msnbc.com: Movies

Comedian Mo’Nique gets serious in ‘Precious’

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 01:12:07 GMT

The comedian knew she would be taking on a tough mental challenge when she decided to play the role of Mary Jones — the vicious, abusive mother in the critically acclaimed film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

‘Precious’ not perfect but performances are

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 01:17:00 GMT

While the film isn’t perfect, it’s a moving drama that gives veteran performer Mo’Nique and first-timer Gabourey Sidibe the opportunity to create indelibly-etched characterizations.

Newsweek: The problem with ‘Precious’

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:27:05 GMT

Why aren't there any female “Norma Rae's” or “Silkwood?” And why isn't anyone outraged that prospects for inner city kids haven't changed much since 1987?

Does ‘Precious’ stereotype big black women?

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:30:55 GMT

Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, a diversity educator at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, considers “Push” a powerful story that addresses many secrets that the African-American community continues to deal with such as sexual abuse, illiteracy, skin tones and obesity. 'I am brown-skinned, but have within my family people whose skin runs the range from fair skinned to very dark. That is who we are in America,' she said. 'I am proud to see a star in a film who is dark, and whose size represents many within our culture and in African culture. Size is a major issue because of health, but also because of our desire to look more American, whatever that is.'

When it comes to stardom, Clooney has smarts

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 23:27:47 GMT

The actor-director-producer makes interesting choices that aren’t about box office and manages to always surround himself with talented people.

‘Fourth Kind’ is a half-baked mess

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:43:38 GMT

The movie’s unwieldy mix of degraded pseudo-documentary footage and “Unsolved Mystery”-style re-enactments is as unconvincing as it is distancing.

Ten alien abductions, from ‘V’ to ‘X-Files’

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:12:45 GMT

When you think about it, it seems like aliens have always been abducting Earthlings. The new "Fourth Kind" film is just the latest to depict unearthly kidnappings.

Jim Carrey’s Scrooge rings in holiday season

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:35:24 GMT

Coming on Ebenezer’s coattails will be everything from vampire romance and end-of-the-world stories to epic science fiction and a new incarnation of the world’s greatest detective.

Natalie Portman gets racy in new films

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:36:59 GMT

The actress has a lesbian sex scene in the upcoming “Black Swan,” which is being directed by Darren Aronofsky.

Carrey, computers bring new life to Scrooge

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:32:44 GMT

In "Disney's A Christmas Carol," director Robert Zemeckis applies the performance-capture technology he used on "The Polar Express" to present Carrey and company in fine dramatic form, with computer animation richly recreating Scrooge's bewildering journey.

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