Comment posted today on BornTooBlog:
Anonymous - Jan 23, 2012 01:06 PM
I did see the film, and was extremely disappointed in its cinematic effort. If it really took George Lucas 20 years to produce such a fiasco of African American History. No character development, tasteless dialogue along with acting, stretching of the truth and inverted embellishment of such a serious moment in WAR.. Flat out terrible, I can go on and on, but what should one expect with first time director: Anthony Hemmingway and Writers Aaron Mcgruder/ John Ridely who were responsible for the Adult Swim Cartoon The Boondocks and piece of shit film Undercover Brother starring Eddie Griffin. Why you (George Lucas) would recruit Sketch Comedy artist and Writers to script such a Pivotal Moment in Black History is beyond me, but I do have a BRAIN, and have always paid strict attention to those attempting to Wash it.Do you agree with him/her?
I'm sorry Maya, but I really have to disagree with the room on this one. I really love to support my Black Actors/Directors and Writers when I know they will reap the benefits of my support. In this particular movie, they will not. GEORGE LUCAS from Star Wars acclaim and fame will be the only one doing so who happens to be of Anglo Saxon decent of course. He also put up the 58Million independent dollars to Executive Produce the film along with 20th Century Fox (whom I've worked for also). As I know you know from being a business woman yourself, that in business whoever puts up the most Capital, will be the one to recieve the most Profit. He puppet mastered the whole thing, and knew we as blacks would all go see the movie based on the shallow fact that there is an all Black Cast. (It was actually his Selling Point/Marketing Tool).
When the movie went to Post Production that all Black Cast, Director and Writers were paid by him with out any consumer viewing the film yet. Furthermore due to Hollywood accounting their exist Net Points, and Gross Points. Hence Net Points are Box office bucks which will only go to LUCAS FILMS and 20th Century Fox. Gross Points are what big name actors like Denzel can negotiate or demand, based on it being (a percentage of some definition of gross revenue). None of those B List actors who accompanied each other in the film hold the weight to do the aforementioned. Terrance Howard whose last memorable role for Hustle and Flow should have said NO, along with Cuba Gooding, Jr., since they both are attempting to revamp, re-establish and rekindle their careers.
This movie is a Perfect example of how poor film making can hurt a very real and poignant story of bravery and overcoming the odds. It is also A GROSS MISREPRESENTATION and Portrayal of a Pivotal Point in African American History. Sadly disappointed in the Deliberate Scheme of Lucas and Hollywood at the Expense of BLACK DOLLARS.
Do you agree with George Lucas' way of marketing the film?
Do you think the story was watered down or could've been substantially better?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!!!
I've been excited about his movie for a long time. When first hearing about it, I kind of predicted people coming out on social media to support something that in my eyes could of been huge. I too was a disappointed in the story.(I can forgive the mediocre acting and lame dialogue)
ReplyDeleteBefore watching the movie I was listening to Terrence Howard in an interview saying that they didn't want to focus the negative and just tell a heroic story. But without the negative aspect of how they became heroes its not much of a dramatic story.
Nonetheless I told my friends and family to go and see the movie. Most people disagreed with me saying it was good. My mom came from watching the film and i asked her who was the bad guy. (aka who did the black pilots have to overcome/defeat in becoming great.) she was confused by the q. I asked in "Batman who is the bad guy" she quickly answered the joker.
My point being there was no Joker. No one prevented the pilots from doing there job. There was really no conflict accept with themselves. (which could work, but didn't effectively in this movie).
Everything was handed to the pilots. America gave them assignments after being reluctant for thirty minutes. They got new planes... Dude smashed the Italian lady and she fell in love real quick... most of the pilots lived for the duration of the movie. and at the end they got medals of honor.... Even in bambi he lost his mom and had to fight to get the girl.
I feel a greater story could of been told. We wouldn't tell the story of the civil rights movement and not talk about the struggle. The main character Lighting was a cocky skilled pilot and remained that way throughout the film.
I hope this doesn't come off as me being ungrateful, or this bitter black guy who hates everything black. This isn't the case. I expected greatness and was shoved off of my pedestal.