The star-studded cast breathes new life into the much-needed comedy genre.
From L to R: Sandra Oh and Awkwafina in ‘Quiz Lady’; Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
Quiz Lady follows Anne Yum (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8), an introverted, game-show-loving woman whose penchant for the show Can’t Stop the Quiz, hosted by whimsical and quirky Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell, Barbie, Elf), begins at a young age while her mother gambles and her dad drinks, and her actress-wannabe older sister chases fame. It’s the latch-key kid syndrome all over again — this time for the millennial generation. Anne continues to preoccupy her time with the show and grows to be an unassuming accountant her coworkers barely pay any mind to.
One day, Anne’s mother’s assisted living residence calls to let her know her mother has fled the facility and they don’t really want her back if and when she’s found. To make matters worse, Anne’s mother’s gambling vice hasn’t subsided with age, and she owes 80 grand to a gangster named Ken, who’s kidnapped Anne’s beloved dog, Mr. Linguini until Anne can settle the debt. The pug is living the life. Anne fears he may not want to return to her after experiencing a lavish lifestyle, and she panics. Jenny, Anne’s sister (Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve), visits indefinitely, as she’s financially unstable and unrelentingly impulsive and has a strained relationship with her younger sister. Anne isn’t happy.
Sandra Oh as Jenny Yum, holding Mr. Linguini in ‘Quiz Lady’; Photo: courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
Jenny secretly films Anne’s rapid-fire succession of correct answers to the questions on Can’t Stop the Quiz and posts the video on the Internet, which goes viral. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Anne must contend with becoming a contestant and beating the reigning champion, Ron Heacock, played smarmily with just the right amount of dislike-ability as only Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, Asteroid City) can pull off. Can’t Stop the Quiz’s Will Ferrell mirrors his SNL days as Alex Trebek and other game show hosts he’s masterfully assumed on SNL with deadpan panache.
Will Ferrell as Terry McTeer on ‘Quiz Lady’: Photo: courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
Both Awkwafina and Sandra Oh give standout performances. But it’s Oh’s departure from serious, complex, and sarcastic characters that make her quirky and funny portrayal of Jenny shine — a testament to Oh’s acting range. Directed by Jessica Yu, written by Jen D’Angelo, and produced by Will Ferrell, Quiz Lady is a funny, heartfelt, relatable sister relationship movie you don’t want to miss. Watch it on Hulu now!
Award-winning veteran actor Jeffrey Wright (Westworld, The Batman) is at the helm of the multi-layered cast. He concocts a social, literary experiment that pits him against Black stereotypes and his scholarly ethics.
Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison in American Fiction; Photo: M.Vizcaino
American Fiction, based on the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett, follows Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, an English professor who revels in controversy by examining the N-word in class, challenging student beliefs, and sparring with colleagues, which seems to stem from his dissatisfaction with the lackluster success of his last few novels and the impact they’ve had on the literary world. Adding to Monk’s dismal situation is his exuberant, no-holds-bar and comical agent, Arthur, played by the enigmatic John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook, American Gangster), who says publishers are passing on his latest novel.
Issa Rae as Sintara Golden, Nicole Kempskie as moderator in American Fiction; Photo: DKC Public Relations.
After joining a barely-attended book conference with other writers in Boston, he seeks the hot new author in town, Sinatra Golden (Issa Rae, Barbie, Insecure), whose audience is brimming with fans. After listening to Sintara read excerpts from her book in hood-like dialogue, he’s shocked and weirdly drawn to her spell on the attentive crowd and the white moderator.
Snapped into reality by his disdain at the spectacle he just witnessed, he decides to create a Black book of his own under a pen name to dispel the truth that trauma and negative Black experiences sell. What ensues are comical exchanges between a stereotypical Black criminal son and absentee father as Monk writes their dialogue in real time with legendary actor Keith David (There’s Something About Mary, The Nice Guys) interpreting the father; that will have audiences howling with laughter, not to mention a whirlwind of attention from publishers and the public.
Tracee Ellis Ross as Lisa Ellison, Leslie Uggams as Agnes Ellison, and Sterling K. Brown as Cliff Ellison in American Fiction; Photo Courtesy of DKC Public Relations.
In the midst of Monk developing his literary farce, he’s faced with an ailing mother who may be on the brink of a mental collapse and connecting with his estranged siblings. Monk’s sister Lisa, wittily played by Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish, Girlfriends), who has been in charge of their mother’s care, and Cliff, played by Sterling K. Brown — while their lives unravel.
Jeffrey Wright plays Monk with the right amount of stoic anger, making him likable and memorable. His siblings, just like him, are flawed, multi-dimensional, and raw. Sterling K. Brown’s performance is brilliant as his “perfect” brother leading a double life. Then there’s Monk’s love interest, Coraline, played masterfully by Erika Alexander (Living Single, Get Out), who is a calming agent to the movie I rarely see in contemporary African-American films. Alexander’s character is refreshing, as is the film’s lively scoring throughout. The tone in American Fiction is reminiscent of Alexander Payne’s film Sideways, in which the two main characters seem devoid of redemption but are relatable to audiences in dealing with professional fulfillment and life’s ups and downs.
Erika Alexander as Coraline and Jeffrey Wright as Thelonius “Monk” Ellison in American Fiction; Photo Courtesy of DKC Public Relations.
In a recent Q&A with Colt Jefferson (Survivor’s Remorse, Black-ish) at the Urbanworld 27th Film Festival’s opening night, where the film screened, the writer-filmmaker of American Fiction admitted he had Jeffrey Wright in mind as the main character while reading the novel and writing the script. Once he had Wright attached to the project, Issa Rae committed after reading the first six pages of the script, and Sterling K. Brown knew instantly this was the next project he wanted to be a part of while on a plane.
According to Jefferson:
“I think these talented, established actors were enthusiastic about being part of this movie because these types of roles are not offered to them. These are real parts with a leading Black actor, not in service of white characters to move the plot forward.” Hollywood is doing a disservice to talented Black artists by not creating movies like this.”
Winner of the Toronto International Film Festival’s 2023 People’s Choice Awards, American Fictionis in select theaters on December 15th, and a wider release is set for December 22nd. Don’t miss this fantastic comedic adaptation of the novel “Erasure” with a cast of colorful and in-depth Black characters with rich storylines.
But the honor bestowed on the legendary singer transcends her contribution to Latin music and recognition for acclaimed Hispanics, solidifying our culture and influence in America.
Mural of Celia Cruz; Photo: M.Vizcaino
Celia Cruz’ Barbie doll symbolizes much more than the legendary performer putting the music genre on the map. Although she passed in 2003, 20 years later, she’s still seen as a beacon of hope and a staunch advocate for freedom, especially in historically challenging times.
Mattel’s Inspiring Women series inclusion of the Celia Cruz doll reflects the Cuban icon’s legacy and stronghold on Latin music. They’ve struck commerce gold with the Barbie doll. No longer available on the toy retailer’s website and perpetual backorder, the Celia Cruz Barbie is in high demand and sold out from other popular retailers. Walmart has it. But it’ll cost you. Almost double, in fact (original Mattel price: $35). My partner recently purchased it as I’ve admired the singer all my life and we share the same heritage.
So, what does the Celia Cruz Barbie look like?
Celia Cruz Barbie; Photo: Courtesy of Mattel
Known for her dazzling, colorful outfits and elegant wigs on stage, Mattel recreates the singer’s signature look with an eye-popping red and gold dress, matching gold block-heeled sandals, and pristine blonde wig, complete with a gold microphone in hand and images of the performer in the sixties and seventies throughout the box seal the packaging’s aesthetic.
Celia Cruz, born 1925 in Barrios Suarez, Havana, Cuba, was one of four children. Lover of music and dance from an early age, she acquired her first pair of shoes by performing for a tourist in Cuba. From then on, Celia’s passion for singing led her to perform in school productions, notably Havana’s National Conservatory of Music. Her talent caught the attention of musicians and producers after winning a radio contest called the “Tea Hour.” She joined the Las Mulatas Del Fuego group and became the first female lead singer of La Sonora Matancera, Cuba’s most famous orchestra.
On the heels of her success with the orchestra and while touring in Mexico, Cruz decided not to return to Cuba as the Cuban Revolution was in full swing in 1960. Enraged at Celia’s defection and realizing he had lost one of the country’s national treasures, the vindictive dictator banned the singer from returning to the island. And she never did. She made America her permanent home and joined the Tito Puente orchestra in the mid-1960s. Cruz’s dazzling costumes, high-energy performances, and magnetic personality catapulted the group’s popularity. The label (Fania) dedicated to salsa, a sound mixing Cuban and Afro-Latin beats, emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s when she recorded one of her trademark hits, “Quimbera.” Unfazed by being the only female performer in a large band (unheard of at the time in the male-dominated industry), Celia’s fame continued to ascend — touring internationally and performing with the biggest names in music.
Fania All Stars in 1980; Photo: Celia Cruz Biography
The multi-Grammy-award-winning celebrated songstress’s career spans six decades with 80 albums, earning 23 Gold Records. She pioneered the music genre of salsa globally, paved the way for other artists, and amplified her Afro-Latinidad heritage through song, dance, and dress. Mattel creating a doll in her honor is an incredible source of pride for me and countless Latinos, further establishing her star power and legacy. Check out Mattel’s website to buy the Celia Cruz Barbie and other dolls from their Inspiring Women Series.
How One Man’s Dream to Spice Up the Cheeto Came to Fruition.
Flamin’ Hot Movie Poster; Photo: 20th Century Studios.
As a kid traveling to Mexico, I was always intrigued when the locals would add Tajín spice (a unique blend of 100% natural chili peppers, lime & sea salt) to fruits and almost all of their cuisine. Spice is a staple for Mexicans. I’m Cuban, and we’re used to heavy seasoning, but not food that would set your mouth ablaze. Thefilm triggered memories of my almost choking on a mango with Tajín and thinking, ‘I might die, but this is delicious.’
Flamin’ Hot follows Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia), a Mexican-American man’s corporate journey to revolutionize the popular American snack based on his book: A Boy, a Burrito, and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive. Actress/producer/ director Eva Longoria made her feature directorial debut and brought Richard’s story to the big screen.
Richard Montañez (Jessie Garcia) and Judy Montañez (Annie Gonzalez); Photo: 20th Century Studios.
We meet Richard as a boy in 1960s Los Angeles in Guasti, California, a community of grape pickers struggling to make a living. Montañez has ten siblings. Life was hard, rife with racism and run-ins with the law. Making matters worse, he grew up with gangs and limited opportunities to make money legally. However, the one positive thing in his life was his childhood sweetheart, Judy (Annie Gonzalez), and partner-in-crime until she became pregnant. With his father’s derogatory comments about him in his head and unflinching determination, Richard decides to make a change. He seeks the help of a fellow gangbanger who left “the life” behind by working at the Frito Lay plant. Richard lands the janitor job and gravitates toward the most intelligent man on the plant floor, an engineer named Clarence Baker (Dennis Haysbert), who educates him on the ins and out of production.
Richard Montañez (Jessie Garcia) with Clarence Baker (Dennis Haybert); Photo: 20th Century Studios.
After hearing that Frito Lay sales are down and the plant might close, Montañez develops a spicy concoction with his family in their kitchen and create a new product that celebrates their Mexican heritage. The idea didn’t take off initially, as corporate naysayers didn’t invest in the product’s marketing and promotion. Undeterred, Richard finds another way to get consumers’ attention. His drive to succeed is unparalleled, and the film affirms this message.
Flamin’ Hot is an American immigrant story that relates, inspires, and speaks to American tenacity by proving people wrong and making it anyway! The story’s pacing is perfect, and the characters are lovable and funny.
Yet, the film is full of controversy. In 2021, after Richard Montañez’s book was released, a Los Angeles Times reporter published an article titled: “The man who didn’t invent Flamin’ Hot Cheetos,” claiming his year-long investigative reporting, along with Frtio Lay’s internal investigation concluded that Montañez’s dates are off as well as his association CEO, Roger Enrico (Tony Shalhoub), who in the movie greenlit Montañez’s game-changing idea.
Richard Montañez holding a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos bag; Photo: 20th Century Studios.
Following the article’s publication, Richard Montañez responded:
“I don’t care what room you’re in; somebody in the room will always try to steal your destiny. People may even say you never existed. I want you to do this: Write down your history because if you don’t, somebody else will. Remember that. And also, remember this, the best way to destroy a positive message is to destroy the messenger. Never allow that to happen to you. I’m certainly not going to let it happen to me.”
PepsiCo, Frito-Lay’s parent company, later stated:
“Far from being an urban legend, Richard had a remarkable 40-plus-year career at PepsiCo and made an incredible impact on our business and employees and continues to serve as an inspiration today. His insights and ideas on how to better serve Hispanic consumers were invaluable and directly resulted in the success of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. To be clear, we have no reason to doubt the stories he shares about taking the initiative to create new product ideas for the Cheetos brand and pitching them to past PepsiCo leaders.”
Sure. Hollywood is known to embellish true stories to dramatize plots, but corporations are notorious for poaching ideas from employees without giving them their due credit. And why would Richard Montañez go on a limb if his version wasn’t authentic? You be the judge. Flamin’ Hot is streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Watch it now!
Stream both these funny and poignant shows on Netflix if you can spare the time this long holiday weekend.
From L to R: Celeste Barber in Wellmania and Rob Lowe in Unstable, photos: Netflix
I love a good series that refrains me from checking the remaining episodes and making time breeze by. Furthermore, I’m all in when the pacing, dialogue, and scenery are just right. Let’s not forget the superb acting mixed in, contemplating the characters’ actions long after the show has ended.
First Up — Wellmania
The Celeste Barber-driven comedy follows Liv Healy, a lifestyle journalist and food critic — living and playing hard in NYC, heading back to her native Sydney, Australia, for her best friend’s birthday party, only to suffer a health scare that leaves her stuck in the country. The eight-episode series chronicles her journey back to the States while trying to get healthy. The show is one misadventure after another, with family members and friends grappling with their issues, making Liv examine some childhood trauma. Barber is enigmatic in this role — from rocking wild funky outfits to her lousy decision-making and outright funny quips, she’s effortlessly funny and worth watching.
If you don’t know Celeste Barber, she’s the social media content creator that gained a massive following after recreating and parodying ridiculous celebrity and influencer posts like the one below:
From L to R: Kendall Jenner and Celeste Barber recreating the viral image, photo: Barber’s Instagram
Before poking fun at prominent personalities, Celeste Barber got her start in entertainment in the Australian medical drama All Saints as paramedic Bree Matthews and as a writer-performer on The Matty Jones Show. Celeste has since become an internet sensation with 9.5 million followers on Instagram. She’s funny and unapologetically herself. And indeed, why audiences respond to her.
Next up: Unstable
From L to R: Rob Lowe and son John Owen Lowe in Unstable, photo: Netflix
Veteran actor Rob Lowe assumes the role of Ellis Dragon, an eccentric CEO and founder of a biotech research firm acting erratic and on the verge of being ousted by board members. Anna Bennet, his reliable and whipsmart CFO, played by the talented English actress Sian Clifford (Fleabag), tries to remedy the situation by enlisting his son Jackson, who lives in New York, to prevent his father from spiraling further and save the company. The father/son relationship is strained. The most important person in their lives, wife to Ellis and mother to Jackson, recently passed, and they are coping as best as they can — but not in the healthiest way.
Unstable is refreshing, especially in a sea of contrived wannabe comedies recently released. The dialogue is punchy and quick-witted. Although, the father-son duo doesn’t go below the surface and could dig deeper into their grief. Rob Lowe is kooky and unpredictable, similar to his memorable Chris Traeger character in the series Parks and Recreation. Lowe’s real-life son, John Own Lowe, lands the socially awkward Jackson, who makes an impression and stirs up trouble between workplace besties scientists Luna (Rachel Marsh) and Ruby (Emma Ferreira).
Wellmania (created by Brigid Delaney and Benjamin Law) and Unstable have interesting premises and feature diverse, dynamic characters — a big step in Hollywood casting initiatives. Hopefully, Netflix will return these shows for a second season and beyond. Follow me for more fresh takes on amazing entertainment stories.
Prepare to Alter Your Preconceived Notions of the Classically Dutiful Prince Charming and Cinderella.
A new rendition of the timeless fairytale recently debuted on the Broadway stage. Famed composer Andrew Lloyd brought the musical from London’s West End stateside to delight and enchant new audiences with surprisingly entertaining twists to the story.
And If you follow or even write about Broadway as I do, you may have read that ‘Bad Cinderella’ took a lashing from the press for deviating from the original story. Or that the casting wasn’t traditional. Traditional in the sense that it wasn’t an all-white cast or didn’t follow the boy-meets-girl or boy-saves-girl formula often beaten to a pulp in storytelling. Instead, boy-and- girl save one another.
Andrew Lloyd Webber took a chance on casting the first Latina to play the lead as Cinderella, Linedy Genao (Dear Evan Hansen,In the Heights), and her love interest, Prince Sebastian is African-American, played by Jordan Dobson (Hadestown, A Beautiful Noise). In the musical, Dobson is Prince Charming’s uncharismatic socially-awkward brother, while Prince Charming is revered, perfectly chiseled, and slain at war — or was he?
The story follows Cinderella, a scruffy, leather-wearing outcast who doesn’t adhere to Belleville’s (the fictitious kingdom in the musical) societal rules of beauty and fitting in. She’s a misfit. Constant troublemaker. Someone who talks back to her stepmother and vandalizes Prince Charming’s statute with the words: Beauty Sucks! Though deep down she longs to be accepted and find people who love her as she is, Cinderella finds solace in her friendship with Prince Sebastian since they were kids. But their infatuation for one another is threatened when Prince Sebastian’s mother, the Queen, decides to marry him off to a maiden in Belleville. Cinderella comes to a cross-road. I won’t spoil what happens next.
But here are some highlights worth mentioning:
Bad Cinderella, written by Academy-Award-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Killing Eve), does take liberties with the dialogue. Phrases such as “Badass” and “You’re giving peasant” are part of the musical’s lexicon. Or the chorus, known as the Hunks, played by shirtless, buff male dancers gloriously basking in objectification. Lastly, when the seemingly ominous fairy godmother, played by Christina Acosta Robinson (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), states she doesn’t perform plastic surgery. It’s reflective of the modern age we live in. Isn’t it?
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical numbers: “Only You, Lonely You” and “Far Too Late,” sung by Dobson and Genao, will trigger your emotions. The wickedly sassy number: “I Know You,” sung by the Stepmother, Carolee Carmello (Lestat, Finding Neverland), and the Queen, Grace McLean (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), is a scene stealer. McLean and Carmello are intoxicatingly devilish in these roles — and they know it!
The set and costume design (by Gabriela Tylesova) is an extension of each character in this colorful and charming musical — intricately woven props adding drama and tension to each scene.
Bad Cinderella is worth the ride into the world of reenvisioned fairytales. The characters are memorable. Each of their quirky nuances melds into a unique story. Playing at the Imperial Theatre, Bad Cinderella runs for two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission and will be on Broadway through September 2023. Get your tickets now!
Credits:
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by David Zippel. Book by Emerald Fennell and Alexis Scheer. Directed by Laurence Connor. Choreography, Joann M. Hunter; sets and costumes, Gabriela Tylesova; lights, Bruno Poet; sound, Gareth Owen; hair and wigs, Luc Verschueren; U.S. music supervision and direction, Kristen Blodgette; production stage manager Bonnie L. Becker.
Cast: Linedy Genao, Jordan Dobson, Carolee Carmello, Grace McLean, Sami Gayle, Morgan Higgins, Cameron Loyal, Christina Acosta Robinson. Savy Jackson, Raymond Baynard, Mike Baerga, Lauren Boyd, Tristen Buettel, Kaleigh Cronin, Josh Drake, Ben Lanham, Ángel Lozada, Cameron Loyal, Mariah Lyttle, Sarah Meahl, Christian Probst, Larkin Reilly, Julio Rey, Lily Rose, J. Savage, Tregony Shepherd, Dave Schoonover, Paige Smallwood, Aléna Watters, Alyssa Carol, Gary Cooper, Robin Masella, Michael Milkanin, Chloé Nadon-Enriquez, Lucas Thompson.
Mystical beasts. Heroes. Villains. Good vs. evil reimagined? These are just some highlights of this fantasy-driven film Netflix released today.
From left to Right: Refinery29 moderator, director Paul Feig, actors Sophia Anne Caruso, Kit Young, and author Soman Chainani
I was recently invited to an advanced screening and cast Q&A for The School For Good and Evil. Going in with a blank slate and no preconceived notions, I was pleasantly surprised to learn the story has predominantly female leads, with two powerhouse actresses in particular: Kerry Washington and Charlize Theron, who play the school’s deans. Professor Dovey (Washington) is optimistic and lively, while her counterpart Lady Lesso (Theron), is sour and unscrupulous; both oversee the heroes and villains in the making, ready to conquer the world.
Kerry Washington And Charlize Theron In The School For Good And Evil
Bringing this ensemble of magnetic actresses together is acclaimed director Paul Feig, who relishes in the dynamics of female narratives, heavily present in his films like the all-star female reboot of Ghostbusters and the comedy cult-classic: Bridesmaids. Besides directing the film, Paul Feig co-wrote the screenplay with David Magee and Soman Chainani (author of TheSchool For Good and Evil franchise).
The School for Good and Evil follows two best friends from the fictional village of Galvadon, Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie), who share a bond over being outcasts and form a pact when tested and chastised by fellow villagers and decide to have each other’s backs. Sophie is a seamstress disillusioned with her surroundings and already resembles a princess, albeit a shabby one. She dreams of leaving her village and attending the school of Good, while Agatha, appearing to possess witch-like tendencies, is determined to convince her friend to remain in their town and stick it out.
Sophia Anne Caruso And Sofia Wylie
On a fateful night under the blood-red moon, the friends are swept away by mystical creatures that carry them to opposing sides of the school to room with the offspring of Cinderella, Captain Hook, King Arthur, and the Wicked Witch, to name a few — and train to be “pure” or “wicked.” The epic battle between the schools not only tests the girls’ friendship but seemingly reveals their true nature.
Adapted from author Soman Chainani’s Young Adult six-part book series (first published in 2013), he serves as executive producer on the film. According to the author:
“I was inspired to write a fantasy series that would turn fairy tale tropes on their head.”
Can the friendship between these two girls survive? Are the girls in their designated schools?
How can the secrets from their past turn the tide in the fairy-tale world they now inhabit? Although there are princes and nemesis to contend with — the focus is more on female kinship than the quintessential girl-meets-boy, boy-saves-girl narratives we’ve come to expect — I’m here for it. Rounding out the cast is Laurence Fishburne, authoritative and quirky, as a schoolmaster who declares that the only way for Sophie and Agatha to live out their destinies is with a “true kiss.” And the stoic and regal Michelle Yeoh, as Professor Anemone, is in charge of harnessing princess etiquette from students of the “Good” school.
Laurence Fishburne As The School Master
Premiering on Netflix today, The School for Good and Evil is a fun ride into a new world of fairy tale storytelling filled with stunning sorcery, magic, and special effects. The Paul Feig flick will not disappoint fans of the fantasy genre — and will definitely attract some new ones. Click here to learn more!
Kristen Wiig (L) and Annie Mumolo (R), Photo: Cate Cameron
On the fence of what to watch to keep you entertained, while we collectively, stay home to weather the uncertainty of our existence? Look no further than Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo – the dynamic female duo responsible for the hilarious Oscar-nominated comedy, Bridesmaids, deliver a ridiculous and funny film – yet again. With Writer/Actor/Producer credits under their belt, Mumolo and Wiig, bring a whole new meaning to kitsch – they actually make it cool. According to Mumolo, the completed story for the film took many drafts and years to make, and both her and Wiig were thrilled to see these characters come to life.
Jamie Dornan, Photo: Cate Cameron
So who are these memorable characters? The premise: Barb and Star have known each for most of their lives and come from the fictitious Midwestern city of Soft Rock, Nebraska. After recently being laid off from their dream job at Jennifer Convertibles, the delightfully chatty middle-aged best friends embark on journey of self-discovery and freedom from inhibitions at the Vista Del Mar resort in Florida. What ensues is a trippy and colorful story of a friendship tested by an amorous encounter with Edgar, played by the charismatic, Jamie Dornan, from the famed 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. Who knew Mr. Grey had comedic timing? Well, the dramatic actor who’s played him in the last 3 titillating films – that’s who. Dornan is fantastic as he sings, leaps, and rolls around in the sand, professing his love for his boss and villain in the movie, Sharon Gordon Fisherman, also played by Kristen Wiig. Wiig’s Fisherman villain is reminiscent of her kooky character, Alexanya Atoz from Zoolander 2. Fisherman’s zany plot to destroy the made-up Floridian city, where Barb and Star are vacationing, is as nutty as her costume and make up, also nothing short of spectacular.
Kristen Wiig (L) and Annie Mumolo (R), Photo: Cate Cameron
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar serves up the type of escapism and joy a movie should provide. Mumolo and Wiig do a superb job of giving these quirky and enchanting characters, in their late forties, a refreshing narrative injected with marvelous musical numbers. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, and also produced by Will Ferrell and Adam Mckay, the Lionsgate film has a running time of 106 minutes, is currently out on all major streaming platforms, arrives on digitalMarch 26th, and will be out on Blu-ray April 6th. For more information on the Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,click here.
Diana Danelys De los Santos, otherwise known as Amara La Negra, ascent into fame didn’t happen overnight. The singer/songwriter/author and TV host has been in the limelight since age 4 as part of “Sábado Gigante’s” el Clan Infantil (children clan), hosted by Don Francisco. “Sábado Gigante” was the holy grail of entertainment for Latino households across the U.S. – a variety show filled wild performances, comedy skits, games, and lots of models. On for 53 years and acknowledged by the Guinness World Record as the longest-running variety show, it shaped Latino television as we know it. As a teen, if I dared to change the channel – I’d be punished by my parents or encounter a flying chancleta. I remember watching Amara dancing with other little girls – the only Afro-Latina in the group with energy to spare.
I’ve hummed her songs (Ayy and Se Que Soy) and seen her on “Love and Hip Hop: Miami”, but recently watched her on HBO’s “Habla Now” documentary discussing colorism in the Latin community. Out of the 14 celebrities that spoke on Latinidad and their experiences in the U.S., Amara’s words resonated with me: “Colorism and racial issues happen among Latinos as well. We can be very racist amongst Latinos with one aonther. And that’s the truth!” Amara went on to say, “We consistently are trying to see what nationality is better than the other. What race is better? We create this division amongst ourselves. If we don’t see each other as equals we’re never going to be able to grow and feel empowered.” Quite the statement, calling out the hypocrisy in our own cultures, I was drawn to her candor. And reached out for an interview. We chatted about everything from her experience on reality TV, to reinventing herself during the pandemic, to building generational wealth among Latinos.
You’ve accomplished so much before the age of 30. Singer/Author/Actress/TV Host. That’s Quadruple Threat Status. What are you most passionate about and can’t live without doing?
Yes, I guess I am a quadruple-threat (laughs). Being on stage, that’s it. I love performing. I love getting dressed up. I love my dancers and rehearsing with them. I’m a showgirl. I grew up admiring Tina Turner, Janet Jackson. People that put on a show. I love being in contact, in touch with the audience. Feeling that we have a connection. That’s why I appreciate my fans so much.
“Love and Hip Hop: Miami” is in its 3rd season and you are one of the breakout stars that has gained popularity. Has production resumed and do the producers coerce or suggest that you engage in certain situations that are scripted?
“Love and Hip Hop: Miami” isn’t scripted. I would never bad mouth my producers, no matter what my thoughts are, out of respect and gratitude. But I will say some scenarios are not the ones that exist in my day-to-day life. When you’re on a reality TV show, you have to confront certain situations. Me, away from the camera, I don’t have time for these exchanges and I leave. I’m not a fan of the drama. People place artists, celebrities on a pedestal. Thinking it’s impossible for them to get upset. In real life, people have real personalities – no matter how much you admire them, they have good and bad days. Sometimes you might get them on bad day.
Do you find at this point in your career you still have to explain your Afro-Latina heritage to new members on the show or anyone else you encounter?
When it comes to the show, I’ve made my stance known and everybody knows I’m Afro-Latina. I don’t think I’m the most famous Afro-Latina and everyone should know who I am. I don’t see myself that way. Will I continue to answer questions about my ethnicity and background, if people have questions and don’t know? Definitely. As long as it comes from an educational place, not a disrespectful place and they want to learn.
Amara La Negra in Tu Cara Me Suena, Photo: Amara La Negra’s Instagram
You’ve recently been co-hosting “Tú Cara Me Suena” on Univision. What has that experience been like?
I’ve been with Univision with a long time. I basically grew up in Univision. I never thought as an adult I’d see myself hosting with the network. I’m lying. I’m lying. When I was younger that was my dream. When I used to See Lili Estefan on “El Gordo y La Flaca” I said: One day I want to be a host and do what she’s doing. It’s surreal that I’ve been doing it for the last 2 years. I hosted” Premios Juventud,” “Mira Quién Baila” backstage, and “Sal y Pimienta.”I’m doing another awards show in November, legally, I can’t mention it. But it’s big for Latinos. It’s a blessing. Feels good. I’m able to break barriers for others to come. I’m giving young girls and young men that come from the Afro-Latino community, like me, visibility. It wasn’t easy. I’ve been very vocal about it, but I was able to get a spot. And thanks to this spot, I’m able to open doors for others.
Do you feel Afro-Latina celebrities are scrutinized more as opposed to non Afro-Latina celebrities?
It’s really hard. I’m just speaking for myself. I have only but the best intentions. I’ve never wanted to make anyone feel uncomfortable or offend anyone’s culture or religion, etc. A lot of times, people have these really high standards for me because I’ve become one of the most recognizable faces for the Afro-Latino community, not just as an artist, as an activist too. It’s A LOT of pressure because you have to be so careful with what you say, because you may come across as offensive, even if what you say is true to you. I have to think about my career – something I’ve worked so on hard my whole life. A lot of things can be ruined in a second based on my opinions. It’s hard to be real and be yourself, express how you feel, how people view me without jeopardizing my job.
What do you think about cancel culture? Especially if in the past, you’ve made a controversial statement.
People have become very judgmental. It’s very easy to point fingers at everybody else’s mistakes, without pointing fingers at themselves first. I feel we have to give people opportunities, because we’re human. There’s no guidebook to how to live in this world. We learn as we go. In that process, we make mistakes, and we grow. A lot of people make mistakes – that doesn’t mean we should disregard all the hard work they’ve done, their accomplishments, or impact they’ve made for their culture and communities, up until that moment they said something deemed wrong. I don’t think it’s fair.
Photo: Amara La Negra’s Instagram
What are your thoughts on the anti-Black sentiment expressed by certain Dominican communities in Washington Heights, New York?
I’m not 100% informed on the subject, but I heard something. I don’t want to call out Dominicans specifically. Colorism and racism exist all over the world in every single Latin community. The lack of education, the lack of knowledge brings a lot of ignorance to the forefront. The way people react is based off of ignorance. Everyone is trying to find his or her niche. Everyone is trying to find a spot where they belong. It’s also a system that has brainwashed us for hundreds of years – a brainwashed mentality that has been passed down from one generation to the next and so forth, dividing us instead of uniting us. If we united forces, we’d be unstoppable. It’d be crazy. They wouldn’t know how to handle us as a community. Through education, we can press the reset button in our minds and break that cycle for the next generation to come.
Amara La Negra has kept busy during the pandemic, apart from TV hosting, leading on-air radio shows, and partaking in our interview, she’s been buying real estate. The multi-faceted star bought her first home for her mother, Ana Maria Oleaga, last year. Amara said, “She worked so hard for me to become successful. I wanted to give her something in return.” Amara wants to make smart investments as the pandemic has shut down entertainment production across the globe, she, and all of us, have come to realize: you can’t rely solely on just one source of income – a true test in reinvention. She preaches to her fans about generational wealth and leaving future generations with tools and the foundation to becoming successful. She plans on owning 5 properties by the end of 2020; an empowering Latina female artist realizing her potential and leading by example.
From Top Left: Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, Kamala Harrris, Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Bottom Left, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph
If you’re like me, you may be experiencing Zoom fatigue. Whether it’s for your job, activism, or getting together with friends and business associates via virtual chat – the novelty of this communication method seems to be waning for many. And with the pandemic, thriving in many states across the U.S. – Zoom or other virtual conferencing platforms seem likely to stay. Yet, the virtual Grassroots Event hosted by Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph with guest speakers Democratic Vice President nominee, Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, this week, made me less sour about the medium and restored some of my faith on its benefits.
There were some hiccups, as there always is on Zoom meetings. Someone’s muted; they keep talking, don’t know they are muted, go off to the side, come back and start speaking again and everyone can hear them. In this case, it happened to Amy Poehler: the host. She carried on with her funny animated gestures while Maya Rudolph stepped in. Rudolph attributed to the glitch to a conspiracy plot, while Hillary Clinton blamed the Russians. It was all done in good fun and the mood was light. These two comediennes, who are known to impersonate their guests, knew how to ask pressing questions without the rigidity of typical political discourse and also make us laugh. We found out some interesting facts about the panelists. Hillary likes to nap during quarantine, Kamala has been cooking the same three meals on rotation, Amy has been teaching her kids sign language and Maya has been immersed in playing new games with her children. The hosts did pose serious questions to Harris and Clinton.
Kamala Harris
They discussed the lack of leadership in the White House, the admission made by Trump on tape, recorded by journalist, Bob Woodward, about how deadly the Coronavirus is, it’s impact, and the near 200,000 Americans left to die because of Trump’s inaction. How Trump projects hostility and can’t take a joke, or make a joke for that matter; a sign, all the speakers agreed is telling of a flawed character. Kamala Harris spoke about Biden’s plans to address climate change with the devastating fires pummeling the West Coast. Joe Biden’s commitment to unite the country. Both Harris and Clinton couldn’t praise the other enough and Clinton assured conference attendees to watch Kamala Harris emerge as the victor during Kamala Harris and Mike Pence’s debate, scheduled in a few weeks. To learn more about future grassroots events and to get Joe Biden and Kamala elected, click here. Also to learn whether you are registered to vote, click here.
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