Category: I Love L.A.


Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?

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September 23, 2011

 

One of the things I enjoy most about social media (Twitter specifically) is the ability to converse with people you may not get to in your normal routine of life.  I get on the interwebs and have fun (as you probably know since you’re online reading this).  One of the unexpected benefits that I’ve found over time is a number of people who are willing to have intelligent back and forths about whatever is on their minds.  Especially for an intellect like myself, the way I get better is by being challenged and thinking about how or why I feel a certain way.

Most of my followers are great for this but here are 4 guys you may know, that I follow who make my ‘Twitter barbershop’ (patent pending on that name…)

alpha1906: (Lawrence Ross) Respected black author, we met when he was promoting his book The Divine Nine.  A straight up L.A. guy, and dare I say an even more avid sports fan than myself (I don’t really do soccer).  In true Alpha style, he has an opinion on everything, but when it’s not ‘nation time’, he can be as silly as they come.

MistaChuckD: On the other hand, it’s ALWAYS Nation Time with Chuck, which is what we all love about him.  In this Twitter family analogy, Chuck is the big brother you don’t even bother unless you already got your ish together.  You think you know the answer and you go to Public Enemy Number One, and he’ll have you considering things you hadn’t thought of.

Roland Martin: Also a frat brother, Roland is the ‘loud’ one, or the ‘host’ of the get together (pun intended).  In real life he’d be the brother who won’t let you bring anything messy into his house or Cadillac (or ascot) cause he takes too much pride in being the cleanest of the brothers.  Like the others though, when someone (anyone) gets too far out of line, the jokes will stop and he’ll call you out on it.  Everybody needs at least one guy like that in their corner.

And then there’s Toure.  I see him as the educated rebel.  Some of Chuck’s ability to agitate, some of Lawrence’s appreciation for history, some of Roland’s charisma.  But definitely his own guy. When you were kids, he talked you into throwing rocks at the neighbor’s window.  If you were a boy he’d be the brother or cousin who you had the most fistfights with.  But it was never out of malice; he genuinely needed to know if you had the ability to beat him up.   And pushing people’s buttons was just icing on the cake.  So that brings us to his newest book, ‘Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?’

Let’s start with the title, or rather the phrase ‘Post-Black’, which definitely irks some people. I even got some side profile from a sista who wanted me to explain it in a tweet when she saw us talking (thanks Toure).  I couldn’t do it then but I’ll do my best to break it down here:

‘Post-Black’ as Toure means it (or as I interpret it), is meant to represent the post Civil Rights generation that is undeniably proud of being Black, but at the same time want the freedom to say, ‘But that’s not all I am.” In the book and in discussions he often uses the talking point of ‘what Black people don’t do’ which is part of it, but the full defintion of this should also include ‘what Black people aren’t.’  He goes into the ‘talking white’ point and ‘the closer you are to the ghetto the Blacker you are’ myths; to my point I think he could have gone deeper into how many interracial people and gays have to deal with the identity crisis of ‘You’re not really Black” or “the Black community will not accept who you are”.  Moving on…

For the heavy subject matter I thought the book was an enjoyable read.  The intro was written by Michael Eric Dyson, who I’m also a fan of.  Having said that, if you thought my intro for this piece was heavy, you probably want to skip the intro for the book.  I’ve got my Masters degree, and I was still reading Dyson’s part saying to myself, “Brother, I’m lying in bed trying to decompress, lay off the big money words….”

Once Toure takes over, the flow is much easier to get into.  I especially liked the chapter about Obama (one of the better pieces I feel that breaks down exactly how and why he’s been on a zero tolerance way of live since he won that primary in Iowa), and his personal stories about returning to Africa (I still don’t know if I agree with his point, but he makes a strong case for why it’s understandable but false that we refer to ourselves as ‘African-Americans’).

I went and shook the brother’s hand tonight when he was in town for a Q&A.  He opened up by saying this book wasn’t supposed to be ‘the Answer’ but a conversation starter, and I certainly think it’s that.  Damn agitator. (Kidding Toure).

If the writing is unclear below, he signed my copy, ‘Malik, Always be Black however the Hell you want!”  Well, it’s like they say, ‘Once you go to the Opera, you don’t go back.’ Or something to that effect.  Nevertheless, have a good weekend everybody.

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American Muslim, Volume IV

Filed under: American Muslim, I Love L.A., Inspirations, Lady In My Life, What I'm Working On — Leave a comment
August 21, 2011

 

I’ve talked a lot about what I am, and not much lately about what I do.  I’ve been treated to some pleasant news which through sheer coincidence of timing came while I’ve been fasting.

The last script that I wrote was a semi-autobiographical story about growing up as a Muslim in pre and post 9/11 America.  I didn’t and still don’t view it as the next Will Smith picture, so I only sent it to those who I thought might have an interest in the point of view I was presenting.  One of those groups were the Sundance Institute, and I learned about a week ago they liked what I’ve pitched enough that they want to see more.  Very flattering.  Even my folks back home who know nothing about the Biz recognize that brand name (‘the thing in Utah’ as my father put it), so potentially down the line, that could be a game changer.

Right now it’s just an opportunity so I only gave myself a little time to ‘daydream’ on what could be.  What I write in this space on the subject matter is a reflection of my outlook on the world, but if you keep up with me at all, you know when I put on ‘a show’, I’ll give you a show.  The story I wrote is not an in your face political statement like some of Spike’s films. Even with the subject matter, it’s not a redemption story like a lot of Tyler’s movies. The comment I’ve heard the most from people who’ve read the script is “I was surprised at how funny this is,”; in other words it’s an extension of my strong suits as a storyteller, the self deprecating clown, the sarcastic geek, the hopeless romantic (think Lady In My Life).

So I completed another pass of the script this weekend, and we’ll see what happens at the end of the year.  Through the circles I run in, I know I’m not the only film school geek in the mix, nor am I the only Muslim filmmaker they’re looking at.  Nothing is a done deal, but they’re getting my best effort so if I’m meant to go down that road, I will. For the time being, I’ll return my focus to what I can control this week and this month, and hopefully get another pleasant surprise down the line.

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Prince’s 21 Nite Stand – Great Western Forum – May 28, 2011

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations — Leave a comment
May 29, 2011

 

The crazy thing about this one is, with the long weekend, I was feeling lazy this afternoon, and almost didn’t go.  But it was Saturday night, I guess that makes it right, I said ‘What have I got to lose?’ (You see what I did there right?  OK, OK, I’ll get to the review…)

So I’d heard from various friends in NYC and LA about how ‘great’ Prince’s shows were on this tour.  I was an 80s kid, of course I was a pretty big Prince fan.  Not my number one guy as most of you know, but that’s an apples and oranges discussion.  Anyhoo, my gut response was ‘Of course I’d love to go, but who can afford the tickets?’  And that’s when I heard…

$25.

‘Wha?’

You can see one of the icons of music for $25?  Well at that point of course I was in!

Prince has been known to have ‘special guests’ on this tour (as if super affordable tickets weren’t enough).  The guest tonight was one Mary J. Blige.  Now I’m going to be honest: I grew up with Mary J. Blige, I respect her and her voice, but I can’t say I’m the biggest Mary J. Blige fan.  I’m not making a 180 after tonight but this is the truth: seeing her live COMPLETELY changed the way I looked at her.  The instant connection with the audience, dancing along with her own songs, I think she’s sexier at this point than she was ten years ago.  Not for the first time in this review, words don’t do justice to how good it was. I’ve always been a fan of her version of ‘Sweet Thing,’ so when Prince snuck his little 3 foot 3 behind on stage for a quick cameo appearance, I lost it.  After the fact I was very thankful no one had a camera on my reaction, geeked on some damn Prince!  I feel like docking myself cool points just for admitting it!  Anyway, it was ‘the Club’ and ‘Chu’ch’ (and if you know what I’m talking about, you know I didn’t misspell that) all rolled into one. And that’s always been her style, but if you’re a Mary J. Blige fan, you owe it to yourself to see her perform live if you haven’t already.  AND THAT WAS THE OPENING ACT!

So after Mary J. wore us out, there’s only a handful of people who you would even WANT to try to follow her up.  But when your opening line to the crowd is ‘Do ya’ll know how many hits I got?!?’, you’re one of the guys/girls who can pull it off! And when you can say that while wearing some knee high Uggs with heels, made from Taun Taun fur, dammit you can’t be anybody but Prince!   Backed by Maceo Parker (look that name up after you’re not familiar with funk and jazz) and NPG, Prince took us through some of his greatest hits; but being the great musician he is, tweaked every one so it wasn’t exactly like the studio version.  Mary J. came back onstage to duet ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, ’1999′ and ‘When Doves Cry’ became great call back songs between him and the audience.  We even got fairly impromptu jams, ‘Cool’ by the Time was a perfect blend with ‘Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough’ (which I appreciated), a white guy he pulled out of the front row DIDN’T know the words to ‘Little Red Corvette,’ so Prince got his ass offstage and went into ‘Play that Funky Music (White Boy).’  And he closed the show with an even more local version of ‘Hollywood Swingin” for Inglewood.

We were all more than satisfied; when the first encore was ‘Purple Rain’, well, shit.  Justifiably epic live, not much more to add there.

So a Mary J. Blige/Prince bill, for about what I pay now for half a tank of gas.  I don’t know where I go from here concert wise…

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OTP with Jake White

Filed under: I Love L.A., What I'm Working On — Leave a comment
May 24, 2011

Wednesday I’ll once again be sitting in as the guest host of ‘Our Town Pasadena’.  My guest will be South Pasadena resident and Union lawyer Jake White.  We’ll cover a variety of topics including the process of Union lawyers, the current Labor situation, and if the time has finally come for his Clippers to overtake my Lakers as the top team in the city. (Just kidding.)

As usual, you can watch the show live locally on AT&T U-Verse, or anywhere in the world by going to the Arroyo Channel on pasadenacommunitynetwork.com.

9 P.M. Pacific Standard Time.  Will be fun as always, tune in.  (Thanks as always, Marie.)

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If This Is The End…

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations, Lady In My Life, What I'm Working On — Leave a comment
May 19, 2011

Apparently, it’s all over come Saturday.  I haven’t written anything here too personal in a while, but since apparently I only have 48 or so hours left, I thought I’d end it on a high note.

If there is no future, then I have to become something that’s not really in my nature, and become one of those people whose life only exists in the rear view mirror.  What do I think of when I think about my life?  A lot of random things really as I see my life flash before my eyes…

Since I never married, I take a lot of pride in usually upholding all the major ManLaws.  There’s enough females out here for all of us.  Never speak ill of your homie’s girl cause one way or another, it always gets back to her.  Never sell out another man’s private affairs under any circumstances.  If it takes a lifetime, pay back all vendettas. Your mistress and your wife shouldn’t live in the same town, let alone the same house.  (Not that I know anything about that last one, that’s just what I’ve heard. Let’s move on.)

I’ve had my heart broken and I’ve broken hearts.  If you have a soul, neither experience is very pleasant.  But it’s life.  The first woman I ever proposed to was Lauryn Hill (true story).  The look she gave me on that particular night could have cut glass, but evidently she didn’t remember it because when I had an actual conversation with her a couple years later, she couldn’t have been nicer.  She was the first ‘star’ I met, so it framed my expectations of celebrity.  In my experiences, generally celebrities are pretty down to earth, it’s the ‘Entourages’ that are complete intolerable.

It’s an understatement to say I was an ‘anomaly’ as a black Muslim kid in Kansas who wasn’t desperate to get married at 21 years old (or now either, but that’s neither here nor there). I very much had a ‘Bachelor’s’ Bucket List: New Years Eve in Vegas, the Bayou Classic in New Orleans (pre-Katrina), South Beach Spring Break, Nationals for my Fraternity, Hollywood movie premiere party, D.C. and the GoGo scene, ATL and Buckhead and Club 112 and the Blue Flame. And I did it all, before I hit 30 if memory serves me correctly.  At this point, my reputation as ‘Hollywood’ is much bigger than the reality, but I accept how hard reputations are to shake.  Certain stories (my first earthquake and the night I threatened to beat up my best friend immediately come to mind) will never be forgotten.  But you know, if you can’t stand the heat…

I’ve headlined short films and reality shows, I’ve seen my jokes and suggestions appear in Hollywood movies and TV shows (they weren’t stolen, I gave them away), I’ve gone back to my hometown to watch films I’ve directed shown on the big screen.  And I thought I was done writing, but I did have one more story in me, one I wrote for my Ummah.  Doesn’t look like there’s enough time to see it through, but I was/am very proud of it.  It’s slowly being seen by those who need to see it, but if there is a Sunday, maybe I’ll talk about it then.  Or knowing me maybe I won’t.

Live for today, plan for tomorrow.  It’s worked out pretty well for me. Now let’s see what comes next…

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The Wrestling Revolution

Filed under: I Love L.A., the Batman — Leave a comment
May 17, 2011

Today I share an ‘I believe in Harvey Dent’ style moment.

Among the wide variety of friends I have in L.A., in the past few months I’ve spent more time hanging out with and ‘talking shop’ with friends who are involved with the local MMA and wrestling scenes.  Running in those circles, I guess it was inevitable in retrospect that I would shake hands with Jeff Katz, a passionate wrestling fan and Detroit sports fan who also happened to behind a few Hollywood films you may have heard of (we’ll come back to that).

Anyway, within the last month on WWE programming, one of the last men standing from the Attitude Era, Christian, finally won the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time after 17 years.  (Universally regarded as a nice moment for him and the fans.)  What was not so nice was the length of time Christian would hold the top belt: 2 hours (in show time).  Christian happens to be a friend of Katz, and the incident was the straw that broke the camel’s back for this wrestling fan.

I can’t sell his pitch better than he can sell it himself, but here’s the short version.  WWE is a monopoly in the wrestling industry and it has been for years now.  Instead of doing what others have done and failed at miserably (compete with WWE on their terms), why not try a different model altogether?  Thus, the Wrestling Revolution was born.

So there’s a short version of the backstory, you can click the link below and here Jeff’s vision straight from the horse’s mouth:

 http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/790983338/wrestling-revolution

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34

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations, What I'm Working On — Leave a comment
March 16, 2011

Looking at my ‘to do’ list…

1. Not as young as I used to be, so working on something that I hope will make things easier for the next generation of Muslim-Americans.  I haven’t had it so bad really, but it seems like things are moving in the wrong direction, so…I’ll do what I can.

2. Turning my oldest idea into a spec.  I think my life experience and my craft have caught up to the point where it can actually be…good. Time will tell.

3. Learning a musical instrument.  It’s been a long minute since I’ve even tried, but going from the ‘I have no idea what I’m doing’ phase to ‘seeing the result of continuous practice’ phase has been gratifying.  Again, will I ever be good?  Doubtful, but at this point hopefully good enough to not look like a complete amateur.

4. Love?  Hmm, I’m seeing a theme here.  Didn’t really know what I want, tried a lot of things, now I feel like I’ll know it when I see it.  Could be worse.

All things considered, I feel like I’m peaking in all phases.  Thanks for being part of the ride.

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2011 ArtFradieu Oscar Live Commentary

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations, Movie Reviews, the Batman — 1 Comment
February 27, 2011

Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Malik Aziz share an unique, common background.  Both young men are natives of Kansas City, Kansas, graduates of the University of Kansas and went to grad school at the University of Southern California.  They both grew up in the ‘golden age of hip hop’ and share a passion for films.

For the past several years, they’ve also posted predictions about the Academy Awards.  Technology has evolved where last year for the first time they were able to post their unique commentary during the show.

This is Round 2…

Thomas: tee minus three minutes sucka!

Malik: It’s time for this year’s Oscars.  For those wondering, I’m wearing a tux from Oscar de la Renta…

Thomas: And I’m wearing a hoodie from champs sports…

Thomas: So, I’d say this was a hit and miss opening sequence. Anne Hathaway and James Franco seem game. The Black Swan bit was a little painful, though.

Malik: yeah hit and miss was right..

Thomas: Funny joke from Hathaway about appealing to a younger demo.

Thomas: That’s exactly what ABC is going for by having them host instead of a baby boomer.

Malik: yeah we’ll see how the ratings do tomorrow

Thomas: Hey, is that Lou Gosset Jr. sitting in front of James Franco’s grandma?

Malik: yeah LOL

Thomas: “There’s only two things that come out of the Oscars. That steers and queers and I don’t see no horns on James Franco.”

Thomas: Officer and A Gentleman, thanks very much.

Malik: idiot, LOL

Malik: this feels slow but I’m digging the set design

Thomas: Hey, Lou Gossett won an oscar when black people were only winning once every ten years.

Thomas: Set design is cool, but the pace is very slow so far.

Thomas: What constitutes set design and/or computer generated backgrounds?

Malik: All I know is I’m 1 for 1 in my Oscar pool brotha…

Thomas: Alice In Wonderland looked great and had great sets, but I’d be curious to know how much of the sets were created by actual set designers and not special effects guys.

Malik: good question, but it’s the direction we’re going in I’m afraid

Thomas: That category os blurring fast.

Malik: an Oscar for Nolan’s cinematographer, nice!!!!

Thomas: Well deserved win, here. Wally Pfister shot a beautiful film with Inception.

Malik: ‘his master?’

Thomas: Mark that on the list of things a brotha will never say.

Malik: i got $100 if you win an Oscar and refer to ANYONE as your master…

Thomas: If I heard any black man say that, I might bumrush the stage even if I don’t know him.

Malik: LMBAO!!!!

Thomas: Much respect to Kirk Douglas.

Malik: yeah I don’t want to make a joke here.

Thomas: But, in fairness, the demo just switched the channel for a few minutes….

Malik: too bad, this is a major category

Thomas: Who wins here?

Malik: i picked Leo

Thomas: Good performances all around.

Malik: yeah this is a strong category

Thomas: This lady in Animal Kingdom freaks me out for some reason.

Thomas: Leo angered some people for lobbying for herself this oscar campaign.

Malik: yeah I’m offended, people get paid to do that…

Thomas: She took out a few ads in magazines asking people to consider her.

Thomas: But, if she really wants to win, she wants to win.

Thomas: Who’s the guy with the job of holding Kirk Douglas’ cane?

Malik: yeah I appreciate the honesty

Malik: this has to be the most agonizing moment in these five women’s lives…

Thomas: Yes…

Thomas: Not just for them.

Thomas: Leo’s life just changed.

Thomas: Leo fought for this award. She got it.

Malik: now you got me going, can’t you see some kid saying ‘Man Michael Douglas aged pretty bad didn’t he?”

Thomas: That’s the thing. There might be kids who don’t know who Michael Douglas is, either.

Malik: OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Thomas: Leo’s a ham on stage, but we already knew she was.

Thomas: Good job in The Fighter. But, don’t be taking Kirk Douglas’ cane!

Thomas: Anne Hatahway is kind of funny. “The Young and Hip Oscars” lol

Malik: yeah good comeback

Thomas: Did you check out this short animated film?

Malik: i heard about it but no

Thomas: Looks interesting. But, I always wonder who generally gets a chance to watch these, other than festivals and voters.

Thomas: Maybe that’s it.

Malik: yeah i researched this, you have to be in a certain part of the Academy to vote on certain awards

Thomas: Toy Story 3. Nice.

Malik: probably the best overall movie this year if we’re being honest

Thomas: For anyone who loved their toys, this film was a tear jerker.

Malik: agreed

Thomas: Nice way to round out the Toy Story trilogy.

Malik: yeah we grew up with that trilogy in a way

Malik: hey it’s your category brotha!

Thomas: The white tux twins?

Malik: yeah a little hard on the HDTV…

Thomas: The is Sorkin all the way

Thomas: The only question is what kind of speech will he give.

Malik: we’re about to find out…

Thomas: Even the other nominees were like, “I ain’t winning this…”

Thomas: Nice acknowledgment of the book the screenplay is based on and the author who wrote it.

Malik: yeah this is a good speech

Malik: Wrap It Up Son!

Thomas: He’s kind of a blowhard, but has a great memory of names. Overall, classy speech.

Malik: Whoa, that was my pick but I’m still surprised it won

Thomas: No surprise here.

Thomas: Seidler is in his 70s.

Thomas: Waited decades to write this story and did it well. As he said, he’s the oldest writer to win this thing.

Thomas: Seidler is also giving a classy and funny speech.

Malik: another good acceptance speech

Thomas: Writers representing with the speeches!

Thomas: Not bad singing Anne Hathaway.

Malik: (blank stare at Franco…)

Thomas: Text message from Charlie Sheen is funny.

Malik: OK Russell Brand, that was a good line…

Thomas: This is funny.

Thomas: And, I’m not even a Russell Brand fan.

Malik: me either, but I have to say the new Arthur is a good idea (on paper)

Malik: only OGs remember Dudley Moore at this point

Thomas: True, but it is a revered comedy. Hopefully they did it right.

Thomas: In HDTV, that gold envelope looks like a work of art itself.

Malik: yeah that’s pimp!

Thomas: Here comes your girl, Reece.

Malik: yeah…

Thomas: So, does Bale win and will Hathaway reference Batman?

Malik: yes and yes

Malik: as will I

Thomas: Will Bale give a crazy speech?

Malik: IN THE ALL BLACK SUIT!!!!

Thomas: Batman says “Bloody hell”?

Malik: yes so what?

Malik: learning your American accent is something we only do to make ourselves more accessible to you Yanks

Thomas: Just saying. Batman sounds kind of British up in this piece.

Thomas: At least Superman is still played by an American. Wait…

Malik: did he get a little emotional at the end?!?

Thomas: Either that, or he had a brain fart, forgot his wife’s name and played it off.

Thomas: I like to think it was emotion, though.

Malik: it better be, couldn’t pull that with no sista…

Thomas: She’d be staying daggers at him. “Negro please…”

Malik: LMBAO!!!

Malik: great intro for the sound/music categories

Thomas: Yup.

Thomas: One of my biggest loves – film scores.

Malik: i almost got up and started swinging my lightsaber around – no homo

Thomas: No comment.

Thomas: But, The King’s Speech score was well done. And used very well in the film.

Thomas: Social Network has a good one, too. Though it was a little monotonous.

Thomas: I would have picked Kings Speech, personally, but I get it.

Malik: yeah I thought Inception might have had a chance there as well

Malik: the sound was a big part of that film as well

Thomas: True.

Thomas: Scarlett Johanson. Hot?

Malik: Yeah I dig her, I’m always surprised when I hear some guys say they don’t get her appeal.

Malik: You one of them?

Thomas: She’s nice. But, there are times when she’s much better than others.

Thomas: Inception deserves this win. Great sound.

Malik: yeah tonight is not one of her better nights

Malik: and yeah there’s the Inception win

Thomas: black with bow tie.

Thomas: Don’t see that often.

Thomas: Man, they start the “get off the stage music for non actors RIGHT AWAY.

Malik: I blame Kirk Douglas still.  There I said it.

Thomas: lol

Thomas: Inception taking no prisoners with sound and effects…

Thomas: But Nolan got no love for directing.

Thomas: I heard the Academy might see him as a “comic book guy” even though The Dark Knight was well respected. Think they’ll award him for the next Batman or will it take a non comic/special effects film?

Malik: good question…

Malik: depends on how good the next Batman is, people have a short memory.

Thomas: Cate Blachett. Much respect for her skills.

Malik: yeah she’s like an even more mainstream version of Streep

Thomas: This is another category which blends the practical work with special effects.

Thomas: How much of the Wolfman look was practical and how much was computer generated?

Malik: don’t know but i have a side question for you…

Malik: what would you do if you won an Oscar and the music never stopped?

Malik: they play you on to the stage and just keep playing…

Thomas: Go up on stage and stare down the orchestra. Don’t say a word, just stare at them the entire time they play.

Malik: that would be the greatest moment ever!

Malik: God forbid I’d be in the crowd, the camera would catch me looking like I had no home training…

Thomas: Got the first black people on the show.

Thomas: Of course, they’re rapping.

Malik: (shaking my head…)

Thomas: How much could they pay you to sing the Beauty and The Beast song with an English accent?

Malik: Not enough. Next question…

Thomas: Randy Newman songs just make people feel good.

Malik: God bless Randy Newman, but Family Guy nailed him in one of their first seasons.

Thomas: lol. Just watched the Family Guy clip of Randy Newman!!!

Malik: Told You!!!

Thomas: How did Waiting For Superman not even get nominated for a documentary oscar, though?

Malik: Man, I don’t know

Malik: i’m not sleeping on the teacher’s union though…

Malik: our first awkward looking Oscar winner…

Thomas: This guy is a film student. Nuff said.

Thomas: But, he’s living the dream if that’s the case.

Malik: very true, I’m not hating…

Thomas: Figured Auto tune was coming.

Malik: i’m trying not to laugh…

Thomas: They could have picked a better film to do it with, though. Winter’s Bone. Some movie that’s the opposite of musical.

Malik: “He Doesn’t Own a Shirt”  - that’s a winner

Thomas: yeah, funny

Thomas: That’s what the demo wants!

Malik: i was going to say that’s her best look tonight I think

Thomas: yeah.

Thomas: Oprah sighting.

Malik: the Queen has arrived

Thomas: I wish I could watch more documentaries.

Malik: I thought Restrepo was good, haven’t seen the winner yet though

Thomas: The level of quality has really been amazing in this category.

Malik: I’m sure more fictional filmmakers are naturally gravitating towards docs these days

Thomas: Can always depend on the documentary people to make a political statement or two.

Thomas: Good.

Malik: Yep, now get off the stage!

Malik: Billy Crystal getting a well deserved ovation.

Thomas: Yes. Still the best Oscar host ever.

Thomas: For our generation at least.

Thomas: Bob Hope was known as pretty good himself.

Malik: yeah Hope is iconic

Thomas: That passover joke is iconic itself.

Malik: LOL

Thomas: I wonder who did “new Bob Hope’s” voice.

Malik: yeah that was awkward.

Thomas: Inception has to win this, right?

Thomas: Alice In Wonderland was really good for effects, but the turning room itself probably won this for Inception.

Malik: agreed

Thomas: Social Network is cleaning up. Some in their camp have to feel like they have a shot at best picture. What do you think?

Malik: Ask me after the give out the Directing award in a few minutes…

Thomas: Jennifer Hudson. Hot?

Malik: Usually but I don’t like her look tonight

Thomas: Yeah, I agree. Doesn’t seem like her own look.

Thomas: But, she lost weight and that looks good for her.

Malik: oh i see brotha; you like those size 1 types…

Thomas: I ain’t saying that.

Thomas: Just think that she looks good either way.

Malik: i guess you’re digging Gwyneth Paltrow huh?

Thomas: lol. The skinny snow bunnies…?

Thomas: Gwyneth’s never been my type. To each his own.

Thomas: I do wonder if Jennifer Hudson looks at Gwyneth’s singing and is like, “Don’t even try it…”

Thomas: The Family Guy Randy Newman is still in my head. Lol…

Malik: it’s going to be there for awhile LOL

Malik: “she takes a bite”

Thomas: The real randy Newman is pretty funny, though.

Malik: yeah that dude is pure Cali

Thomas: Uh Oh. Celine’s singing your song.

Malik: no comment

Thomas: You’ve always been a fan of “Smile” and an even bigger fan of Celine.

Thomas: This is nice.

Malik: i heard this really was MJ’s favorite song though

Thomas: Yeah.

Thomas: Perfect song for this montage.

Malik: yeah

Thomas: Well done. They normally go to commercial after the montage. Not this year. Think I still have a crush on Lena Horne.

Malik: I still have a crush on Halle Berry…

Thomas: NOW they go to commercial.

Thomas: Nice.

Malik: that may have been the best In Memoriam even though it wasn’t the most star studded

Thomas: It was well done.

Thomas: Here we go – directing…

Thomas: Wow. Hooper wins in his first nomination.

Malik: yeah that’s impressive

Thomas: Not sure how I feel about that.

Malik: the Social Network folks just got their bubble burst I think..

Thomas: Looks like The King’s Speech just grabbed the inside track on best picture again.

Thomas: The Social Network took the early prizes, but The King’s Speech might be coming on late.

Malik: nice Mama’s boy speech there

Thomas: Yeah. Nice and simple speech.

Thomas: Fincher has one in the bank for a future award, though.

Malik: you know the historian in me wants to get into the Governors Award ceremony one day

Thomas: Wow. That photo of Lucas, Scosese, Speilberg, Coppola, DePalma  etc, was pretty cool.

Malik: yeah i was wondering if you caught that!

Thomas: Don’t think I’ve seen a director’s photo like that before.

Thomas: How would you feel if they were taking a photo like that and asked you to step out of it?

Malik: LOLOLOL oh man….

Malik: thanks for pulling me out of my sentimental moment brotha…

Thomas: lol

Malik: Warren Beatty looking like “I remember when you yelled at me like that…”

Thomas: lol

Thomas: Jennifer Lawrence has a bright immediate future if she wants it.

Thomas: BUT, this is Natalie Partman’s night.

Thomas: Think I still feel that my favorite nomination announcement was when it was done by peers (a group of fellow actors/actresses) a year or two ago.

Malik: agreed that was awesome

Thomas: Natalie Portman takes it.

Thomas: She’s been good for years. Deserves this. Was great in Black Swan.

Malik: yeah

Malik: I’m a Natalie fan so this is cool

Thomas: She’s been acting since she was born, so you know she’s been thinking about this moment forever.

Thomas: Shout out to Luc Besson!

Thomas: The Professional!

Malik: still the flick!

Thomas: I like Portman, because as I said before, she seems very normal and even has a geeky side.

Malik: it’s coming out in this speech

Thomas: Yup.

Malik: she just thanked the 1st AD and the camera operators for God’s sake!!!

Thomas: 1st AD is even surprised by that…

Malik: also loving the Chinese Theatre backdrop by the way

Thomas: Yeah, that’s great.

Thomas: Hey, if you get nominated for an acting oscar and I’m sitting behind you, remind me to lean up behind you when they call your name and be like, “Yo, they said your name. You hear that? You hear that?” as I shake your shoulder.

Malik: LOLOL, please don’t…

Malik: that’s EXACTLY why there aren’t any minorities nominated…

Thomas: Colin Firth has to win this, it seems.

Malik: well deserved in my opinion

Thomas: Yeah, they got it right. Great performance.

Thomas: Funny first line of his speech, too.

Malik: that’s going to be replayed for years…

Thomas: Does Harvey Weinstein ever shave?

Malik: naw that’s his look

Thomas: But, he never lets it grow into a full beard.

Thomas: The stubble beard has been his thing forever.

Malik: yeah he’s on that Paul Pierce program

Thomas: lol

Malik: so the last one, it has to be King’s Speech right?

Thomas: Yup.

Malik: Spielberg keepin it real!

Thomas: Nicely put by Speilberg.

Thomas: Even if you lose, you’re in great company.

Thomas: They’re playing the best moment from The King’s Speech.

Malik: Exactly

Thomas: By the way, this is a great score as I said before.

Malik: Excellent montage

Thomas: Yup. Well done.

Thomas: Whoever did the montages for the oscars should get an award themselves.

Malik: yeah montages and set design were aces

Thomas: Alright. There you go.

Thomas: King’s Speech. Well done.

Malik: yessir

Malik: I know we have other obligations; any last words brotha?

Thomas: It’s been fun. Gotta love the movies. Best job in the world is to be able to tell stories. On to Oscars 2012.

Malik: i don’t think The Dark Knight Rises will be eligible yet but I’m sure there will be other good films..

Thomas: Looking forward to seeing them. Peace out!

Malik: thanks to everyone who read along.

 

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2010 – The Return of Bruce Wayne

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations, Lady In My Life, the Batman — Leave a comment
December 30, 2010

 

A couple weeks into 2010, the last film I wrote and directed was being introduced to a national audience by a movie star.  With a couple of weeks to go in 2010, I got to host a show where I gave an up and coming rapper/producer his first television experience.  I love the harmony of that; it’s symbolic of the type of year this has been – harmonious.

Internally, I don’t feel like I’ve changed much in the past 12 months to be perfectly honest.  Maybe it was the film, maybe it was the personal life, maybe it was all of us just being a year older.  The saying is, you get back from the world what you put into it, so maybe it was me just being set in my ways.  Whatever it is, it feels like this was the year that people seemed to take me as I am.  The people who dig me take my imperfections as part of the package, the people who don’t like me seem to get that my insecurities have nothing to do with whether they like me or not. At this point, I am who I am, flaws and all as Beyonce would say.

Along those lines, I want to say it was Jay who said that no matter what he’s done since, in his mind he’s still the crack dealer from Marcy.  My mentality has a similar vibe: I will always be this quiet, black Muslim kid from Wyandotte County.  The Hollywood stuff and the European girlfriend, to my friends it’s like, ‘Who ELSE but Malik would be doing that?’ (and to those friends I say, ‘You’re absolutely right!  Nobody but me!’)  In all seriousness though, it’s all part of the natural direction of me following My Calling and my life’s journey. To me, there is no ‘either/or’, it’s all inclusive.  I’ve come to realize one of my pet peeves is when people try to erase their past.  There is no reset button in this game; things happen, you deal with them, you move forward.  Everything that happens is important, even when we don’t understand the reason at the time.

Part of being a student of the game of life is knowing at some point you will be pushed to your limits.  I’ve certainly gone through the emotional ringer the past 12 months. On a superficial level this has been a fantastic year, but those who know me best will tell you I’ve spent the greater part of 2010 severely depressed. (I’m good now though.)  Keeping things in perspective was something I had to remind myself often.  I’m a romantic, I’m an eternal optimist, I believe for the most part the good and the bad balance each other out.  When I look at my own life, I see love, I see loyal friends, I have a supportive family.  I’m in my early 30s and I can focus on being a capitalist for the rest of my days.  This year was brutal, but I have inner peace and I sadly know way too many people who don’t have it and don’t know how to get it.

So what one thing will I take with me from 2010?  Well, after half of a lifetime with a relationship best described as ‘standoffish’, fate has decided it was time for me to start reconnecting with my bloodline.  You can’t repair a decade and a half of distance in a few months of course, but as in all things, the intention to change things is the first (and most important) step.

For us Batman fanatics, the big thing in 2010 was the comics storyline, ‘The Return of Bruce Wayne.’  Bruce was shot back in time by Superman foe Darkseid, and had to fight his way back to the present day (which he did of course).  The major lesson learned in that arc (SPOILER ALERT) is that while the mythology of the Batman is a boy left alone after the murder of his parents and his childhood, the reality of Batman is that he’s never been ‘alone’.  He’s had allies every step of the way.  I was reminded in 2010 that while I certainly enjoy being ‘the Prince of Gotham’, I’ve never really been alone either.  This year more than all the others combined I think, I’ve been held up, encouraged, cheered for and supported by those I’ve always known I could count on, some who have genuinely surprised me, and some of you who I will probably never meet in this life.  I have been taking notes so I’ll try to name as many of you as I can (since this is already absurdly long…)

Katy – you stuck with me through my personal hell, and I’ve tried to reciprocate; thank you for holding down the BB team when it was sorely needed; ART – a lot of people told me to be ‘Michael’ when everything in my heart said it was time for a ‘Sonny’ move, but your voice stood out the most.  Thanks for being such a great friend. Marie – I love doing the show – LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!  Hope to get a chance to do it again next year. Nathan – in a parallel universe, I would be living your life, but My Calling has evolved in an exciting direction, and I’m excited to ‘play my part’.  Looking forward to hearing about Jordan.  DaFellas – I’d call you my Jackson 5, but even if I was being sarcastic that would be WAY too condescending.  I think of us now as the Beatles after they broke up – everyone is following their ‘solo’ interests and we get together when we can and talk about how much fun we had.  You’ll always be my guys.

If you’re still reading a few more folks but I promise this is it: the Fradieus, the Franks, the Harrises, the Sheffields, the Thomases, Conway and Jabari for your advice (invaluable), BeatSmith (great show), Michael Zanuck, Daphne Kirby, Amanda Max, Doug Miro (best blogpost of the year), Through a Glass, Black Entertainment Television, Pasadena Community Network, Ralph Scott, the Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center, the Pigskin League, the Jayhawk friends, the Trojan friends, the Sumner friends, the Frat, everyone who has helped the past 12 months in the Return of Bruce Wayne.

The Dark Knight is rising in 2011.  Happy New Year!

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In Closing…

Filed under: I Love L.A., Inspirations, Movie Reviews, What I'm Working On — 1 Comment
November 18, 2010

Thanks to all who tuned into “Our Town Pasadena” last night.  I haven’t watched the taping myself yet, but based on feedback it sounds like it went well.  Based on who I’ve talked to, the show was watched from LA to Kansas to Romania.  My next set of business cards will read “Malik Aziz, International Star of Film and Television.”

Jokes aside, I had a closing statement based on our subject last night (community service), but didn’t have time to have it all set up.  I covered it over the course of the show (which probably worked out better), but for those interested here’s how I would have closed last night.

Enjoy your weekend.

The best film I’ve seen so far this year was not a Hollywood blockbuster.  Waiting for Superman takes a hard look at our education system; it’s a documentary that breaks your heart by reminding you how early some of us learn that life isn’t fair.

The two themes for tonight’s show were education and community service.  While there are definitely times when we’re all made to feel helpless, I guarantee you there is someone less fortunate than you, who could use your help.  Some of you may be like Nathan and are willing to give up some of your personal time to help others; some of us give by opening our checkbooks.  In either case, compassion is the key.

It was Langston Hughes that asked “What happens to a dream deferred?”  The harsh truth is there will always be haves and have nots.  But that shouldn’t mean that every dream has to be deferred.  Right here in the San Gabriel Valley, Vittana, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the American Red Cross all have operating chapters.  As we all get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope tonight you’ve been inspired to take a moment to think of someone who could benefit in some way through your compassion.

God bless.

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