
and silver
and gold
he had heard the sound of gold
but they weren't the sounds he wanted to catch
no
they must be liquid
not so staccato but flowing variations of the same caliber
there was no one in the cafe as yet
he sat and waited"

AHHHHH!!!! How fucking beautiful is that???? It's written by the amazing Richard Nugent.

Anyway, check out the film for some moving performances from some underrated talent. It's just a beautiful film.

By the way, Anthony, if you're reading this I have an AMAZING finished feature film script waiting for you! Call me!!!!!

I've discovered that one of the great things about having a blog is that I can write about whatever I choose. Today, I wanted to attempt to write an album review for a CD that comes out today.

Having been out of the musical spotlight for a few years, Brandy returns with her latest CD, Human. The CD leaked two weeks ago, so I've had more time than most to digest the material. "Right Here", the lead single prepares you for the type of subject matter Brandy is dealing with this time. I've heard her say in recent interviews, that she feels now that she is an artist with purpose. That's a good thing to hear. The first single is melodic, catchy and inspirational. The second single, "Long Distance" is a classic Brandy power-ballad. The production is dramatic and top-notch and her vocals soar. My favorites include "True" which is a subtle ballad, simple and not as over-produced. "Acapella (Somethings' Missing)" is a very unique track since 90% of it is acapella. This song is my little brother's favorite song on the CD and is his ringtone. So, I'm hearing it about every 30 seconds. Since her Never Say Never album, Brandy has been the best in her field with her vocal arrangements and intricate harmonies. This track showcases just how amazing she is at that as she sings about being "lost in the middle of nowhere". Another favorite is "Human", which, to me, is a direct reference to her car accident last year that resulted in the death of another driver. She sings, "I'm only human...save me from myself". The album picks up tempo-wise around the end, with the standout tracks "1st and Love", about finding love "standing by the street sign" and "Fall".

Overall, this is a great CD, rich in the different aspects of falling in love, staying surrounded by real love, and accepting the flaws that make us all human. As she sings on "Camouflage", "these flaws I've got, they're apart of who I am, take me or not, but I finally understand."

Job well done, Brandy!