Black History Month - Day 10

We're moving right along in this year's B.H.M. countdown of top movie roles by Black actors/actresses. So far, Luke has compiled a stellar list of stars. Let's hope he doesn't take a misstep today.

#19 - Samuel L. Jackson as "Jules Winnfield" in "Pulp Fiction"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: I've only watched Pulp Fiction twice, but after the first time I can remember thinking how cool Samuel L. Jackson's hair/facial hair looked. It was the #1 thing I took away. Obviously watching Pulp Fiction as a ten-year-old and then again as an 18-year-old will provoke different reactions, but the constant thought was centered around Samuel L. Jackson, and how great he was in this performance.

We all think of Samuel L. Jackson as the loud dude who screams a ton and gets in people face's all the time. Well, Jackson does that here, but he shows a broader range than he usually gets the chance to showcase in the majority of his roles. There should be no surprise that this performance was his only Oscar nomination, because it appears to be the only time he is asked to be a complex character in my short memory.

MY TAKE: While Luke has only seen Pulp Fiction twice, I've only seen it once. But like Luke, I have mad respect for what Samuel L. Jackson does with his character Jules. First off, he looks the part, unlike in other movie roles he has played (Coach Carter anyone?). His nappy fro and wacky facial hair just add to the eccentricity of his character. The way he interacts with Travolta may be my favorite part about his character though. It's a tough love approach, one I love taking with my friends as well. He has no filter, just telling it like it is. He is often sarcastic and well, not afraid to drop a curse word or two. And while some actors wouldn't be able to pull off this kind of personality on a character, Jackson does it with ease AND adds a little something.

Overall, I'm not sure just how good an actor Samuel L. Jackson is. He tends to take roles that don't challenge him. Instead, taking roles that are simply for laughs and for yelling (Snakes on a Plane -- really?). But if Pulp Fiction was the only movie I saw Samuel L. Jackson in, I'd think he was one of the best actors of our time. The way he turns this character, who should be hated (I mean, he is a hitman) into a beloved character is a work of art. You come off liking him, understanding his conflicting feelings, and ultimately feeling bad for him. Jackson really does shine and truly deserved the Oscar nomination he received for this role. I'm not at all surprised Luke chose this role. I'm only surprised it wasn't higher considering just how good it was.

That's it for now. Before you move on though, take a gander at the Quote of the Day.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: If you have an opportunity to use your voice you should use it. ~Samuel L. Jackson

Black History Month - Day 9

I really hate Valentine's Day -- but I really love Black History Month. In other words, really wish Valentine's Day wasn't in the best month of the year. Eh well, I just hope people recognize that February 14th is just another day in Black History Month and not just for the Hallmark holiday.

#20 James Earl Jones as "Darth Vader" in "Star Wars"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Young and old. Rich and poor. Black and white. Fat and thin. Every kind of person that is out there has uttered that phrase to me. Growing up it immediately confused me, but once I understood the origins, it started to annoy me. Eventually I learned to embrace it. Now here I am glorifying it. Life is strange.

As you have probably gathered by now, the black/white relationship plays a huge part in these Black History Month lists. And to be honest, I'm not sure there is a bigger black/white dynamic than the one found in Star Wars. There is the whole dark side. Darth Vader is always in black, while Luke Skywalker is normally in white. Add in James Earl Jones' voice for a character who is white, and my head is ready to explode, as I'm sure Barnes' is too.

MY TAKE: As usual, Luke goes a little off the board for a selection, a la Black Smoke Monster in the Black TV characters list. Full disclosure, never seen Star Wars. Never wanted to see Star Wars. I hate sci-fi with a passion. But with that said, of course I know the Darth Vader character and the great voice he has provided by James Earl Jones.

These days, that's all Jones does it seems is voice-over, which is fine because his voice is for lack of a better word, perfect. Yep, I said it. His voice for Darth Vader: perfect. His voice for Mufasa in my favorite movie "The Lion King": perfect. No matter the movie, his voice is perfect. His baritone pipes just make the character seem powerful, confident, and well, a badass. The two rolse I can remember vividly of Jones that is not a voice-over is his character as a scary old guy in "The Sandlot" and as the King in "Coming to America". I thought he was good in "The Sandlot", even though he really only had about 10-15 minutes of screen time in that movie. He was even better in "Coming to America" as a no-nonsense King just trying to set up his son with his Queen. No doubt that role made my list of top roles.

I have zero problem with Luke adding him to this list. The role of Darth Vader is a role that has been talked about for years and will continue to be for years. And Jones' voice will long be one of the best to ever grace the big screen. I appreciate Luke for putting him on the list. He may be a great actor but his voice adds a dimension to a character that others cannot.

Don't forget to check out Luke's blog during this countdown. He has videos, movie quotes and even a hint for the next selection. Check it out at the link above.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “I've learned that racism will not be taken as a given. I don't think we should ever accept it.” ~James Earl Jones

Black History Month - Day 8

As we move into the second half of Black History Month, we move into the second fourth of this countdown (get that math?). We're behind but we're catching up at a feverish pace so keep coming back to see who cracks the countdown next.

#21 Don Cheadle as "Det. Graham Waters" in "Crash"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Don Cheadle gets the nod here because just as Forrest Whitaker is one of the best actors in the business, so is Cheadle. He was nominated in the 2004 Academy Awards for his performance in Hotel Rwanda (never seen), and has been in several block-buster movies (Boogie Nights, Iron Man series, and The Ocean's Eleven Trilogy just to name a few). I also enjoyed his performance in Reign Over Me, even if the ending leaves a little bit to be desired.

In Crash, Cheadle plays a detective who is battling family issues. He has a sick mother and a criminal for a brother. His mom desperately wants his son to come back, and berates Cheadle for not finding him. Cheadle is terrific in this role, as is the entire cast, which includes Terrence Howard (who just missed making this list).

So in the end, this is a nod for Cheadle's career more than this particular film, but when you consider how good this movie is, it's hard to argue with its' placement.

MY TAKE: Solid selection by Luke here, and for numerous reasons. first, he recognizes a movie that I think is a good one to discuss, especially during Black History Month. "Crash" brings up a multitude of social issues, including racism. So including this movie, which happens to also be in my top-10 all-time movies, is definitely a plus. I also agree with Luke in being a fan of ensemble movies that have the characters become intertwined in numerous ways.

Second, Luke recognizes the performance by Don Cheadle. There are a lot of great performances in this movie. When it comes to Black actors specifically, I think Terence Howard, Thandie Newton, Cheadle and even Ludacris really shine in their roles. What I love about what Cheadle does with his character is how he makes Det. Waters seem so disconnected with the feelings of others, including his loved ones. His partner, played by Jennifer Esposito is nothing more than a sex toy to him, calling her racist names while they have sex. His mother is important to him, as he does shop for her and check on her everyday, but he also shows an inability to relate to her as she struggles with addiction problems and sickness. And then, there's his brother, who his mother is imploring him to find/look after. Instead of doing that though, he neglects his brother, which comes to burn him later in the movie. It's a crazy, confusing life he lives but one he chooses to because he decides to worry more about himself and less about others. Cheadle does an amazing job portraying this.

Finally, I commend Luke for recognizing Cheadle's career. It shocks me to think he only has one Oscar nomination, because he is an amazing actor. His Oscar nomination came in what was no doubt his best work "Hotel Rwanda". Just like with Forest Whitaker, I know if Luke saw that movie, he would choose that Cheadle role in a heartbeat. That role moves you, whether you are White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, etc.. It is a powerful story and Cheadle was the perfect guy to portray the hero that is Paul Rusesabagina. Cheadle has been in other roles that I have enjoyed but would not make this list, but that's fine. I will always consider him one of the finest Black actors of my lifetime and I am glad Luke included him on this list. Well done sir.

Alright, as Jay-Z says, on to the next.

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “It's a film that doesn't end when the credits roll. It's a discussion that we've heard out in the world many, many times, and it's great that it's just started a dialogue about things that people, on the surface, seem not to want to talk about.” ~Don Cheadle about "Crash" (seriously, see this movie if you have not)

Black History Month - Day 7

Why bother with small talk about how bad I feel that this list is running behind? Let's just get right to the meat and potatoes.

#22 Leon as "Derice Bannock" in "Cool Runnings"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Derice is a track-star sprinter who doesn't know the meaning of "stop." He tragically lost on his bid to gain entry to the Summer Olympics, but didn't let that stop him. He decided to try for the Winter Olympics by creating the first Jamaican Bobsled team. The rest is history.

Derice didn't have all the punch-lines, but instead, he added the dramatic flavor to Cool Runnings. He is the driver, the leader, and the soul of his team. He also has to battle several issues including rumors about his coach and a love-fest with the Swiss team. But like all great leaders, he overcomes. Derice deserves to be here.

MY TAKE: With "Cool Runnings" being Luke's favorite movie of all-time, seeing Leon on this list comes as no surprise. In fact, the only surprise is that he is so low on the list. Luke is right, he deserves to be on this list, especially since his portrayal was not so powerful. Derice's go-getter attitude is something every athlete should possess but of course does not. His will to lead and succeed is imperative to the success of the team and ultimately what convinces Irv Blitzer, their coach (played wondrefully by John Candy) to take on the challenge of teaching them how to bobsled.

As Luke said, Derice did not have the punch lines but his character might be what kept the movie going. He gave the team direction. He was the middle ground between the immaturity and inexperience of the guys and the seriousness and experience of Irv when they arrived for the Olympic Games. His best line though of the movie no doubt was his last. "We have to finish the race". It's the same words I was thinking in my head as I finished the last half-mile of my half-marathon, legs cramping and all. Leon has not gone on to a very prolific acting career, probably because he isn't that good of one. But this role was tailor-made for him, allowing him to truly shine and to make that role one of my favorites no doubt. Great choice Luke.

Alright, hope you've enjoyed the first 7 picks. Still 21 more to go, and hopefully, we can get them all done and posted by the end of the month.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: "Cool Runnings means 'Peace be the Journey'" ~ Derice Bannock in "Cool Runnings"

Black History Month - Day 6

Yes, we're falling behind fast but my hope is that both Luke and I pick it up in the days/weeks ahead. I really hope we can finish with #1 on the 28th. Sorry to get you all excited just to kill the momentum with a lack of posts. Anyways, onwards.

#23 Danny Glover as "Roger Murtaugh" in "Lethal Weapon 4"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Glover plays the role of "good cop" to Mel Gibson's "bad cop," and there is no questioning they certainly have a solid chemistry together. While Glover was reluctant to be Gibson's partner back in Lethal Weapon 1, by Lethal Weapon 4 they have become best friends. They play off each other perfectly, and are such a good team it almost appears that they are one entity. Glover plays it safe, Gibson is a loose cannon. Glover is a family man, Gibson is proud to be single. Glover thinks things through, Gibson goes with his gut. They couldn't be more different, but they create a dynamic duo in the police-force.

MY TAKE: Well, I have not seen this Lethal Weapon so I cannot vouch for anything Luke says about Danny Glover in it. But I have seen the first (or maybe it was the second) and I agree whole-heartedly in this selection. I am a big fan of the Black/White relationship as well, btu even more so, the funny character relationship and this fits the bill. Just like Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in the Bad Boyz series, these two have a great rapport on screen that really makes the film enjoyable.

Now, I think Danny Glover is a great actor but I found myself confused on how hard it was for me to even be included on my lost of around 50 Black actors. He has great talent and is respected for all of his work by his colleagues. But with that said, the only movie I really would put him on this list for is "Angels in the Outfield." Not because it was a great movie, but because he plays the role of the manager so well. He reminds me of a real-life Dusty Baker. An old-school guy who had to manage young and old personalities en route to winning the title. Well done to Luke for including him, even though I wouldn't have selected him for this particular role.

There you go B.H.M. fans. I'll have the next post up shortly. But before you go...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “If I judge a character, I'm defeating the purpose.” ~ Danny Glover

Black History Month - Day 5

Sorry for the delay in getting the next post up but it was predicted in the last post as Luke was out of the state visiting a friend. So apologies once again. we will try and get back on track as soon as we can. But remember, you can't rush greatness...and that's exactly what this countdown is. so who's next on the list?

#24 - Forest Whitaker as "Burnham" in "Panic Room"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: You may want think back to my introductory post to locate the reason why Forest Whitaker is mentioned for this role as Burnham in Panic Room. At first glance the inclusion of this performance might not make much sense, but after reading the criteria I set forth, it certainly fits.

Forest Whitaker is an outstanding actor, has won an Academy Award for Best Actor, and is one of the best at his craft regardless of color. Having said that, I really haven't watched too many of his movies ... shame on me I know. So, when I put this list together I felt a need to include Whitaker and since I enjoyed Panic Room, here we are.

MATT'S TAKE: What I love about Luke is his honesty. He's willing to admit that in no way is this the performance Forest Whitaker SHOULD make this list for but that Whitaker deserves to make this list for his overall talent. On that note, I have no problem being honest and saying I've never seen and never wanted to see Panic Room. But I have mad respect for Forest Whitaker and his acting ability.

I have seen a number of his movies (Platoon, Phenomenon and Phone Booth -- man, do all his movies start with P?) and been impressed with his performance every time. He has a way about him with his characters that really makes him believable. And he has good range as well. He is more apt to play a powerful-type, such as a policeman or soldier but I am convinced he coudl pull off comedy if he so chose. I know he probably never will in the rest of his career but I see him as a better Chi Jackson, the black guy from Ally McBeal. Like Luke, I have also heard Whitaker's Oscar-nominated performance in "The Last King of Scotland" is amazing. One day when I actually find that movie free on demand, I'll check it out.

Alright, we're back in action. Check back soon for the next post as we make up for time missed. I leave you with the...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “I'm an actor. And I guess I've done so many movies I've achieved some high visibility. But a star? I guess I still think of myself as kind of a worker ant.” ~Forest Whitaker

Black History Month - Day 4

Hello all, sorry for the slight delay in getting this post up on the blog. Long day to say the least, but a good day as all days all during Black History Month. Hope you are enjoying the countdown, whether this is your first go-round or third on this blog. Luke is out of the state for the weekend so we may be a bit delayed over the weekend but I am sure when he gets back, we'll jump right back on track. Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get to #25.

#25 Lauryn Hill as "Rita Louise Watson" in "Sister Act II"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: It only took three years, but we finally have a female represented on my Black History Month list. Who would have guessed it would be Lauryn Hill? Well, twenty years from now when Jeopardy puts up the answer, "This is the first female to appear on the King of Arguments BHM list," you all will know the question.

I was eight years old when Sister Act II came out and I can distinctly remember walking out of the movie theater with a huge crush on Lauryn Hill. She was gorgeous in that girl next door kind of way. She didn't need to wear a bunch of makeup, or wear sexy outfits to get guys' attention. She was naturally beautiful and had the voice of an angel. To this day, I don't think I've heard such a sweet voice. Sister Act II was her coming out party, and I was head-over-heels for her.

MY TAKE: First off, let me commend Luke for FINALLY putting a woman on the countdown. I know the many women who follow this countdown appreciate the gesture and recognition as well. Also, let me say that YES, I did see this movie! Yes, I've seen Sister Act II and not Boyz 'N The Hood, make fun of me all you want. With that said, Sister Act II is one my favorite movies of all-time so including a performance from this movie really makes me happy.

I agree with Luke in his assessment of Lauryn Hill. She has never been the one to wear sexy clothes or a ton of makeup. Instead, she's always just been herself and that's how she is in this movie. Hill is clearly a singer first but in this movie, she shows some decent range as an actress. She clearly shines in the singing parts, especially "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" (video on Luke's post). But she also does well as she grips with the decision to be in the choir, ultimately betraying her mother's wishes to focus on studying instead of singing.

Now when it comes to this movie, I think Whoopi has the more memorable performance so I hope down the road she makes this list. But including Hill is not a bad thing because she is a central figure in the movie. This is a movie that will forever be one my favorites for 3 simple reasons. First, great music. Second, good comedy. And finally, an underlying message that we all should follow our dreams and if we put our mind to something, we can achieve anything. That's exactly what Hill did as "Rita" in this movie and that's exactly why I am glad Luke included her performance on this countdown.

Again, with Luke out of town, not sure exactly when the next post will be up. I know it will be as soon as he can. For now, enjoy the weekend and check back when you can to see if either of our blogs have been updated. For now, enjoy the...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day - "If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention" ~ Sister Act II

Black History Month - Day 3

Happy day after National Signing Day everyone! My response post yesterday was a little later than usual but it was a LONG day for yours truly. But with that said, it was a very rewarding day as I got to cover a great day for kids all over the nation. The day they sign their National Letter of Intent to play football at a university and as well as playing football, also (and most importantly) pursue an education. Congrats to all and hope them all the best (but especially the ones playing at Ohio and Ohio State).

As far as the countdown goes, we're now in Day 3 and so far Luke has been not only been making insightful selections and posts on his blog, but also been right on time, posting them at midnight eastern time. If he keeps this up (which I don't anticipate because something is bound to come up one day), then this will be the smoothest B.H.M. countdown yet. Speaking of that, let's go...

#26 Michael Clarke Duncan as "John Coffey" in "The Green Mile"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: John Coffey finds himself on The Green Mile because he was convicted of raping and killing two children. Unlike Big Ben and Ray Lewis however, Coffey had to pay for his crime ... with his life. As the film progresses we realize that Coffey might just not be the big dumb Negro everyone thinks he is.

Similar to Heath Ledger's supporting role of the Joker in The Dark Knight, Michael Clarke Duncan - though not the lead actor - commands the screen in every scene and has you walking away remembering him, not Tom Hanks.

MY TAKE: For the second day in a row, I am disappointed to say that I have never seen this movie. Well, at least not the entire movie. Every time I caught it on TBS, it was right in the middle of it, so I would watch maybe 10-15 minutes before giving up because I had no clue what was going on. But I know exactly what Luke is talking about when he says Michael Clarke Duncan is the actor with the memorable performance here.

From the scenes I remember, I think I was struck with just how many layers there were to him. That's not easy considering he is a HUGE Black guy. You would think he would be typecast as a football player or bodyguard. But in this role, he really stands out. I am kind of sad to see that he has never come close to this performance in any other movie. Much of that can be blamed for his choice in movies lately (Sin City, Talladega Nights, and numerous animated movies). Hopefully, one day he can find a project he can really sink his teeth into and recapture the magic he had from "The Green Mile" because he is capable of another great role.

Apparently, Luke is going to choose an actress for tomorrow's choice. I know this simply because of the hint Luke has given on his blog. Again, you cannot get the full effect of this countdown without reading his blog as well as mine. Plus, his post is complete with videos that supplement his selection and provide you proof of just how excellent these performances are by these talented Black actors/actresses. That's all for now. I leave you with another great quote.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: “I always say YCDA: you can do anything. If you want to be a successful actor, you have to believe in yourself more than anything else, and don't let anybody tell you that you cannot do it because you can.” ~Michael Clarke Duncan

Black History Month - Day 2

Welcome back to the countdown...or for those of you who are just now joining us, you came in at a good time as we are just into the second day of a 28-day countdown of the best movie roles played by Black actors/actresses. I am not the one compiling the list. No, that is the responsibility of my good friend Luke. But I am responding to each of his picks right here on this blog. So if this is the first post you've read, catch up by going to the archives of this blog or Luke's blog which can be found by clicking here. Let's go!

#2 Laurence Fishburne as "Jason 'Furious' Styles" in "Boyz 'N The Hood"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: It's hard being a good father. It's even harder being a good father raising a son by yourself. It's almost impossible to be a good father while raising your son by yourself in a Los Angelos ghetto. Despite having all those odds stacked against him, Laurence Fishburne portraying Jason 'Furious' Styles did just that in the 1991 film, "Boyz n the Hood."

This ground-breaking movie had several performances that I could have picked, including Cuba Gooding Junior and Ice Cube, but when I thought back to this film it was Fishburne who came immediately to mind.

MY TAKE: I'm embarrassed to say that I've never seen this movie. Yeah, I know. Boyz N The Hood is an iconic movie. I've heard many a time that I need to see the movie, and not just because I am Black, but because it is an American classic. John Singleton is a great filmmaker and to think he made this movie at the age of 24 just makes me feel lazy.

As far as Laurence Fishburne's performance, I guess I have no comment. But I will say in the list I made of my top performances (not in order or even limited in number), Laurence Fishburne did not make my list. So I am glad Luke picked probably his best performance in his career, even though I have never seen the movie.

26 days to go everyone. Hope you continue to check back each day as we continue this countdown and celebration of Black History Month.. But before you go, check out the...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “Hiding a talent is not exclusive to any one particular group of people, young, old, black, white, Latin. It doesn't matter. It's universal. The idea that you have a gift or talent is always kind of threatening. Most of us are afraid of our success, that we will actually be great.” ~Laurence Fishburne

Black History Month - Day 1

Happy Black History Month!

First off, let me give a big thank you to all those who sent me calls, texts, facebook messages and more to wish me a Happy Black History Month. Some people even phrased it as Happy "your month". Well, I hope you all understand that this is not MY month, but OUR month, to learn, appreciate, and remember the great achievements of Black people past and present.

Speaking of that, the countdown has begun. In case you don't know what I am talking about, check out the intro post I put up yesterday. Luke has posted his first of 28 blog posts, counting down the 28 best movie roles played by Black actors/actresses. Let's get it started!

#28 Wesley Snipes as "Sidney Deane" in "White Men Can't Jump"

Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Yes, I could crack some jokes about how it's tax time, but let's not. Basketball movies are hard to make because it will be judged on how real the game appears on-screen. Well, after watching White Men Can't Jump, I was convinced that Wesley could ball.

Wesley plays the part of basketball hustler extremely well. He has a sharp mouth, a witty sense of humor, and he's pretty damn good at basketball. As with most of the performances on this list, as you watch, you forget that it's Wesley Snipes, and you lose yourself in the actual character, or in this case, Sidney Deane.

MY TAKE: Not a bad selection. I haven't seen this movie in a VERY long time. In fact, all I remember about it are the basketball scenes, laughing at Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes hair. I also remember that I didn't think it was a great movie. Have a feeling too I would think the same if I saw it now.

But I like the selection because from what I remember, Wesley Snipes did a nice job in the movie. And the movie had some great lines and scenes, especially the basketball scenes. Now is Wesley Snipes one of favorite actors of all time? Absolutely not. Wouldn't even come close to my top 50 Black actors. But in this role, I think he is deserving of the countdown and I appreciate Luke finding a way to recognize that.

Come back tomorrow for #27 on Luke's list as we continue our countdown of the top 28 movie roles by Black actors/actresses. As always, I leave you with a Black History Month quote of the day.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: "Always bet on black." ~Wesley Snipes in the movie "Passenger 57"