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Trailer: Spike Lee’s “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” Hurricane Katrina Documentary [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:33:59 +0000

Film director Spike Lee is known for his in-depth, heart-wrenching documentaries and his latest, “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” is no different. “If God is Willing” is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (like his 2006 documentary “When the Levees Broke”) and also focuses on the health, wellness and rebuilding of New Orleans and Louisiana in the 5 year wake of the devastating hurricane. One-half of the 4-hour special aired yesterday (Mon. Aug 23) on HBO with the other half set to air tonight.

Spike Lee recently sat down with Newsweek for a fairly in depth interview about the documentary, how it came about, the state of New Orleans/Louisiana today, and more.

Did you plan from the outset to revisit New Orleans sometime after you did When the Levees Broke?
We knew we were going to revisit [it] before we were even finished with When the Levees Broke. We knew the story was not done, not that it’s going to be done any time soon; we wanted to revisit it, and HBO agreed with me. It was just a matter of determining when we would return, and we felt like five was a good number, so we decided to do something that could air just prior to the fifth anniversary.

You’re known first as a director of scripted fare. Have you considered, or would you consider, a scripted project about post-Katrina New Orleans?
Nah, David Simon is already doing that on HBO with Treme. I liked it very much, I’m a big fan of David Simon’s work.

The first film explored the theory that the levees were intentionally detonated …
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. That’s not—the first film was four hours long; that’s not the only thing it was about.

But you do talk to people in the film who held that opinion. Did you find that people who held that theory then still hold it five years later?
If you ask the same people do they think the levees were blown the f–k up, they would say yes. Right now people are just trying to deal with this BP oil.

Given the inclusion of the BP oil spill in the film, how recently did you finish production?
Our last day of shooting was, like, two weeks ago.

How far along in the process were you before you decided the oil spill was necessary to include?
We were done. We were done shooting. And then we had to rethink everything after April 20.

What would constitute a successfully revitalized New Orleans?
Well, I’ll say affordable housing for all. I’d say a great education system. A levee system that is sound. A lot of people have a lot of questions about how safe those levees are, even after Katrina. It’s what you want for any city to prosper.

The new film explores how much of a psychological toll Katrina took on the residents of the city. Obviously things can be rebuilt, but do you think a personal sense of comfort or normalcy will ever return?
Still today, people are dealing with posttraumatic stress, especially kids, and this was five years ago. First of all, you can never feel 100 percent secure, because New Orleans is under sea level, and it’s in the direct path of storms during hurricane season. So it’s just a risk living there. You can only feel so secure because of where it is.

Some of the people you spoke to for the film left New Orleans and didn’t return. Why?
People have not returned because the projects they were living in were knocked down. People didn’t return because there are no jobs. People didn’t return because [their] rents have quadrupled. Other people have not returned because they’ve found a higher standard of living in Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta. We have people laying it out in the film more eloquently than I can. They have better-paying jobs in their new cities; the education systems are better. Those are the main reasons why people have not returned.

As a director, how do you weigh the value of footage captured by a victim versus stuff you’ve shot?
It’s about getting the best motherf–king shot you can get, I don’t care where the f–k it comes from. If I shot something and it’s not good s–t, I’m trying to get the good s–t. That’s what filmmakers do. There’s no balance—I’m trying to get the best s–t possible. So I don’t care where the f–k the sources are, I’m trying to get the best footage to tell the story. I don’t go and say, “I want footage from this person or this person.” I want the footage. Whoever has the best footage to tell the story.

What criteria are you using to decide what the best shots are?
“The best shot” could mean a lot of things. There could be stuff where something is shot poorly or the sound is not great, but it’s the only thing available, so you don’t care that it doesn’t look great. Even with narrative film, there might be a take where the sun came in, but that take featured the best performance. I’m always going to take the performance.

Do you think people still care about Katrina five years later? Or is it all about Haiti now, and it’s like “Katrina’s over”?
Well, it’s not about Haiti now either. Haiti’s over. A couple weeks ago, [former president Bill] Clinton went back, and now we won’t be back to Haiti until a year. Same with this; everyone will go back for the five-year anniversary, but after the 29th, no one will care anymore. I was talking about this with Anderson Cooper, who told me there are times when he wants to stay with a story but he can’t because people aren’t that interested anymore. People get fatigued. That’s where they got that term “Katrina fatigue.”

You weren’t stricken with Katrina fatigue.
No, not me. I was in Venice when it happened, and I was in my hotel room riveted to the television, watching CNN and the BBC. I just couldn’t believe I was watching Americans in the condition they were, standing on their houses, water all around them with signs that said “Help me.” That’s when I knew I wanted to do the first film.

Trailer: Spike Lee’s “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” Hurricane Katrina Documentary [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Steve Harvey’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man” Going To The Big Screen

hiphopucit — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:08:41 +0000

Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man, is one step closer to its big screen debut.  

The movie’s producer, Will Packer confirmed to S2S that “we’re working on the screen play.”   

We’ve been wondering exactly how the advice book would translate into a film and what type of movie it would be. We’re hearing that it may not fall neatly into one genre, but the movie will be “true to the book.” 

“It’s gonna be funny and it’s definitely have some romance and have a little drama. It’ll be true to Steve’s voice,” said Will. “So people that read the book, they will hopefully enjoy the adaptation of the movie.” 

Since the film adaptation is still in its very early stages, no actors have been brought onboard for the project yet. It’s not even clear whether Steve will be in the movie.   

“You know, he may do a cameo. He doesn’t really want to be in the film as an actor so much,” Will told S2S. “It’s not so much about him as it is about his voice and his vision and his perspective.” 

Steve Harvey’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man” Going To The Big Screen Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Movie Trailer: “Yogi Bear” [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:57:01 +0000

Warner Bros. pictures released the official trailer for “Yogi Bear,” an upcoming 3D live action/CGI film adaptation of the iconic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series known as “The Yogi Bear Show” last week. Dan Akroyd stars as Yogi Bear while Justin Timberlake plays Boo Boo in the film. According to Wiki, the plot for the new movie reads:

“Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors — and, even worse, Yogi and Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever.”

Movie Trailer: “Yogi Bear” [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Movie Trailer: “SAW 3D” [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:24:05 +0000

Today we have the official teaser trailer for the seventh “Saw” installment,” called “Saw 3D,” which is scheduled to hit theaters on October 29th. Check out the teaser below.

Plot: As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.

The new film will be the first installment to be released in 3D.

Movie Trailer: “SAW 3D” [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Exclusive World Premiere – Short Film: “Wise Guys” [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:42:01 +0000

1HIPHOPUCIT.com brings you an exclusive first look at Dream Journey Enterprise’s short comedic film “Wise Guys” Directed by Jessico Finch Jr. One ring, four guys, one million problems…

Stay tuned for our exclusive interview!

What Are Your Thoughts On The Film? Leave Your Comments Below

Director – Jessico Finch Jr
Editor – Micah Vanderlinden
Producers – Jessico Finch Jr, Michael Monk Jr, Branden White
Creative Director – Laqundra Hill
Director of Photography – Michael Jorgenson

Exclusive World Premiere – Short Film: “Wise Guys” [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Movie Trailer: Queen Pin Featuring Ms. Dynasty [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:29:35 +0000

Queen Pin is an innovative, urban movie capturing the heart of the streets from a females perspective. Starring: Ms.Dynasty, Beam, Mob Boss, Nephew, Courtney “Jaguar” Cameron, and Krystal Michelle.
“QueenPin”

A local hustler by the name of (Seven) begans to have an affair with a young lady (Rhanni). While living a double life someone close to him begans to take him and his crew down. Years later Rhanni returns to the town where Seven ran the streets. She decides to use all the lessons she learned from Seven and pick up where he left off. While recruiting a solid team and implementing her plan she discovers she is not the only one with that goal in mind. The game gets heated as Rhanni and this mystery man try to both run the city. This movie will have you crying, laughing, and on the edge of your seat. You never what to expect or who you can trust when you mix love, money, and drugs.

Movie Trailer: Queen Pin Featuring Ms. Dynasty [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Movie Trailer: “Paranormal Actvity 2″ [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:34:41 +0000

The teaser trailer for the anticipated “Paranormal Activity“ sequel has surfaced. In the short teaser, it appears that the location has moved to a new house and a creepy girl with long hair is involved this time (maybe Katie from the original?).

“Paranormal Activity 2″ is set to hit theaters in October.

Movie Trailer: “Paranormal Actvity 2″ [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

1st Official “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” Trailer Premieres [VIDEO]

hiphopucit — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:36:18 +0000

It looks like the “Harry Potter” fever is finally about to begin.

The first official trailer for the final installment in the franchise has premiered. While other clips have been released, this trailer is set to be played in front of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”, which hits theaters Wednesday (Jun 30), and has footage from both part 1 and part 2 of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.

We’re not gonna front, this trailer looks pretty sick. It just sucks we’re gonna have to wait a year to see the final battle scene. Damn you two part saga!

1st Official “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” Trailer Premieres [VIDEO] Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

Drake Reveals Next Single; Announces Dates For Second Leg of Tour

hiphopucit — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:50:13 +0000

Drake gets his close-up on the cover of “Miss Me,” the Boi-1da-produced single from Thank Me Later. The song, featuring his Young Money boss Lil Wayne, hits iTunes on June 1. Listen to a radio rip below and check out the dates for the second leg of Drizzy’s “Away From Home Tour,” including stops in Europe and Canada. He will open for Jay-Z on June 7 and 9 in the U.K.

The Away From Home Tour Dates – Second Leg

5/17 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater
5/19 – Dallas, TX @ Palladium
5/20 – Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theatre
5/21 – Austin, TX @ Stubbs
5/23 – Memphis, TN @ Cannon Center
5/25 – Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
5/27 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
5/28 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
6/3 – Providence, RI @ WWKX Hot Night
6/4 – Hartford, Conn @ WZMX Hot Jam
6/5 – Boston, MA @ WJMN Summer Jam
6/6 – New York @ Summer Jam (Hot 97)
6/7 – Manchester, UK @ MEN Arena (Opening for Jay-Z)
6/9 – Birmingham, UK @ LG Arena (Opening for Jay-Z)
6/12 – St. Louis @ WHHL Super Jam
6/13 – Washington, DC @ 930 Club
6/16 – Philadelphia @ Filmore – TLA Show
6/18 – Seattle @ KUBE 93 Summer Jam
6/19 – Los Angeles @ Power 106 Powerhouse
7/2 – Arendal, Norway @ Hove Festival
7/3 – Roskilde, Denmark @ Roskilde Festival
7/4 – London, UK @ Wireless Festival
7/5 – Paris, France @ La Cigale
7/7 – Amsterdam, Holland @ Paradiso
7/8 – Liege, Belgium @ Les Ardentes Festival
7/9 – Kildare, Ireland @ Oxegen Festival
7/10 – Kinross, Scotland @ T in the Park – Future’s Tent
7/12 – London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire
7/13 – London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire
7/16 – Ottawa, ON @ Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest 2010
7/17 – St. John’s, NB @ Harbour Station
7/18 – Montreal, @ Metropolis
7/22 – Winnipeg @ Centennial Hall
7/23 – Saskatoon, SK@ Credit Union Centre
7/24 – Edmonton @ Edmonton Events Centre
7/25 – Calgary, AB @ The Big 4
7/27 – Vancouver @ Centre For Performing Arts

Drake Reveals Next Single; Announces Dates For Second Leg of Tour Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!

T.I. & Chris Brown Take ‘Takers’ To Theatres in May

hiphopucit — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:33:01 +0000

T.I. and Chris Brown have an action-packed summer ahead of them. Both artists will return to the big screen in Screen Gems’ Takers, which has a new release date.

The John Luessenhop-directed crime thriller, previously titled Bone Deep, revolves around a group of criminals who plan a major heist at a money depot, with two detectives hot on their trail. The film’s producers, Tip “T.I.” Harris and Brown, co-star alongside an all-star cast including Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Hayden Christensen, and Zoe Saldana.

T.I. previously starred in ATL and American Gangster, while Brown’s film credits include Stomp the Yard and the holiday movie This Christmas.

Originally scheduled for February, Takers will now hit theaters on May 14. T.I. will be able to attend the premiere. The Atlanta rapper, who was serving prison time on weapons charges, was released to a halfway house last month.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDx3uLl26Vw&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

T.I. & Chris Brown Take ‘Takers’ To Theatres in May Read More From: www.1HIPHOPUCIT.com Your #1 Website For Hip Hop & Entertainment!