Confusion: Diary of a Confused Vampire - Pictures + Q&A Session

When we still don't see representation of black film makers (or ANY of color) in Hollywood, Arkier K. Burton a.k.a. Prince Onyx apologetically has control of his destiny.   While it seems like only the cream of the crop makes it there, Tinsel Town misses the mark, overlooking our best kept secrets, our not so hidden, hidden treasures, our jewels, our unsungs...

While these talents deserve the biggest spotlight we can find, they also deserve to be able to have full creative control to ART.  Independence is good for the soul, and it allows one to keep his/hers.  ;-)  

Check out this video to get some insight on Prince Onyx's vision and inspiration for creating this film.  Subscribe here, to be among the first to watch Diary of a Confused Vampire, for free, when it airs in January 2016!
  




Help support PART II of the vision.  

Watch Confusion: Diary of a Confused Vampire Here. **post updated 2/22/17

By T. James-Sykes

An Interview with Mathew Knowles - Parenting, Branding, & Success!

Bey & Her Dad Behind the Scenes During the Formation Tour

The Dad behind the Mega-Star:  Mathew Knowles has an enlightening conversation with Aisha Adams of Nappy Natural Girl, about parenting, success, and the importance of branding; get these gems:

Daddy & Daughter Back in the Day

Mathew & Beyonce at the Grammy's

Mathew & Beyonce Knowles

By T. James-Sykes

No Focus - Focus

I had the pleasure of taking my parents to see this movie for my Dad's birthday; he really wanted to see it.

I admit the initial promos turned me off.  Nicky (Will Smith), who turns out to be a third generation spy, is mezmorized by some woman descending a staircase.  It made no sense and introduced a boring story line.  Does anyone care about this; isn't T.V. full of this snooze garbage already?

It wasn't until the second week that the promos started to divulge that the story was actually about a bunch of con artists sceming people out of money.

Sure that was great, but the so called romance didn't add a darn thing to the story.  The chemistry between the two "lovers" was M.I.A. to say the least.  I waited for the perverbial ball to drop, thinking...HOPING that the "love" they eluded to was a part of a heist the couple had planned against each other.  Not the case.

The lack of chemistry in the romance nearly outweighs the real focus (no pun intended) of the plot.  The best part of the movie, for me, is when I found out that Owens (Gerald McRaney), a second generation spy, was Nicky's (Will Smith) father.

The movie was entertaining at best, but expect question marks to loom about.  The female love interest leaves much to be desired; no idea as to why Nicky was so impressed with this woman specifically.  Another 15 to  30 minutes of story development may have helped us understand their connection, as well as given this movie more than 2 stars.   Just sayin'.

By T. James-Sykes

The Funk Don't Quit for Chadwick Boseman?

"Who has the cojones...the AUDACITY to portray The Godfather of Soul?  

Those were my first thoughts.  But, then I saw his cadance, I heard him speak, got a load of his ego, and felt the funk!

Chadwick Boseman serves it rightously, in "Get On Up",  a chronical of The Legendary James Brown's ascent from severe destitution, to being one of our most influential musicians ever. 

Imagine getting the opportunity to portay two supremely legendary, iconic people in history...within a year's time? That has to count for something, and speaks volumes for your skill as an actor!

I was pulling for this dude the entire time, and was genuinely impressed.  Chadwick had it down; the posture, the presence, and the moves!

It was also a treat to watch Viola Davis (Susie Brown), and Octavia Butler (Aunt Honey) work their magic on the screen.  I was moved by both scenes that proved to be 2 of the (I'm sure many) turning points in his life, and what helped form the man, James Brown. 

I'd be remiss if I neglect to mention other extremely note-worthy artists/actors that I was thrilled to see appear in the film:

- Craig Robinson

- Dan Aykroyd

- Tika Sumpter
- Jill Scott

- Lennie James

Let's be clear; this is a chonical about Mr.Brown's rise from poverty to The Godfather of Soul.  It's not what one would consider a biography, so it only gives a glimpse of other events of his life, and just a peek into other facets of his darker side.  

If I had a real criticism, it would be the make up job for the old James Brown.  It appeared a bit plastic, and if I didn't know any better, I would have expected him to pull his face off like one of the monsters from the Scooby Doo cartoons.

Overall, I felt the movie was enjoyable, pretty well done and entertaining.

What did you think?

Link: Get on Up 

By T. James-Sykes

The Three Rivers Arts Festival - Pittsburgh, PA

I'm a sucker for a good festival, and The Three Rivers Arts Fest never disappoints!

This annual event is held in downtown Pittsburgh, with artists, laced through the streets selling their wares, food trucks & vendors ready to feed hungry, greedy bellies (like mine!), limber, rythmical, street performers wowing crowds of people, and musical concerts all around. 

MM!  There's nothing like supporting fellow artists, while vibing to great music and eating chicken on a stick!

I couldn't resist collecting a few reasonable priced (surprisingly) pieces of visual & wearable art for myself!

Who's that Lady Collection - "Lucky Bag Hat" 

by Tracy - The Rising Phoenix Trinity

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rising-Phoenix-Trinity/115086089102

The festival sound track was a collage of musical genres; from Jazz to Rock to Bluegrass.  All appropriate to feed the free soul.

By T. James-Sykes