Second Listen Sunday : The Time, Ice Cream Castle
This month marked the 40th anniversary of the renowned cinematic masterpiece “Purple Rain.” While I intend to collaborate with fellow critics in the future on a retrospective project, for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I plan to honor The Time’s third album, “Ice Cream Castle,” which is notable for featuring two enduringly classic songs that were included in the film as mentioned earlier.
Slow Jam Saturday : Missy Elliot, Friendly Skies
Missy Elliott, a versatile artist, is currently performing at various venues nationwide as part of her inaugural headlining tour, “OUT OF THIS WORLD—THE EXPERIENCE.” I had the opportunity to attend a preview of the tour last year, and I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming show scheduled for this Thursday in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Beast Within lacks entertainment roar
Documentary filmmaker Alexander J. Farrell has transitioned into feature films with the horror production “The Beast Within,” distributed by Well Go USA. Farrell and Greer Taylor Ellison co-authored the screenplay. The movie features Kit Harington, Ashleigh Cummings, James Cosmo, and Caoilinn Springall in lead roles.
Skywalkers: A Love Story is a high walking documentary
Co-directors Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina direct an engaging documentary to Netflix, “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which Zimbalist also scripted
Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia
There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.
Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone
In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.
Kevin Smith misses the mark with Kilroy Was Here
Renowned filmmaker Kevin Smith returns to the horror genre with the film ‘Kilroy Was Here.’ Co-writing the movie with Andrew McElfresh, Smith draws inspiration from the cultural phenomenon of the ‘Kilroy was here ‘ graffiti, aiming for a fresh and intriguing perspective on horror.
Inside Out 2 is a heartwarming sequel
For his feature film debut, director Kelsey Mann takes us back inside Riley (Kensington Tallman) with “Inside Out 2” from Pixar and Walt Disney Studios. Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein pen the film’s screenplay from a story conceived by Mann and LeFauve. Two years after Riley’s move to San Francisco, the film picks up and finds her aged 13.
Sydney Sweeney’s charm can’t save Immaculate
After exploring the realms of superhero and romantic comedy, Sydney Sweeney, the versatile actress, adds another feather to her cap with the visually stunning and uniquely captivating film ‘Immaculate ‘.
Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers
As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.
Chris Brown: Slow Jam Saturday, You
While Chris Brown is currently wowing fans across the country with his current “11:11” tour, for this week’s “Slow Jam Saturday,” I wanted to travel back to 2007 and show some love to “You,” an album track from Breezy’s sophomore album “Exclusive.” Brown had already experienced success with two club hits, “Wall to Wall” and “Kiss Kiss,” while the ballads “With You” and “Take You Down” were slow jam mix CD staples.
Alex Garland delivers another war in the gripping Civil War
In his highly anticipated fourth film as director, the renowned Alex Garland unveils a captivating journey across a dystopian future America in “Civil War.” As the mastermind behind the film’s script, Garland takes us on a thrilling ride alongside a team of military-embedded journalists. They are racing against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.