Film

Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day

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Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and for many lovers out there who don’t want to partake in, quite frankly, an expensive “hallmark” holiday and perhaps are opting to keep things simple, stay in with a bit of Netflix and chill, we got you covered … There are a bunch of Valentine’s Day friendly films that may make sense. Still, we put together a definitive list of some of our romantic cinematic faves. To make it easier on you, so there’s no endless scrolling, we even included a cheat sheet with each film’s synopsis straight from each film’s online source – no pun intended. Enjoy the list and each other – INSERT WINK, ha!

Love & Basketball (2000)
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert), plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.

Poetic Justice (1993)
Director: John Singleton

Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice (Janet Jackson) writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha (Regina King) and Iesha’s postal worker boyfriend, Chicago (Joe Torry). Along for the ride is Chicago’s co-worker, Lucky (Tupac Shakur), to whom Justice grows close after some initial problems. But is she ready to open her heart again?

The Best Man (1999)
Director: Malcolm D. Lee

After writing a soon-to-be bestselling novel, writer and committed bachelor Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is loosely based on the lives and loves of his tight-knit group of friends. Harper is set to be best man at his friend Lance’s (Morris Chestnut) wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance. When an advance copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), Harper attempts to keep it under wraps.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Director Malcolm D. Lee

Nearly 15 years after they were last together as a group, college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Jordan (Nia Long), Murch (Harold Perrineau), and Mia (Monica Calhoun) finally reunite over the Christmas holidays. Though much has changed in their lives, the friends discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and passionate romances to be reignited.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Director: Barry Jenkins

In early 1970s Harlem, daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together, but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit.

Love Jones (1997)
Director: Theodore Witcher

Two urban African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at a Chicago club. The two bond over music, photography and poetry, and eventually begin a torrid romance. However, when Nina decides to move to New York and mend her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Marvin (Khalil Kain), it leaves Darius heartbroken, and the couple’s future in jeopardy.

Queen & Slim (2019)
Director: Melina Matsoukas

Slim and Queen’s first date takes an unexpected turn when a policeman pulls them over for a minor traffic violation. When the situation escalates, Slim takes the officer’s gun and shoots him in self-defence. Now labelled cop killers in the media, Slim and Queen feel that they have no choice but to go on the run and evade the law. When a video of the incident goes viral, the unwitting outlaws soon become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people all across the country.

You People (2023)
Director: Kenya Barris

A new couple and their families reckon with modern love amid culture clashes, societal expectations and generational differences.

In The Heights (2021)
Director: John M. Chu

In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Unlucky-in-love stockbroker Stella (Angela Bassett) jets to Jamaica with her gal pal Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) for some fun in the sun. There, the 40-year-old working woman has an island fling with Winston (Taye Diggs) — a handsome 20-something. When it’s time to return to California, Stella realizes that she’s developed real feelings for her new man. But, with their distance from each other, not to mention their disparity in age, does a real relationship stand a chance?

The post Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day first appeared on The Source.

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‘Deadpool 3’ Is Still R-Rated and Reviving Wolverine as They Rip Into the MCU

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If you are a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, get ready for iconic mutants Deadpool and Wolverine to enter the biggest comic book shared franchise of all time. Disney and Marvel Studios finally confirmed this albeit via teaser trailer Deadpool 3 where we see plenty of Deadpool and just a taste of the iconic X-Men berserker, Wolverine who we last saw die in the 2017 film Logan.

As reported in Variety, the “trailer shows the Time Variance Authority, the multiverse managers last seen in Loki Season 2, kidnap Deadpool while he’s celebrating his birthday and bring him into the MCU. Calling himself “Marvel Jesus,” Deadpool promises to bring his R-rated jokes and fourth-wall breaking antics into Disney’s squeaky clean brand. Wolverine’s face isn’t shown, but he can be seen from behind, and Deadpool faces off against him at the end of the trailer — but only his shadow is shown.”

Shawn Levy directs the third R-Rated installment which brings back franchise star Ryan Reynolds, iconic X-Men actor Hugh Jackman with Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

This will definitely hit theaters this summer on July 26

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‘Wicked’ Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Premieres First Look Trailer

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If you were watching the Super Bowl, like the rest of the world, you probably saw a few film teasers or trailers. Let’s get into Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Wicked is the first of two Universal Pictures films directed by Jon M. Chu.

As reported on Shadow and Act, Wicked tells an untold story of the witches of Oz, and stars Erivo as Elphaba, “a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power” and Granda as Glinda, “a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.” 

The official description of Wicked reads “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.” 

Wicked also stars Michelle Yeoh as “Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz. Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Keala Settle round out the cast.” As reported in Shadow and Act.

Expect Wicked to release on Nov. 27 … Hopefully in theaters.

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

So it’s set: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s mystery genre project has a home, and Warner Bros is the studio that won after a hotly contested bidding war.

Variety broke the news that the secretive film project, which will star Jordan, shall be directed by Coogler. Legacy studios such as Sony and Universal were supposedly bidding against Warner Bros.

Even before Variety broke the news, Deadline may have unearthed some intel that the alleged genre project is a vampire film because on the bottom of the Deadline piece, a tag read, “Vampire Movie Auction.” Interesting. Maybe it’s a bit of misdirection, but time will tell …

All the trades are weighing in, and The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Details are being kept hush-hush, but according to sources, the project has been described as a period thriller (some have said it takes place in the Jim Crow-era South) involving the undead. Some sources have said it also contains anime influences — Jordan is known to be a massive fan — but it is unclear how those influences are weaved into the project.”

Before Warner Bros. locked down the rights, reportedly, Coogler will be jumpstarting production this summer. That’s considered a fast track in today’s film climate. 

Again, Coogler will be directing and producing with Zinzi Coogler, his wife and producing partner, along with Sev Ohanian. Rebecca Cho of Proximity Media is an executive producer. Cooler and Jordan have worked together on Black Panther, the Creed franchise, and Coogler’s critically acclaimed feature debut, Fruitvale Station, where Jordan starred.

These are exciting times for Coogler and Jordan. Hopefully, we’ll know exactly what this project is all about soon enough. 

The post Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War first appeared on The Source.

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Icons Denzel Washington and Spike Lee Reuniting on ‘High and Low’

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Denzel Washington and Spike Lee Reuniting on ‘High and Low'

This is a big deal. Two cultural icons are teaming up again. Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are adapting a 1963 Japanese crime thriller from Akira Kurosawa. Variety reported that the pair, who haven’t worked together since the 2006 bank robbery film Inside Man, are working with Apple and A24 on High and Low, marking the fifth time Washington and Lee made a movie together.

High and Low is framed as a “reinterpretation” of Kurosawa’s 1963 film starring Toshiro Mifume. Way to keep the nostalgia and original essence going. Now get this: the films are based on the source material – a novel, King’s Ransom, by author Ed McBain, in a story that “follows a businessman’s life becoming a shell of its former self after kidnappers demand a ransom payment.”

The new script is from Lee and Alan Fox and was developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures. The good news is that the new High and Low will hit theaters through A24 and then hit Apple TV+.

The producing team includes Escape Artists Todd Black and Mandalay Pictures’ Michael Berman. Lee will also serve as executive producer under his company, 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks, with Mandalay Pictures’ top brass, Peter Gruber. Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington are also executive producing for Juniper Productions, with Mandalay Pictures’ Jordan Moldo as co-producer.

ICYMI, Washington, is starring in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming epic about Carthaginian General Hannibal. WOW. There hasn’t been a challenging start date on when production will begin on this. Still, the excitement is already brewing, especially among those interested in untold stories of historical Black figures worldwide. Let’s just say Hannibal was undoubtedly one of those names.

The post Icons Denzel Washington and Spike Lee Reuniting on ‘High and Low’ first appeared on The Source.

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Images of Nia Long and Colman Domingo On Set of Michael Jackson Biopic Hit Online

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Nia Long on Her Public Breakup: 'I Think I'm Exactly Where I Need to Be'

Images of Nia Long and Colman Domingo dressed for their roles in the Michael Jackson biopic have hit online.

Courtney B contributed the original report below.

Two weeks ago, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic soared as it was announced that actor Colman Domingo had been cast as Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the iconic Jackson family. Now, Nia Long has been added to the star-studded cast.

Actress Nia Long has officially joined the ensemble, stepping into the role of Katherine Jackson, the beloved matriarch of the Jackson family. The announcement, reported by Deadline, marks a pivotal moment in the production of Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to hit theaters globally on April 18, 2025.

Producer Graham King expressed his admiration for Nia Long’s talent and profound connection to the material, emphasizing her dedication to honor Katherine Jackson and her profound love for her son, Michael. “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” King stated, highlighting Long’s emotional depth to her portrayal of the Jackson family matriarch.

Director Antoine Fuqua echoed King’s sentiments, praising Long’s ability to deliver iconic performances that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Fuqua expressed his excitement to collaborate with Long, emphasizing the significance of her portrayal of Katherine Jackson, a woman who served as the glue, rock, and heart of the Jackson family during their brightest moments and most challenging times.

“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times,” Fuqua remarked, underscoring the importance of Long’s contribution to bringing Katherine Jackson’s story to life on the big screen.

As the production of Michael continues to unfold, the casting of Nia Long as Katherine Jackson adds another layer of depth and authenticity to the highly anticipated biopic.

Will you be watching?

The post Images of Nia Long and Colman Domingo On Set of Michael Jackson Biopic Hit Online first appeared on The Source.

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BET+ Trailer ’My Valentine Wedding’: Shaquita Smith and Travis Cure Are Engaged but Threatened by Each Other’s Exes

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Shaquita Smith and Travis Cure Are Engaged but Threatened by Each Other’s Exes

What would you do if  “a wedding proposal leads to jealousy and deceit?” That’s the gist of the original film My Valentine Wedding, coming to BET+

As reported by Shadow and Act, the exclusive trailer shows Shaquita Smith, who stars as a woman who receives a surprise marriage proposal from her better half (Travis Cure), but both of their pasts come back to haunt them as each of their former flames work together to ruin their wedding.

Here’s the synopsis:

My Valentine Wedding follows Krystal Dawson (Shaquita Smith)- Krystal is a hardworking financial officer who is an undercover romantic and undercover poet. Krystal is surprised with a dream proposal from her longtime boyfriend Darryl (Travis Cure) and her life is flipped upside down as she is thrust into hosting what is supposed to be the wedding of her dreams but is quickly turning out to be the opposite.

My Valentine Wedding also stars Rhonda Morman, Jeff Logan, Dawn Halfkenny, Monti Washington, Tiffany Snow, and Jenean Coleman, with Dkia Johnson, Javon Johnson, Michelle Lamb, and Barton Fitzpatrick.

Director Christopher A. Nolen, said “Being able to work with the great cast, crew and BET+ to make this film was exuberating. I am confident that the audience will really love it.” Cassandra Mann pens the film. Producers include Nolen and Loretta Edwards Wilson. Executive producers are Devin Griffin and Maureen Guthman, with co-executive producers including Larisa Bates and Marvin Neil. John Baldasare, while Noelle Broussard and Rene Rodriguez-Lopez are consulting producers.

My Valentine Wedding comes to BET+ Feb 8.

The post BET+ Trailer ’My Valentine Wedding’: Shaquita Smith and Travis Cure Are Engaged but Threatened by Each Other’s Exes first appeared on The Source.

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[WATCH]’Bob Marley: One Love’ – An Exclusive Peek into the Heart and Soul of a Legend

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In a world desperately in need of messages of peace and unity, the upcoming film Bob Marley: One Love arrives like a beacon of hope. Scheduled to hit theaters on February 14, 2024, this cinematic masterpiece promises to deliver an intimate and inspiring look at the life of the legendary Bob Marley, whose music and message have transcended generations, cultures, and geographical boundaries.

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Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the lead role, Bob Marley: One Love offers audiences a glimpse into the personal and professional journey of one of the most iconic figures in music history. Ben-Adir, known for his powerful performances, embodies the spirit and essence of Marley, capturing not just the musician’s physical likeness but also his soulful charisma and profound commitment to spreading love and unity through his music.

Joining Ben-Adir is an ensemble cast featuring Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, bringing to life the partnership that was central not only to Bob’s personal life but also to his musical journey. Lynch’s portrayal of Rita is expected to highlight the strength and resilience of the woman who was not just Marley’s wife but also his musical collaborator and the mother of his children. The cast also includes James Norton and Tosin Cole, among others, each contributing to the rich tapestry of relationships and experiences that shaped Marley’s life and legacy.

Bob Marley: One Love is not just a biopic but a celebration of Marley’s enduring impact on music and society. Produced in partnership with the Marley family, the film offers an authenticity and depth that promises to connect with audiences on a profound level. From his early days in Trenchtown, Kingston, to his rise as a global superstar, the film delves into Marley’s struggles, his triumphs, and the creation of music that continues to inspire and unite people across the world.

Check out this exclusive clip from the film which showcases a pivotal moment in Marley’s life, blending stunning performances, evocative cinematography, and a meticulously curated soundtrack that features some of Marley’s most beloved songs. This sneak peek alone suggests that audiences are in for a deeply moving and visually captivating experience that pays homage to Marley’s genius and his message of love, peace, and unity.

Bob Marley: One Love hits theaters February 14th, 2024!

Watch the trailer below.

The post [WATCH]’Bob Marley: One Love’ – An Exclusive Peek into the Heart and Soul of a Legend first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH]’Bob Marley: One Love’ – An Exclusive Peek into the Heart and Soul of a Legend appeared first on The Source.

‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ New Documentary Trailer From Lifetime Following End of Talk Show, Raising Questions on Health and Substance Abuse

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‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ New Documentary Trailer From Lifetime Following End of Talk Show

The new Lifetime documentary Where is Wendy Williams? just released its first trailer.

Lifetime says Williams is “opening the doors to her private life like never before” and is giving “unparalleled access” to the network “to film with her and her family for nearly two years.” As Lifetime states, “What was captured was not what anyone expected.” Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and programming head of A&E, Lifetime and LMN, says fans will get “all of the tea on Williams and her life.”

“Wendy has been a part of the Lifetime family for over a decade and during that time, we partnered with Wendy for her revealing biopic and doc,” she added. “But her story is not finished. There is so much more to it. Nobody truly knew the depths of Wendy’s reality so we hope that what our cameras captured can help shine a light on what she is facing now.”

From Creature Films, executive producer Mark Ford says, “This was a complex project–and it became a labor of love for everyone involved. We are grateful to Wendy and her family for their utmost commitment to honesty, even when painful–in this documentary.”

In the documentary, Williams is quoted saying, “I’m gonna tell you something, if it happens to me, it could happen to you.”

Here’s more tea about the documentary:

Over the course of nearly two years, cameras chronicled the former television host and radio star Wendy Williams’ on the next phase of her life, following the end of her iconic talk show. The documentary provides a raw, honest and unfiltered reality of Wendy’s life after she was placed under financial guardianship, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that has turned Wendy into the Hot Topic herself. Suffering mental and physical issues, Wendy’s delicate state of mind, erratic behavior and declining health were all captured by the cameras. Where is Wendy Williams? is the story of Wendy’s journey to resurrect her career, and what filmmakers discovered along the way. But many questions remain – who truly has Wendy’s best interest at heart? Is she healthy now? And Where is Wendy Williams?

As reported by Shadow and Act, “Lifetime will air messaging supporting resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), NAMI for Mental Health Resources, and information about lymphedema and Graves’s Disease.” 

On a tender note, Williams is producing the documentary with her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., Tara Long, Mark Ford, Pat Lambert, and Erica Hanson serves as showrunner. Lifetime’s Brie Miranda Bryant also serves as executive producer.

The post ‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’ New Documentary Trailer From Lifetime Following End of Talk Show, Raising Questions on Health and Substance Abuse first appeared on The Source.

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‘Parallel’ Trailer: Sci-Fi Film Written by and Co-Starring Aldis and Edwin Hodge and Starring Till’s Danielle Deadwyler

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Sci-Fi Film Written by and Co-Starring Aldis and Edwin Hodge and Starring Till’s Danielle Deadwyler

Let’s get to it. As reported in Shadow and Act, Till star Danielle Deadwyler stars in Parallel as a woman who is deep in grief after losing her child. She is caught in a web of multiple parallel versions of herself and tests her limits … Interesting. The trailer also stars Aldis and Edwin Hodge, who wrote the new sci-fi horror film along with Jonathan Keasey.

Here’s  the official synopsis:

Parallel follows the story of Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) who takes refuge at her family’s lake house to grieve after suffering the loss of her child. Accompanied by her husband, Alex (Aldis Hodge), and his brother, Martel (Edwin Hodge), Vanessa attempts to regain her sense of normalcy after the tragedy. But soon after their arrival, she experiences an aberration when she is attacked by a parallel universe’s version of herself. Faced with the reality that multiverses exist, she must reconcile the fact that these parallel gates will either hold the key to releasing her grief or trapping her forever.

It’s a pretty diverse project with Kourosh Ahari directing. According to Shadow and Act, Parallel was announced in 2022 and is a remake of the popular Chinese film Parallel Forest. Deadwyler is also executive producing. The Hodges brothers are producing through their company, Hodge Brothers Productions. Also producing are Rumble Riot’s Sean Lydiard and Jaylen Moore, along with Keasey and Ann Zhang for the original film’s producer, Beijing Pu Luo Media Co. Executive producers include Rumble Riot’s Elliot Michael Smith and RJ Collins, Fremont Films’ Richie Doyle, Mammoth Pictures’ Alex Bretow, Beijing Pu Luo Media Co.’s Lei Zeng and Chengxi Li, Randall J. Bacon, Joseph Lanius, Danny R. Carmona, Dean Scheske and Jovanna Burke. 

Parallel is due to hit theaters on Feb. 23 and on-demand on Feb. 27.

The post ‘Parallel’ Trailer: Sci-Fi Film Written by and Co-Starring Aldis and Edwin Hodge and Starring Till’s Danielle Deadwyler first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Parallel’ Trailer: Sci-Fi Film Written by and Co-Starring Aldis and Edwin Hodge and Starring Till’s Danielle Deadwyler appeared first on The Source.