Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Spike Lee 7 Joints
- Commentary: Still workin' on it, honey. Got a ways to go.
Funny, though, I'm having a hard time finding an interesting, informative review of this specific collection. Not sure why, and it's possible I'll be completely unsuccessful, but, in the meantime, I think it's important to include the fact that no one seems to want to take on a critique of this collection.
In the meantime, you might want to read a short, pithy interview Roger Ebert conducted with Spike Lee as Lee was preparing to shoot Malcolm X in 1991. I attached the interview to the title of this post.
This is, of course, not the only collection of Spike Lee films in existence, nor will it be the last. In the meantime, for what it's worth, here is the official Wikipedia perspective on Spike Lee, his life and career.
- Do the Right Thing
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Spike Lee Mookie Danny Aiello Sal Ossie Davis Da Mayor Ruby Dee Mother Sister Giancarlo Esposito Buggin' Out Bill Nunn Radio Raheem John Turturro Pino Richard Edson Vito Rosie Perez Tina Joie Lee Jade Martin Lawrence Cee Samuel L. Jackson Mister Señor Love Daddy Robin Harris Sweet Dick Willie Paul Benjamin ML Frank Vincent Charlie John Savage Clifton Leonard L. Thomas Punchy Frankie Faison Coconut Kid Rick Aiello Officer Gary Long Luis Antonio Ramos Stevie
→ john-turturro; ruby-dee; ossie-davis
Roger Ebert included this movie in his "Great Movies" collection, the review for which is connected to the title of this movie.
This movie is loaded with cameos. Although I listed 20 actors, above, the actual list could go on forever. You'll notice this, if you watch the movie, as every other scene involves an actor of which you think, "I know that one. Who is that?" A more complete list (although I can't swear that it contains all the cameos) can be found in the Wikipedia write up for this film, linked below.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1989
Directed by Spike Lee. - Mo' Better Blues
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Minifield "Bleek" Gilliam Spike Lee Giant Wesley Snipes Shadow Henderson Joie Lee Indigo Downes Cynda Williams Clarke Bentancourt Giancarlo Esposito Left Hand Lacey Bill Nunn Bottom Hammer Jeff "Tain" Watts Rhythm Jones Dick Anthony Williams Mr. "Big Stop" Gilliam Abbey Lincoln Lillian Gilliam John Turturro Moe Flatbush Nicholas Turturro Josh Flatbush Robin Harris Butterbean Jones Samuel L. Jackson Madlock Coati Mundi Roberto Rubén Blades Petey
→ john-turturro
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Spike Lee. - Jungle Fever
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Wesley Snipes Flipper Purify Annabella Sciorra Angela Tucci Spike Lee Cyrus Ossie Davis The Good Reverend Doctor Purify Ruby Dee Lucinda Purify Samuel L. Jackson "Gator" Purify Lonette McKee Drew Purify John Turturro Paulie Carbone Frank Vincent Michael Tucci Anthony Quinn Lou Carbone Halle Berry Vivian Tyra Ferrell Orin Goode Phyllis Yvonne Stickney Nilda Nicholas Turturro Vinny Miguel Sandoval Officer Mark Ponte Debi Mazar Denise Tim Robbins Jerry Brad Dourif Leslie Queen Latifah Lashawn Giancarlo Esposito Homeless Man
→ john-turturro; debi-mazar; ruby-dee; ossie-davis; tim-robbins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1991
Directed by Spike Lee. - Crooklyn
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Alfre Woodard Carolyn Delroy Lindo Woody David Patrick Kelly Eyes Zelda Harris Tony Carlton Williams Clinton Sharif Rashed Wendell Tse-Mach Washington Joseph Chris Knowings Nate José Zúñiga Tommy La La Isaiah Washington Vic Powell Ivelka Reyes Jessica Spike Lee Snuffy N. Jeremi Duru Right Hand Man Frances Foster Aunt Song Norman Matlock Clem Patriece Nelson Viola
→ delroy-lindo
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Spike Lee. - Clockers
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Harvey Keitel Det. Rocco Klein John Turturro Det. Larry Mazilli Delroy Lindo Rodney Little Mekhi Phifer Ronald "Strike" Dunham Isaiah Washington Victor Dunham Keith David Andre "The Giant" Ashley Sticky Fingaz Andres "Scientific" Atkins Regina Taylor Iris Jeeter Fredro Elvis "Go" Atkins Tom Byrd Errol Barnes Lawrence B. Adisa Stan Gilmore Hassan Johnson Trevor "Skills" Jeeter Michael Imperioli Det. Joey "Jojo" Thompson Mike Starr Det. Shawn "Thumper" Ferrell Paul Calderon Jesus at Hambones Spike Lee Chucky Bridges Sr.
→ john-turturro; delroy-lindo
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Spike Lee. - Inside Man
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Det. Keith Frazier Clive Owen Dalton Russell Jodie Foster Madeline White Christopher Plummer Arthur Case Willem Dafoe Cpt. John Darius Chiwetel Ejiofor Det. Bill Mitchell Spike Lee Civilian Kim Director Valerie Keepsake/Stevie James Ransone Darius Peltz/Steve-O Carlos Andrés Gómez Kenneth Damerjian/Steve Bernie Rachelle Chaim Waris Ahluwalia Vikram Walia
→ christopher-plummer; jodie-foster; willem-dafoe
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Spike Lee. - BlacKkKlansman
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role John David Washington Det. Ron Stallworth Adam Driver Det. Philip "Flip" Zimmerman Laura Harrier Patrice Dumas Topher Grace David Duke Topher Grace Kwame Ture Harry Belafonte Jerome Turner Jasper Pääkkönen Felix Kendrickson Ryan Eggold Walter Breachway Frederick Weller Pt. Andy Landers Paul Walter Hauser Ivanhoe Ashlie Atkinson Connie Kendrickson Michael Buscemi Jimmy Creek Ken Garito Sergeant Trapp Alec Baldwin Kennebrew Beauregard Nicholas Turturro Walker Damaris Lewis Odetta
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Spike Lee.
Wikipedia doesn't have a write-up of this specific film series. I've included the Wikipedia links for the individual movies in their write-ups, above.
Labels: christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, giancarlo-esposito, jodie-foster, john-turturro, ossie-davis, ruby-dee, samuel-l-jackson, spike-lee, tim-robbins, willem-dafoe
Friday, December 16, 2022
Malcolm X - Criterion Edition
- Commentary: Yes, I already own this movie. When I heard, though, that Criterion recently released this movie, complete with its stunning (as usual) restoration work and a slate of Special Features that I can't wait to view, well, I knew I had to add it to my collection, which is probably a good idea, anyway, because, since I first added it to my collection in August of 2016, I've watched it at least once a year, occasionally more. It's one of those movies for which I find myself hungering. So, I have two copies, now. Chances are, I won't view my original copy, again, but I'm going to hang on to it, for awhile, just in case. I don't ever want to be without a copy of this movie.
If the Special Features are intriguing, I'll return here to write about them. The movie, itself, is a wonder to behold, full of amazing acting and Spike Lee's innovative, intriguing auteurism at its best. The design and execution of so many of the scenes grab you by the ears and force you to get each and every moment of this astonishing story of, not only a man, but a people-movement that has yet to achieve ultimate success.
Yes, I've listed it as both a biography and an autobiography. For those of you who are familiar with Alex Haley's and Malcolm X's collaborative book, as well as this movie, you'll understand why I did this.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Malcolm X Angela Bassett Betty Shabazz Albert Hall Baines Al Freeman Jr. Elijah Muhammad Delroy Lindo West Indian Archie Spike Lee Shorty Theresa Randle Laura Kate Vernon Sophia Ernest Lee Thomas Sidney Christopher Plummer Chaplain Gill Lonette McKee Louise Little Tommy Hollis Earl Little Giancarlo Esposito Talmadge X Hayer Wendell Pierce Ben Thomas Leonard L. Thomas Leon Davis Leland Gantt Wilbur McKinley Roger Guenveur Smith Rudy James McDaniel Brother Earl Steve White Brother Johnson Veronica Webb Sister Lucille Rosary Jean-Claude La Marre Benjamin 2X Debi Mazar Peg Karen Allen Miss Dunne Peter Boyle NYPD Captain Green
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Spike Lee.
Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee
Saturday, July 02, 2022
Okja
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ahn Seo-hyun Miha Tilda Swinton Lucy & Nancy Mirando Paul Dano Jay Jake Gyllenhaal Johnny Wilcox Byun Hee-bong Hee Bong Steven Yeun K Giancarlo Esposito Frank Dawson Lily Collins Red
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2017
Directed by Bong Joon-ho.
Labels: §4, bong-joon-ho, giancarlo-esposito, jake-gyllenhaal
Thursday, June 09, 2022
Breaking Bad Complete Series
- Commentary: I would never have watched this series had not one of my sisters, the one who has been the source of more than a few of my very favorite movies, been electrified by it and started sending me the seasons. Nothing else to say. I'm like everyone else, a staunch fan. Many (if not all) of the episodes continue to stick in my head and at least once every couple of weeks I become captured by one and have to watch it. Again. And again. My sister and I are still looking to hear from Jesse.
I want to link to one more review but, since I'm not sure how long it will be available, I'm not attaching it to the title of this post. Forbes published a review of Breaking Bad in 2013 at the end of the series. It's quite interesting. With any luck to me, and you, Dear Reader, it will remain accessible.
Once this series got going, there were many, many notable actors who participated in small and bit parts. I picked out as many as I could without rendering the following Actor/Table overwhelming.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bryan Cranston Walter White Anna Gunn Skyler White Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman Dean Norris Hank Schrader Betsy Brandt Marie Schrader RJ Mitte Walter White Jr. Giancarlo Esposito Gustavo Fring Bob Odenkirk Saul Goodman Jonathan Banks Mike Ehrmantraut Laura Fraser Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Jesse Plemons Todd Alquist Raymond Cruz Tuco Salamanca Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis John de Lancie Donald Margolis Danny Trejo Tortuga Steven Bauer Don Eladio Vuente
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2008-2013
Directed by mostly men, some women each season, a few female regulars.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama5, female-director1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, john-de-lancie, me-favorite1, satire1, thriller2, tragedy1, TV1, violence2
Saturday, June 04, 2022
The Jungle Book 2016
- Commentary: This movie crept up slowly on me. The first time I checked it out of the library, mostly because of the personal draw of the animated trailers I saw, I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed by it. I found, however, that I retained several moments of the movie in my mind and checked it out twice more. After the third viewing, I knew I had to own it. The story isn't particularly engaging. Frankly, I never saw the original Disney movie nor read that book upon which it was based for a reason. I just wasn't interested. The animation, though, in this version, surrounds me with its magic and I continue to go back to it. The choice of voice actors is excellent, as well. I've instituted a new category for it: "pseudo/cgi-animation". There are a few other movies I should move into this category, most notably, Maleficent. That will come.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Neel Sethi Mowgli Ritesh Rajan Mowgli's Father Bill Murray Baloo Ben Kingsley Bagheera Idris Elba Shere Khan Lupita Nyong'o Raksha Scarlett Johansson Kaa Giancarlo Esposito Akela Christopher Walken King Louie Garry Shandling Iki Brighton Rose Grey Brother Jon Favreau Fred Sam Raimi Indian Giant Squirrel Russell Peters Rocky Madeleine Favreau Raquel Sara Arrington Nilgai
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2016
Directed by Jon Favreau.
Labels: ben-kingsley, christopher-walken, fantasy2, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, popcorn-and-soda2, pseudo-cgi-animation, spectacle1
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Malcolm X
- Commentary: I initially saw this years ago, and it has haunted me, since, as an innovative biography as well as its depiction of the man. Yet another serendipitous going-out-of-business find.
This is another one of those movies where several people working for and contributing to RogerEbert.com wrote articles pertaining to this movie. Just search it at the site.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published August 14, 2016. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Malcolm X Angela Bassett Betty Shabazz Albert Hall Baines Al Freeman Jr. Elijah Muhammad Delroy Lindo West Indian Archie Spike Lee Shorty Theresa Randle Laura Kate Vernon Sophia Ernest Lee Thomas Sidney, Fruit of Islam Christopher Plummer Chaplain Gill Lonette McKee Louise Little Tommy Hollis Earl Little Giancarlo Esposito Talmadge X Hayer Wendell Pierce Ben Thomas Leonard L. Thomas Leon Davis Leland Gantt Wilber McKinley Veronica Webb Sister Lucille Rosary Jean-Claude La Marre Benjamin 2X Debi Mazar Peg Peter Boyle NYPD Cpt. Green
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Spike Lee.
Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee
Monday, August 30, 2021
Fresh
- Commentary: I just received this movie today, 8/30/21. I haven't yet seen it. I'm excited, though, by its reviews, including the one by Roger Ebert, linked to the title of this post, and yet another review written, importantly, 17 years later, for Roger Ebert's website by Seongyong Cho. If you're interested in this movie, read both of them, and you'll understand why it is important that the movie was reviewed, again, 17 years after its initial released.
I'll report back once "the deed is done".
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sean Nelson Fresh Giancarlo Esposito Esteban Samuel L. Jackson Sam N'Bushe Wright Nichole Ron Brice Corky Jean-Claude La Marre Jake Jose Zuniga Lt. Perez Luis Lantigua Chuckie Yul Vazquez Chillie Cheryl Freeman Aunt Frances Anthony Thomas Red Curtis McClarin Darryl
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Boaz Yakin.
Labels: §2, character-study, coming-of-age2, dramaD, father-son-dynamics1, gang-movie, giancarlo-esposito, reflective, samuel-l-jackson
