Moonlight(ing) with Morgan & Murphy and Monae & Misty

Morgan Freeman stars in a remake of “Ben-Hur.”  It hit theaters last week and delivers the story in half the time of the original that starred Charlton Heston.  Freeman takes on the role of “Ilderim,” a character that wasn’t in the original version, although I imagine there was one that was equivalent to it.

The last time I saw the film I was probably 10, not totally aware of its  nature, and did not watch it in it’s entirety.  I was actually surprised when I saw the trailer for the new one considering the classic nature of the first.  Side note, Quentin Tarantino’s latest flick “The Hateful 8,” was shot with the same cameras used for the first version.

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Clik here to view.Eddie Murphy is “Mr. Church,” in his upcoming movie, of the same name.  Murphy portrays a cook, that’s hired by a dying woman played by Natascha McElhone, who brings more to the table of their lives than food.  It’s always great seeing Eddie do drama, who’s next three films to follow, are all comedy based.  Although his role in the Lee Daniels, Richard Pryor biopic, will certainly be a combination of both.  Murphy is getting some backlash in certain social media circles for portraying a domestic – you can’t please everybody.  Murphy has been popping up in a couple of other stories as of late in the midst of promoting ‘Church,’ from talking about not changing diapers, to not doing cocaine… http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/08/22/eddie-murphy-says-refused-cocaine-from-robin-williams-and-john-belushi.html

Did you know that Janelle Monae and Misty Copeland were both from Kansas City?  I didn’t before now or certainly didn’t recall, which is neither here nor there regarding their talent, I just think it’s interesting as we’re witnessing their stars steadily rising.  In addition to Monae’s music, she’s done television and the voice of an animated character in “Rio 2,” but will appear on the silver screen twice within the next six months.  First up is her role in the film “Moonlight.”  Directed by Barry Jenkins who’s done several shorts, “Moonlight,” is his feature debut.  It’s the story of a brother from Miami that perseveres despite obstacles and the odds against him.  Monae’s second feature is a co-starring role, opposite Oscar nominee and winner Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer respectively, in “Hidden Figures.”  Based on a true story, Henson portrays Katherine Johnson, a physicist and mathematician.  Johnson was also a space scientist who contributed to NASA’s space program with early applications of digital electronics.  Johnson’s birthday is August 26th, she’ll be 98 years young, and lives in Hampton, Virginia.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Last but far from least, Copeland will make her motion picture debut, in “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.”  Starring Keira Knightley as the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” it’s Disney’s version, of “The Nutcracker.”  Disney is in the midst of creating live action versions of several films.  There was the umpteenth release of “Jungle Book,” “Pete’s Dragon” is in theaters now, and “Beauty and the Beast” is on deck.  ‘Nutcracker’ was only announced recently, Copeland’s role has yet to be revealed, and Freeman is also in the film.  Mackenzie Foy will take on the role of “Clara.”