11.4.2016 | By Jack Rico |
Here you go you superhero fiends! Watch and learn how ‘Wonder Woman’ earns her respect.
Synopsis: After leaving her all-female island, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) discovers her full powers and true destiny while fighting alongside soldiers during World War I. Read More
10.29.2016 | By Jack Rico |
On this 10th episode, I chat with the one and only Brian Tyree Henry (a.k.a. Paper Boi) of one the most acclaimed TV shows on right now – FX’s ATLANTA. We discuss everything from the reasons why the show is resonating with viewers, the new golden age of black pop culture, his affinity to Latino culture, why Broadway still lacks diversity compared to film and TV and a passionate discussion on why the use of the ’N’ word in today’s arts and culture landscape is okay with him. That plus a look at why the website Quartz decided to create a Spanish language newsletter with its senior editor Gideon Lichfield as well as horror film recommendations for this Halloween.
10.27.2016 | By Jack Rico |
Creed was one of the surprise hits of 2015, and successfully revitalized the Rocky franchise in an unexpected way. While Sylvester Stallone stole the show as an aging Rocky training a protégé, it was Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Johnson character that positioned himself to continue the series. That means that in some sense Rocky will continue, though it will do so through a new character. Coming Soon, which tends to have up-to-date information on release dates in addition to its regular film news, has said that there’s a tentative November 2017 release date for Creed 2 (which may or may not feature Stallone in a major role). Read More
10.17.2016 | By Jack Rico |
It’s mid-October and award-like films are being released left and right. Moonlight is one of them. This film adds to a growing rise in magnificent stories deriving from Black America but without the cliches and stereotypes. The narratives seem to embrace black culture on black terms as opposed through a white lens. Luke Cage, Atlanta, Insecure, Kicks and now Moonlight celebrate the authenticity of the black condition through conviction and empowerment of their history and I for one am caught up in it. Read More
10.2.2016 | By Jack Rico |
This week, actor Mark Consuelos joins Jack Rico in episode 7 of Highly Relevant podcast to discuss breaking Hispanic stereotypes. Listen to the podcast interview after the break.
09.27.2016 | By Jack Rico |
Pop culture without a guiding light or compass is a reckless endeavor. This new doc from Ava DuVernay (Selma) is exactly what pop culture needs today – some substance with our sugar. Have a look and see how this reality is very prevalent in our communities. Read More
09.27.2016 | By Jack Rico |
Synopsis: Music superstar Justin Timberlake and acclaimed director Jonathan Demme team up for a visionary concert-film experience with the new Netflix release Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids. Timberlake, along with his band and dancers – the Tennessee Kids – will have you on your feet singing along, from “Cry Me a River” to “Mirrors.” The Netflix Original Film, which premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, gives you the best seat in the house for the final show of the 20/20 Experience World Tour at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena in January 2015. Read More
09.20.2016 | By Jack Rico |
Finally! Here is the first trailer for the new Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence sci-fi thriller directed by Morten Tyldum (who helmed the fantastic “The Imitation Game”). For a while, not much was known about the plot… until now. The film has a similar vibe to Alfonso Cuarón‘s “Gravity” in terms of style and flair and that movie went on to win 7 Oscar awards, including being nominated for Best Picture. Worth mentioning, Colombian director and son of Gabriel García Márquez, Rodrigo García, also had a movie called “Passengers” starring Hathaway. Nice to see Cuban actor Andy García making an appearance in the highly anticipated trailer. Read More
09.19.2016 | By Jack Rico |
It’s mid-September, past Labor Day and you know what that means… it’s Oscar season time. The Fall Preview of films is really Oscar films testing the waters. The Toronto Film Festival was the kickoff and the New York Film Festival starts next week. Also, this week we see more female directors taking charge. Get ready for the next couple of months! Read More
08.15.2016 | By Jack Rico |
I’m watching the Olympics last night as Usain Bolt bolted by all his so-called competitors, including Justin Gatling, and right after his win, NBC aired a TV trailer spot for the film Hidden Figures. The movie stars Taraji P. Henson and tells the incredible untold true story of three brilliant African-American women working at NASA in the 1960s where they served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. What most stood out to me was my reaction… it was bizarre to see a prestige period Hollywood movie about accomplished black women at the highest levels. And you know why…? Read More
