dvapr Reviews

The Seat Filler (2004)

Delightful

[10/10 · 11 July 2005]

I saw this film at the Urbanworld Film Festival last year and was happy to hear that it is coming to theaters this summer. It's pretty well-directed with solid comedic performances from Duane Martin and Deray Davis, who is a bonafide scene stealer. Duane is a great straight man to Deray. And they play well off each other. I loved their scenes together the best. I hadn't even heard of Deray before this flick. Now I seem to see him everywhere, like on Entourage the other night. Kelly is perfect in this role. She might have a nice career in acting after Destiny's Child if she wanted to. Her chemistry with Duane is rally tangible and cute. Although the part she's playing isn't much of a stretch, she makes the most of her role. Shemar Moore plays Kelly's handsome boyfriend who loves himself more than he loves her. Oh, and Melanie from the Spice Girls is in it with a funny part. Great to see a romantic comedy starring a black cast without a ton of racial stereotypes and Hollywood dribble. This is a good solid cast, good little script, high production value for an indie (more than i expected). Check it out if you get a chance.

Biker Boyz (2003)

Positive Images of Black Folks

[10/10 · 17 June 2004]

Simply put. This film is unrated. Dismissed as a knock-off of Fast & Furious, Biker Boyz is perceived as a action film rather than what it is - a story about a father and son at odds. The images of strong black and brown people in this picture is a positive that, sadly, got overlooked by "mainstream" media and moviegoers. The outstanding performances of Derek Luke, Orlando Jones and Vanessa Bell Calloway (who steals every scene she's in) weren't acknowledged. The amazing stunt riders weren't praised. The superb casting of unrated black actors was missed and dismissed. If you made a judgment on this movie without seeing it, catch it on HBO or Blockbuster. It's worth a look from a new point of view.

Biker Boyz (2003)

Entertaining W/ Much-Needed Message

[10/10 · 29 November 2003]

This movie has heart. The world it portrays is new and exciting. It lifts the veil on an entire sub-culture - the black motorcycle underground. People that slammed it are most likely prejudiced when it comes to images of strong, empowered black people on screen. No comedians and jokey jokes here, just a good look at working-class black people living, loving and being their true selves. Is this why mainstream critics didn't get it? Perhaps. Those with an open mind or an understanding of ethnic communities and lifestyle subcultures should recognize the spirit of this film. Derek Luke establishes himself as a rising star not a fluke. Vanessa Bell Calloway shines. The whole cast reflected some bold choices that I really appreciated. I loved seeing Lisa Bonet and Salli Richardson given a chance to do their thing on the big screen. The story is brimming with good messages about family, honor and manhood. This is what our kids - black, white, or otherwise - need to see. This is what all of us need to see much more often that we do. A good, entertaining movie with important message (that's IF you're open enough to give it a chance).

Joshua (I) (2002)

excellent film

[10/10 · 4 October 2003]

i saw this film on cable today - a lazy saturday afternoon. and to my surprise, it really touched me. tony goldwyn was absolutely perfect and wonderful, as was f. murray abraham (as always) and kurt fuller (great part for him). the film spoke to me, relaying some things that i really needed to hear at this time. a great film for adults who need to take a minute and reaccess. and good for teens, kids, families to see together i would think. for me, this picture was like a little spiritual meditation wrapped in a family friendly package. it was the last thing i wanted/expected to find while channelsurfing. but i'm sure glad i did. thank you.