Review : Deception Starring Megan Good Franklin and Laz Alonso

Megan Good Franklin is following in Kerry Washington's footsteps by heading up a network drama. The show Deception is set to premiere on January 7th on NBC and is a whodunit full of twists and turns that would make any fan of the primetime soap genre giddy with anticipation. Megan portrays cop Joanna LaCosto whose former BFF, socialite Vivian Bowers is found dead in a hotel of an alleged drug overdose. Her former partner and love interest Will Moreno played by Laz Alonso seems to think it's murder and as it turns out that is exactly what it is. Will Joanna find the culprit before the Bowers get wind of her true intentions? Are there still lingering feelings between Joanna and billionaire playboy Julian Bowers? And what is up with the creepy eldest brother and the matriarch of the family?

If you like shows about messed up rich people, their dirty secrets, and want to support another black woman doing big things in network t v, be sure to catch the pilot episode on NBC.com now, or tune into the premiere on NBC on 1/7/2013.

Django Unchained: My Review

When it comes to picking movies, I am usually on point with my selections. I must admit as of late my theatre going experiences have left me extremely dissatisfied. It started with Hope Springs which had the dynamic duo of Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep. Sparkle I think was next and the downward spiral continued with the likes of The Master, the boring and dialogue heavy Lincoln and the anti climactic Killing Me Softly. The last 3 featured stellar performances but that's about it.

Quentin Tarentino has thankfully resurrected my faith in the movie going experience with Django Unchained, the spaghetti Western/slave revenge fantasy which I first heard about on the website Shadow and Act. Django which features Oscar winning heavy hitters like Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz, and the very deserving of an Oscar this time around Leonardo DiCaprio, is about a slave who joins up with a bounty hunter and together they rescue his wife Broomhilda (played by Scandal's Kerry Washington) from the Candie Land plantation ran by the evil Calvin Candie (DiCaprio). Samuel L. Jackson also impressed the hell out of me with his turn as the Uncle of all Toms, Stephen, the plantation's butler and Calvin's confidante.

The movie is violent, funny, and sadistic which are all key elements of a Tarentino piece. Yeah the N word is used several times, but that did not bother me . When looking at a film based in the South during slavery, that word is going to be used. If you can't handle the lingo, seeing slaves get whipped, branded, chewed up by dogs, then D U isn't for you. Spike Lee has already said he won't be seeing the film which I think is a pity. Spike's cred has fallen off considerably in the past several years, and in my opinion he has no place to judge Quentin or other any filmmaker whose movies are getting people in theatre seats. Maybe if Spike went to see Django, it would inspire him to get back to being the filmmaker he used to be (Malcolm X, Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Blues). You know the one whose movies were critically acclaimed and worthy of water cooler talk.

I'm hoping that the Academy will recognize the screenplay, direction, and acting of Foxx, Waltz, and DiCaprio. Academy members do not let the use of the N word, the violence, and comedic elements mixed with the tough subject matter scare you.  Show Django some love because it definitely deserves it.

I would appreciate any and all comments, positive or negative :)

Anne Hathaway's Short Cut Is Growing On Me

Anne Hathaway has a lot to smile about these days: critical acclaim for Les Miserables, a new hubby, and stellar reviews as Catwoman in the last Batman movie. Since Glamour is one of my favorite magazines I couldn't resist posting this pic.

I think Anne looks great! How about you?

Bey's Busy 2013

Beyonce not only has the Super Bowl coming up in February, but she has directed a documentary for HBO set to premiere that same month, and readying new music for the fans. Bey may drop two singles before she is set to perform at the halftime show and no one knows if one will be a duet with her hubby Jay Z (whom she was seen in the studio with recently) or a song produced or sung with Miguel (whom she was also in the studio with).

 TLE Readers I will keep you posted as to when the new music drops!

Alicia Covers January's Essence

   Alicia Keys has a new CD Girl on Fire and is making the rounds amongst publications. She will be featured on newsstands on the January issue of Essence and was recently on the cover of JET as well. Have any of you heard the new CD and if you have what are your thoughts? I still miss the Alicia Keys of old, but her new sound has been getting some great reviews. Sound off!!