Black History Month Spotlight: Lena Horne

On the fourth day of February, we honor the legendary Lena Horne.

Lena Horne was an actress and singer who was born on June 30, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. She began her career as a dancer in the famous Cotton Club. She established herself as a singer before signing a deal with MGM Studios.

She appeared in over a dozen films including Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather.  Horne was a civil rights activist whom refused to portray any roles that were stereotypical.

Black History Month Spotlight: Josephine Baker

On this third day of February, we honor the legendary Josephine Baker.
via GIPHY

Josephine Baker was born on June 3rd, 1906 in St. Louis Missouri. She made her way to Paris, France after feeling that there was too much racial discrimination back home. In 1925, she performed the "banana dance" at the Folies Bergere becoming an overnight sensation. In 1937, she denounced her American citizen and became a French citizen.

Josephine Baker was an actress, dancer, singer and activist. She appeared in several films including ZouZou and The French Way.

Let's take one more minute to appreciate the gift that was Josephine Baker.

Black History Month Spotlight: Hazel Scott

On the first day of February, we honor the incredible Hazel Scott. There is no better person to kick off celebration of Black History Month than with the "Darling of Cafe Society".

Is she real?

Hazel Scott was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on June 11, 1920. She moved to the United States at the age of four. She was recognized as a child prodigy and  at eight years old was awarded scholarships to attend the Julliard School. 

In 1950, she became the first Black woman to have her own television show. She was one of the first Black women to receive prominent roles in Hollywood films. She appeared in films like The Heat's On and Rhapsody in Blue.  She was once married to congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. 

The Greatest Showman: The Review

Directed by: Michael Gracey
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Keala Settle and Rebecca Ferguson
Written by: Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon
Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey
Music and Lyrics by: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns

When 2017 began, The Greatest Showman was nowhere on my radar. It was not a film that I was looking forward to, nor did I think much about it. I knew that it had a stellar cast and I was curious to see how it would fare at the box office.  Weeks leading up to the release, I did not see much promo for the film nor was the film winning critical acclaim. Once released, it had dismal opening. Due to strong word of mouth , the  film has had mighty strong legs at the box office. As of now, it has grossed over $100 million at the US box office.

The Greatest Showman tells the remarkable tale of the origin of Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. The film follows P.T Barnum ( Hugh Jackman) journey from rags to riches. We are introduced to his loyal wife Charity (Michelle Williams), his business partner Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) and his acts (Zendaya, Keala Settle and Rebecca Ferguson).  Unlike most biographical films, The Greatest Showman is a full fledged musical. Any historian will tell you the film took several creative liberties with the film.  Does the accuracy matter for the musical?  No. All biopics are fictitious in nature, in order for the film to work it all depends on the execution.

  The Greatest Showman is not the best film I have ever seen. The pacing of the film felt like each scene was building up to the next musical number. Some aspects of the film were a bit ridiculous, particularly the dialogue. The Greatest Showman is not going to make a believer out of individuals whom hate musicals. Taking everything into consideration, I absolutely adored The Greatest Showman. It does not come as a surprise, I love musicals. I love to be wowed and thoroughly entertained, that is all I ask from a musical. Oh boy, does this film deliver this and more.  The Greatest Showman was visually breathtaking and inspiring. The choreography was mesmerizing and  the musical numbers were spellbinding.  I have been  obsessively listening to the soundtrack since I walked out of the theater.

 If you want to be transported to a time of magic and romance, The Greatest Showman is for you.