Koran by Heart: 5 Stars!

The HBO documentary "Koran by Heart" is excellent: 5 Stars!

The movie follows several students from different countries who participated in the annual contest in Cairo in which Muslim children recite the Koran. As inspiring and uplifting as watching the youth prepare and participate in the National Spelling Bee in the United States.

You get a glimpse of the background of each student's culture, education, and parental influence. Great film that should leave you both smiling and thinking. Great to watch with children.

Breakout Kings on A&E: 4 Stars!

“Breakout Kings” follows U.S. Marshals Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso) and Ray Zancanelli (Domenick Lombardozzi) as they form a special task force composed of the three most elusive convicts Ray ever captured: Lloyd Lowery (Jimmi Simpson), a former child prodigy and behaviorist/psychiatric expert whoexcels in psychoanalysis; Shea Daniels (Malcolm Goodwin), an ex-gangbanger who knows how to work the system, both in prison and on the street; and Erica Reed (Serinda Swan), a sexy expert tracker who learned her trade from her bounty hunter father. Charlie and Ray also employ the services of Julianne Simms (Brooke Nevin), a civilian who acts as the “funnel” for the group – all information, tips and data go through her.  (See http://www.aetv.com/breakout-kings/about/)


I love this show! Check it out On Demand or online.

At The Movies

Jumping the Broom: 3.5 Stars! It's a funny romantic comedy with good acting & not entirely predictable.

Thor: 3.5 Stars! Go see in Real 3D, this movie is actually enhanced by the 3D effect. Great action sequences & costumes. Good & generally fun.

Fast Five: 4 Stars! Awesome action thrill ride & very funny. Great to see all the actors in one movie. And who doesn't love Vin Diesel & The Rock (who is super huge again in this movie) on the same screen?!

Avatar: 4 Stars!

Visually stunning! I strongly recommend seeing it at the IMAX in 3D, or at least in 3D on the biggest screen you can find.

It's a story about one of the primary reasons countries go to war, natural resources. It's a story about our connection to nature, the past, the present and each other. It's a love story. And of course, it's a story about triumph and good overcoming evil.

There are exciting action packed sequences. But there are also beautiful scenes with next level special effects. Sigourney Weaver, as always, is a delight to watch.

Go see for yourself.

Angels and Demons 4 Stars!

I read the book and now I have seen the movie. Angels and Demons 4 Stars! I have just started reading the "The Lost Symbol" so stay tuned for the review.

This Is It! Double 5 Stars!

"This Is It" was Awesome! Michael Jackson was a genius and an enlightened soul. His final concert series would have been something never seen before and I believe one of if not the best concert ever. Who's bad? While clearly Michael hired the best of the best of dancers, singers, and musicians to perform with him for this show, the young woman on guitar was phenomenal. Do yourself a favor an spend two hours with Michael. You will be uplifted and inspired. Double 5 Stars!

Reviews

See http://twitter.com/neonusinsite for more

• Kristin Scott Thomas in the French film "I've Loved You So long" - 5 Stars! on DVD
• Book Review: "Persuader" the 7th Jack Reacher Thriller by Lee Child (my 1st) - 4 Stars! Fast-paced mystery led by Reacher, an ex-military cop
• Book Review: Dan Brown's "Deception Point" and E Lynn Harris' "I Say A Little Prayer" 4 Stars! Walter Mosely "The Long Fall" 2 1/2 Stars!
• U in or going to NY make reservations at Anissa. Fantastic culinary experience - 5 Stars!
• Rick Bayless' Frontera restaurant in Chicago. Arrive before it opens at 5 to stand in line for seating or get reservations. Packed by 5:10. Frontera Mushroom Fundido 5 Stars! Angus steak and Top Chef Masters' Tongue is off the hook

Wolverine: 4 Stars!

Great action sequences. Hugh Jackman's body: 5 stars!

Child Support Court with Judge Gino

Click on the link below to witness the next ‘BIG’ thing in court shows, Child Support Court with Judge Gino!!!

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE THE TRAILER…: http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelcoburn

Angel's Can't Help but Laugh: 5 Stars

"Angels Can't Help But Laugh" is a moving documentary on the struggles and triumphs Black actresses face in Hollywood. The film was conceived and directed by Terri Vaughn of the Steve Harvey show. Terri speaks with 25 Black actresses, including Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Regina King, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jasmine Guy, as well as up and comers like Meagan Good, Malinda Williams, and Essence Atkins.

This film is not being shown in theaters, because she could not get a distribution deal. So support this film when it is screened at film festivals or other venues.

See trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfwIiMdQSxQ

Live Video Interviews From the 2008 Hoodie Awards Red (Blue) Carpet

Interviews by Neonu Jewell
Video by Treva Saunders

Neonu's InSite was live in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Orleans Arena on the Ford Blue Carpet at the 2008 6th Annual Hoodie Awards hosted by Steve Harvey. Check out my interviews and coverage of Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy, Kirk & Tammy Franklin, Noel Gourdin, Dwele, Cupid, comedian Bruce Bruce, "Showroom Shine" the Hoodie Award Winners for Best Detail Shop (St. Louis), Terrence J & Rocsi with Hoodie Award Winner "Fade Shop", Best Barber Shop, Stephen A. Smith, Steve & Marjorie Harvey with Patti LaBelle, Regina King, and Dr. Ian Smith (5o Million LB Challenge) & Sommore.

SEE VIDEO HERE ON YOUTUBE.


Click here for more Hoodie Award photos.

2008 6th Annual Hoodie Awards Hosted by Steve Harvey: 5 Stars

Neonu's InSite was live in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Orleans Arena on the Ford Blue Carpet at the 2008 6th Annual Hoodie Awards hosted by Steve Harvey.





(Left: Shirley Strawberry)

Right: Steve & Marjorie Harvey with Patti LaBelle

Left: "Showroom Shine"
Hoodie Award Best Detail Shop
(St. Louis)

Right: Kirk & Tammy Franklin

Noel Gourdin

Left: Dwele

Right: Terrence J & Rocsi with Hoodie Award Winner "Fade Shop",
Best Barber Shop

Left: Stephen A. Smith

Right: Joe with Jamie Hall (Representing Ford)

Left: Wendy Raquel Robinson & Husband Marco Perkins

Right: Regina King

Left: From Celebrity Fit Club Dr. Ian Smith (5o Million LB Challenge) & Sommore

Right: Cassi & LaVan Davis

Photography by Carmen Allen; Editing by Neonu Jewell

War on Drugs? Really?

American Drug Wars: The Last White Hope
5 Stars

By Neonu Jewell

Kevin Booth's film American Drug Wars illuminates the history, the politics, the money, the companies, and the people behind the illegal drug market in the United States. Similar to the way Cocaine Cowboys (5 Stars) detailed how Miami really funded its renaissance. The film is rational and revealing. Booth was inspired by the death of four family members from "legal drugs."

Factual support is provided for many of the "drug myths" we have heard over the years, including the fact that the CIA was instrumental in flooding South Central, Los Angeles with cocaine in the 90's. Booth interviews gang members, legendary drug trade leader "Freeway" Ricky Ross, former DEA agents, CIA officers, narcotics officers, judges, politicians, prisoners, and celebrities.

The film compares the addictive and lethal nature of illegal drugs and alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. It questions why the U.S. Government categorizes marijuana in the same category as drugs like heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and cocaine. It also explores the role privatizing the prison industry is playing in the increased incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders. And much, much more.

The message: "Prohibition Never Works as Well as Regulation and Control!" Watch it and let me know what you think. See it on DVD or Showtime On Demand until October 7.

HBO's The Black List Volume One: 5 Stars

By Neonu Jewell

In the wake of Barack Obama's nomination for President of the United States we have recently seen programming air that would previously have had to wait until February. This is one of the many great results/changes we are beginning to see in this country that have nothing do with politics.

I have heard lots of comments and conversations around CNN's series Black in America. Most people I spoke with had mixed feelings about this series.

I want to tell you about a program you may not have seen, because it did not get the same publicity, The Blacklist Volume One. It is excellent!...

The Black List Volume One is directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, portrait photographer and filmmaker, with interviews by Elvis Mitchell, acclaimed NPR radio host, journalist and former New York Times film critic. The program presents notable African-Americans, through individual portrait vignettes, sharing their insights, experiences, and hopes about being Black in the United States.

Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's and Toni Morrison's portraits resonated and touched me the most. Diddy actually makes a profound statement that made me realize something I had not thought about. I, like many of you, complain frequently about the R&B/Hip Hop music of today. How it all sounds the same and that it is not really creative music made by musicians, just technology and sampling. But Diddy pointed out that the music programs have been cut out of federal public school funding (after my tenure in public school). Wow! Of course! Now we are all hearing the results. Many artists come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The newer generation of existing and budding artists never had the opportunity to learn an instrument. Musical instruments and lessons are expensive, but mixing records or CDs is affordable.

The Black List Volume One is being shown on HBO and is available ON DEMAND, where available through September 21. This program is not to be missed.

Please comment with your thoughts on these programs.

Sex and the City The Movie: 5 Stars

For those of you who have not seen Sex and the City The Movie, here is the deal. Whatever you felt about the TV show is what you will likely feel about the movie. Love the show, love the movie. Hate the show, hate the movie. Did not watch the show, don't see the movie. If you plan to see it, do it soon before you hear all about it. And most importantly, take some tissues.

African American Lives 2: 5 Stars

I strongly recommend recording or purchasing the PBS Series African American Lives 2. It is excellent.

Series Overview
Building on the widespread acclaim of African American Lives (2006) and Oprah's Roots (2007), AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 again journeys deep into ancestry of an all-new group of remarkable individuals, offering an in-depth look at the African-American experience and race relations throughout U.S. history. Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns as series host, guiding genealogical investigations down through the 20th century, Reconstruction, slavery and early U.S. history, and presenting cutting-edge genetic analysis that locates participants' ancestors in Africa, Europe and America. Joining Professor Gates in the new broadcast are poet Maya Angelou, author Bliss Broyard, actor Don Cheadle, actor Morgan Freeman, theologian Peter Gomes, publisher Linda Johnson Rice, athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee, radio personality Tom Joyner, comedian Chris Rock, music legend Tina Turner, and college administrator Kathleen Henderson, who was selected from more than 2,000 applicants to have her family history researched and DNA tested alongside the series' well-known guests. (See http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aalives/)