Ain't Nothing Like Freedom
by Cynthia McKinney
Book Review by Kam Williams
Clarity Press
Paperback, $19.95
290 pages, Illustrated
ISBN: 978-0-9853353-1
“Elected six times to the House from the state of Georgia, Cynthia McKinney cut a trail through Congressional deceit like a hot ember through ash. She discovered legislators who passed laws without reading them… [and] black-skinned individuals shilling for the white status quo.
She excoriated government lassitude over Hurricane Katrina… [and] held the only critical Congressional briefing on 9/11… She read truth into the Congressional Record, held town hall and hearings, led protests, showed up while others played along to get along…
This is the Cynthia McKinney saga as it stands to date—what she saw, what she learned, and how she fought for change.”
--Excerpted from the book jacket
Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney is a fearless firebrand who always seemed to be sitting in the middle of controversy, both during her tenure in the House of Representatives, and since. Whether it’s questioning the legitimacy of the 2000 Presidential Election, suggesting that the U.S. had advance knowledge of the 9/11 terror attack, punching a Capitol police officer who asked to see her I.D., blaming a failed reelection bid on the Israel lobby, insinuating that there might be more to the murder of gangsta’ rapper Tupac Shakur than an East-Coast-West Coast turf battle, running for the Presidency against Barack Obama in 2008 as the Green Party candidate, being aboard a boat torpedoed by Israel as it tried to run a blockade of Gaza or, most recently, intimating that the Boston Marathon bombings might have been an inside job on the part of the local police, she’s never been one afraid to speak her mind.
Dismissed by some, present company included, as simply too nutty to take seriously, Cynthia has languished lately at the lunatic fringe of American politics. Frankly, I’d long since written her off as a hopelessly-paranoid conspiracy theorist in the wake of her staff’s treatment of an innocuous journalist like me as suspicious when I innocently asked for an interview.
Here, the marginalized iconoclast makes a decent attempt at resurrecting her terribly-tarnished image with this self-serving autobiography, Ain’t Nothing Like Freedom. The book doesn’t touch much on her personal life beyond several sincere expressions of affection for her parents and son, Coy.
Instead, the author focuses squarely on her checkered career, conveniently putting a positive spin on many of its dubious and debatable highlights. For example, in a 20-page chapter on her presidential campaign, not once does she mention the fact that she rubbed a lot of people the wrong way by potentially spoiling Obama’s historic bid, the same way that 3rd party candidate Ralph Nader had done to Gore in 2000.
Basically, McKinney paints herself as a woman of the people and a tireless advocate of such causes as Hurricane Katrina victims, reparations for African-Americans, and the preservation of the planet. Along the way, she repeatedly indicts her fellow black politicians as sellouts, including the President, predicting that folks will tire of his speeches and symbolic gestures if they remain “unattached to real gains and material change in the community’s conditions.”
Among her advocates is anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, who asserts that Cynthia was more deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize than just-elected President Obama. McKinney, wacky or wise? You be the judge.
A classic case of revisionist history walking a fine line between inspired and insanity.
To order a copy of Ain’t Nothing Like Freedom, visit:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0985335319/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20
Kevin Hart
The “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” Interview
with Kam Williams
A Heart to Heart with Kevin Hart
Born in Philadelphia on July 6, 1980, Kevin Hart is one of the most versatile comedic actors in both television and film. He’s recently delivered memorable performances in Think Like a Man which grossed over 90 million dollars in theaters, as well as in Judd Apatow’s The Five Year Engagement.
He previously appeared in Little Fockers, Death at a Funeral, Fool's Gold, Along Came Polly and The 40 Year Old Virgin. And his additional film credits include: Soul Plane, Not Easily Broken, Extreme Movie, Drillbit Taylor, Epic Movie, The Last Stand, Scary Movie 4, In the Mix, Meet Dave and Superhero Movie.
Kevin’s stand-up DVD Seriously Funny went platinum four times, after the Comedy Central presentation of the same name became the highest rated comedy special of 2010. Last summer, fans across America were treated to Kevin’s side-splitting stand-up comedy in Let Me Explain, an international tour to nearly 100 cities across the United States, Europe and Africa.
Here, he talks about Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, a concert film shot mostly at his final stop, Madison Square Garden.
Kam Williams: Hey Kevin, thanks for the interview. I really enjoyed this film.
Kevin Hart: Thank you, Kam, thank you.
KW: What inspired it?
KH: I had a helluva year. This tour pretty much exceeded my expectations of what I was going to accomplish. It started off in 5,000-seat venues and eventually escalated to larger arenas with 15,000 seats and more, once I got to major cities and left the country and began selling out in places like Oslo, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. The support that I received from my fans was unreal.
KW: How do fans in countries like Norway and Denmark, where they speak another language, understand you? Did you talk slower or change your delivery for them?
KH: No, I don’t have to change anything. I think that’s the secret to comedy. You want to be universal and appeal to everyone. You want to put yourself in a position that no matter what you’re talking about, everyone can relate to it and understand it, because it’s an experience that everyone can go through. That’s what I pattern my writing material and jokes after. I’m trying to maintain a level of realness that my fans can appreciate.
KW: One of the themes of this show was convincing your fans that success hasn’t gone to your head. But isn’t life a lot different for you now than a couple of decades ago? After all, you’re from North Philly and started out as a shoe salesman.
KH: Well, things changed, but only to a certain degree. Just because your environment or living space changes doesn’t mean that your attitude necessarily has to change. By attitude, I mean the way you interact with others. You don’t have to treat people differently. You may be living a different lifestyle, but the person living that different lifestyle still can relate to anybody and have the same amazing personality of the guy from North Philly. The people around me haven’t changed. The people who have been in my life since the beginning are still in my life now. I think that has a lot to do with my staying grounded and humble despite the success I’ve achieved.
KW: You talk a lot about dating in the movie. Is there a Kevin Hart relationship advice book in the works?
KH: [Chuckles] Funny you should mention that, Kam. I don’t know if I’m at the relationship advice stage yet. I do have a lot of information to share, and a book is definitely in the works, but I don’t know whether it’ll be geared towards relationships.
KW: In the film you cried at the end of the concert at Madison Square Garden. What was the emotion that overwhelmed you at that moment?
KH: I never thought in a million years that I’d ever sell out back-to-back shows at The Garden. That’s not to say, I never expected my career to take off. Still, it was a “Pinch Me, Wake Me Up” moment. I was like, “Wow! I can’t believe this. That I’m actually here, and this is actually happening.” And in that moment, when I was about to thank my fans for supporting me, I noticed that they were standing up clapping. It was overwhelming, and became a very emotional moment when I tried to thank them.
KW: I also liked how you had pyrotechnics going off onstage during the show periodically.
KH: [Laughs] That was my way of joking around by saying, “I’m about to jump into a different level, because I have fire.” Ain’t no other comedian ever had fire.
KW: When did you know you had made it?
KH: The beauty of it is that I don’t think I’ve ever really relaxed. I want to do too much within the business. And there’s so much you can achieve with a launching pad like stand-up comedy. You can literally go from acting to hosting to being a personality to…
KW: To the Real Husbands of Hollywood?
KH: [Chuckles] To the Real Husbands of Hollywood. It all depends on what you’re willing to invest time and effort in and put your mind to. That’s what separates winners from losers. Winners are the ones who want the most out of their opportunities.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
KH: [Laughs] No, I’m pretty much an open book. I’ve pretty much talked about anything I’m going through onstage. Between interviews and curious fans, I’ve been asked everything. And I always give answers. I don’t shy away from anything.
KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
KH: I have good laugh every day. I enjoy life. I’m surrounded by love and positivity.
KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
KH: Creation, getting behind a project from start to finish, and being able to see it blossom into a success.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
KH: I can’t cook, but I can make a turkey and cheese sandwich like nobody else.
KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?
KH: Seeing my kids happy.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
KH: “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.”
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061728977/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to?
KH: Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It.”
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0013D7YCK/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
KH: Right now, I’d have to go with two: Lanvin and Yves St. Laurent.
KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision?
KH: Focusing on stand-up comedy 100%.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
KH: I see a man with drive and determination who wants to go down in history.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
KH: For a better-looking pair of feet.
KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time?
KH: I would spend absolutely every last minute with my kids, telling them how much I love them and how much I would do for them.
KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
KH: A lion, the king of the jungle.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
KH: My mom and dad discussing taking us to Disney World at a time that they couldn’t afford it. I was probably about 5.
KW: The Anthony Mackie question: Isthere something that you promised to do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet?
KH: No, because I know how easy it is to put your foot in your mouth.
KW: The Melissa Harris-Perry question:How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?
KH: Going through my divorce has changed who I am in my understanding of what’s good and bad in relationships.
KW: You talk about the divorce in your act. How hard is that?
KH: Once again, that’s what separates the best from the crowd. Those who are willing to open up and show a vulnerable side are the ones who have gone on to achieve so many amazing things.
KW: The Viola Davis question: What’s the difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person you pretend to be on the red carpet?
KH: None at all. That’s who I am.
KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?
KB: To be able to read people’s thoughts.
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?
KH: That’s a great question… Drive!
KW: The Gabby Douglas question: If you had to choose another profession, what would that be?
KH: Writing.
KW: The Harriet Pakula-Teweles question: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you'd like to star in?
KH: If they were ever to remake Goodfellas, I’d love to play Joe Pesci’s role.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
KH: Hard work and determination equals success. Nothing comes easy. Put your mind to something. The best feeling in the world is seeing the benefits and rewards of hard work.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your favorite charity?
KH: I participate with so many, but my goal is to get my own off the ground once I slow down. It’ll be dedicated to my mom who I lost to ovarian cancer.
KW: I’m sorry about your mom. The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?
KH: As a good father, as a great person, and as a hard worker.
KW: Can you give me a Kevin Hart question I can ask other celebrities?
KH: Yeah, do you have any career regrets?
KW: Great! That’ll be “The Kevin Hart Question.”
KH: There you go.
KW: Thanks again for the time, Kevin. I really appreciate it.
KH: Take it easy, Kam.
To see a trailer for Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, visit:
Pacific Rim
Film Review by Kam Williams
It’s Giant Robots vs. Subterranean Sea Monsters in Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Showdown
When an undersea earthquake ripped a massive fissure along a fault line beneath the Pacific Ocean, it left a crevice wide enough for a race of subterranean sea monsters to escape and rise to the surface. Dubbed Kaiju, these Godzilla-looking creatures quickly launched a series of assaults on cities all across the planet.
With millions of lives lost and many major metropolitan areas devastated, we find civilization teetering on the brink of oblivion as the world’s decimated nations decide to pool their dwindling military resources. That desperate collaboration leads to the creation of giant robots known as Jaegers.
Each of these high-powered weapons is simultaneously operated by two pilots whose minds are connected by a neural bond enabling them to share their every thought and emotion. The only problem with these state-of-the-art killing machines is that they’re soon being lost in battle faster than more replacements can be built.
The challenge of figuring a way to turn the tide in the war falls to Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), Commanding Officer of the Pan Pacific Defense Corps. “We’re not an army anymore,” he laments, looking at the depleted, ragtag team of soldiers and scientists representing the last hope of humanity. “We’re a resistance.”
Foremost among his intrepid crew members are Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam), a grizzled, American vet recently coaxed back into the cockpit. He’d retired after his co-pilot brother (Diego Klattenhoff) perished at the hands of a bloodthirsty Kaiju.
At the other extreme, we have Mako Mori (Rinko Kinkuchi), an inexperienced trainee who has proven herself on a fight simulator but is yet to see any real combat. However, as the sole survivor of a Kaiju ambush that leveled her hometown and claimed the lives of her entire family, the revenge-minded rookie is more then ready to confront the enemy. And so forth.
After establishing the motivations of each of the simplistically-drawn characters, Pacific Rim morphs dramatically into a spectacular, special f/x showdown. Written and directed by Oscar-nominee Guillermo del Toro (for Pan’s Labyrinth), the visually-captivating sci-fi is most likely to be compared, and favorably, to the Transformers franchise for, here, it proves far easier to keep the good guys (robots) and bad guys (monsters) straight.
A mesmerizing, if mindless, apocalyptic adventure that doesn’t ask anything more of an audience than to enjoy the action and root heartily for the heroes while consuming a copious amount of popcorn.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for pervasive violence and brief profanity
In English and Japanese with subtitles
Running time: 131 minutes
Distributor: Warner Brothers
To see a trailer for Pacific Rim, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkOy1C8eX6o
Despicable Me 2
Film Review by Kam Williams
Action-Packed Animated Sequel Finds Reformed Gru Joining Forces with Anti-Villain League
When we last saw Gru (Steve Carell), the diabolical bad guy had abandoned his plan to steal the moon and turned over a new leaf, settling in suburbia to raise the three adorable orphans he had decided to adopt. At this action-packed adventure’s point of departure, we find the new family man content to dote on his demanding daughters, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Kate Fisher) with the help of his loyal army of minions.
But while in the midst of throwing toddler Agnes a medieval-themed birthday party, he is asked to come out of retirement by Agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) of the Anti-Villain League (AVL). It seems that a research lab has totally vanished where scientists had been developing a top secret transmutation potion.
Lucy further explains that the substance, PX-41, could be the most devastating weapon on Earth, should it fall into the wrong hands. And since it takes a villain to catch a villain, it is her hope that Gru will spearhead AVL’s effort to track down the serum-snatching scoundrel.
First, he must weigh his fatherly duties against the urgent call to apprehend a ne’er-do-well bent on world domination. Another consideration is the fact that he’s quickly developing a crush on the cute spy seeking his assistance.
So, it’s not long before the two are on the trail of El Macho (Benjamin Bratt), a Mexican madman intent on morphing Gru’s own minions into man-eating monsters. Complications ensue when the mendacious outlaw’s handsome son, Antonio (Moises Arias), starts seducing Margo after meeting her in the mall.
Therefore, Gru’s challenging mission involves not only retrieving the vials of PX-41 but protecting his teenager’s virtue and wooing the love of his life to boot.
Again directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, Despicable Me 2 is as inspired a sequel as one might have hoped for. Far from a mere rehash of the winning elements which made the animated original such a hit, this episode features enough fresh ideas and funny moments to stand on its own and warrant a further extension of the franchise.
Sure, the pat Hollywood ending is a foregone conclusion, but nobody’s complaining when the roller coaster ride is so thoroughly enjoyable!
Excellent (3.5 stars)
Rated PG for crude humor and mild action
Running time: 98 minutes
Distributor: Universal Pictures
To see a trailer for Despicable Me 2, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwXbtZXjbVE
Fruitvale Station
Film Review by Kam Williams
Bittersweet Biopic Recounts Final Hours in Oscar Grant’s Life
Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) and his girlfriend, Sophina (Melonie Diaz), were returning to Oakland in the wee hours of the morning after attending a New Year’s Eve 2009 celebration when their crowded train was stopped by police in response to a report of a disturbance. Oscar was among a number of male passengers ordered onto the platform at Fruitvale Station, where he was initially allowed to sit quietly with his back against the wall.
However, he was subsequently ordered to lie on his stomach so that he could be handcuffed and placed under arrest. When he resisted, a struggle ensued during which Oscar could be heard begging not to be Tasered as a cop yelling “bitch-ass [N-word]” forced him to the ground.
Another officer pulled out a pistol and proceeded to shoot unarmed Oscar in the back, prompting the mortally-wounded young father to exclaim, “I got a 4 year-old daughter!” The entire incident was captured on a cell phone by a fellow straphanger who posted the video on Youtube, thereby instantly turning the controversial slaying into an international cause célèbre.
Had Oscar been callously executed or accidentally killed by a cop who had merely mistaken his .40 caliber weapon for his stun gun? Guilt or innocence, a matter ultimately left for a jury to decide, is not the primary focus of Fruitvale Station.
Instead, this bittersweet biopic seeks to humanize the very colorful Oscar Grant by chronicling the serendipitous series of events leading up to his untimely demise. The film unfolds over the course of the last day in the charming 22 year-old’s abbreviated life, a period during which he interacts affectionately with Sophina, their daughter (Ariana Neal), his mother (Octavia Spencer), pals, strangers and other relatives.
For instance, we see Oscar inform his disappointed girlfriend that he’s lost his job as a clerk at the local supermarket. Later, he tucks tiny Tatiana into bed and promises to take her to Chuck E. Cheese the next day. And he ominously takes to heart his mom’s erroneous presumption that riding the train would be a lot safer than driving to San Francisco that fateful night.
Already winning awards at both the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals, Fruitvale Station marks the remarkable writing and directorial debut of Ryan Coogler. A recent USC School of Cinematic Arts grad, the gifted 27 year-old exhibits the talents of a seasoned veteran here, crafting a character-driven tale that’s touching and emotionally-engaging without resort to either sentimentality or melodrama.
Some of the credit must also go to Michael B. Jordan for his compelling, warts-and-all portrayal of Oscar, a complicated soul with perhaps as many positive attributes as faults. The support cast deserves a share of accolades, too, for ensuring that the palpable production, one well grounded in a sobering, inner-city reality, never hits a false note.
Whether Oscar Grant deserves to be remembered as a martyr or a provocateur, this poignant portrait of him as a flawed free-spirit is moving enough to be remembered come Academy Awards season.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 85 minutes
Distributor: The Weinstein Company
To see a trailer for Fruitvale Station, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxUJwJfcQaQ