Poetry is my second language. Prior to moving to New York, I had the pleasure of performing spoken word at Fuzzy Wednesdays, an open mic night in my hometown in Virginia. I was living my own personal version of Love Jones, all while trying to get my hands on anything written by my poetic sheroes. My introduction to Ntozake Shange was met with mild hesitation. I had heard nothing but praise for Colored Girls; however, seeing the word “suicide” in the title was quite daunting. My sheroes didn’t use words like suicide! They all would surely side with Chris Rock’s comedic satire: “If you haven’t contemplated murder, you ain’t been in love!” But, challenging myself, I began reading the tales of the rainbow and officially bowed down to Shange’s genius.

Once I heard word of Tyler Perry heading up to Harlem this past summer to shoot the exterior scenes for the film adaptation of For Colored Girls, I knew it would be a must-see flick. The movie is in theaters tomorrow, but I had a chance to get an advanced sneak peek a few weeks back. Just a few seats away was Sherri Shepherd of The View!

I was fully engrossed in the emotional commotion onscreen and the shameless sobs coming from Sherri. I wish I could remember all of the rhymes that pointed out pearls of wisdom wrapped in poetry. I do remember finally allowing my tears to fall freely while listening to Loretta Devine recite the line, “After you put my heart in the bottom of your shoe, you just walked back to where you hurt…and I didn’t have nothing.” I have been there and don’t plan on going back!

The real place to be was at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery for Tim Palen’s Living Portraits Exhibit. Janet Jackson played hostess with other ladies in the building including Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose, Loretta Devine and Thandie Newton. I stood in awe surrounded by “superstars” that simply gathered as a newfound family, openly welcoming newcomers such as myself.

The conversations continued the next day during the press conference. You couldn’t help but feel the pride Tyler Perry held for the actors. Whether they played victim or villain, the reward was a red carpet premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre and a party at the Plaza! Now, there ain’t no party like a Tyler Perry party — if you don’t believe me, feel free to ask Chris Tucker, Sugar Shane Mosley, Niecy Nash, Estelle, Macy Gray or any of the countless celebs who were in the building.

All of the mixing, mingling, and media duties meshed together in a brilliant blur that left me with an even clearer picture of my future. One woman’s decision to write exquisite words that eventually became For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf is still inspiring girls of color over 30 years later. I now see that dreams may be lived out loud and revered in vivid multicolor. The sky is the limit and my rainbow will be seen in all its splendor.

For Colored Girls is in theatres tomorrow.

Who would have thought that Chris Rock would launch my writing career! Last year, I was invited to see an advance screening of Good Hair shown at the 13th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival.  I could not pass up an opportunity to see the controversial but hilarious film.  Mr. Rock was sharing with the world the who, what, when, where, and whys of weave! I quietly sat in the crowded theatre as the audience gasped, swooned and swore to slap any melanin-challenged “outsider” that had the newfound knowledge.  Living to tell the tale, I typed up my first article for BET.com and received a “Wow!” via email from the comedy legend.

Marking my one-year anniversary, I eagerly accepted the invitation to attend the 14th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival. Armed with a little more experience, I was ready to tackle a new challenge: the infamous red carpet interview.  With poise and persistence, I scored an interview with the beautiful Kerry Washington.  I grabbed her attention. Before answering the first of many questions I posed, Kerry commented on my upbeat energy and my professionalism saying to all within earshot, “I love this girl!” Well, I love you too Kerry and definitely loved seeing you sport that short afro in the opening night’s film, Night Catches Us!

Nia Long was also there. The veteran actress appeared in the film that won top honors at Urbanworld, Mooz-Lum, wearing traditional Muslim garb and playing Evan Ross’ mother.

Of the three films I viewed during this film festival, there was one that resonated with me most, striking a personal chord and lingering in my thoughts days after the closing credits rolled: Ava DuVernay’s I Will Follow.   The film led me on an unexpected journey of self-reflection. The narrative tale of selflessness and self-discovery allowed me time to find perspective as well as pieces of myself projected on the screen.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield teams up with her former Posse co-star, Blair Underwood, and my most recent celebrity crush, Omari Hardwick, in a journey of grief and personal growth. I watched the story unfold as if I were standing on tip-toes, peering through a neighbor’s window.  I Will Follow was an unobtrusive, unspoken invitation to people-watch, as long as I promised I would try to learn something from what I was witnessing.

Family drama, jealousy, anger but overall redemption proved the belief that you can love someone and not necessarily like them. Where is it written that just because you happen to share a few strands of DNA with a relative that this genetic imprint automatically makes you friends?

Much like the main character Maye, I have decided to walk down the road less traveled, all while remaining mindful so as not to lose sight of family and friends traveling down another. Perhaps rightfully deemed the Denise Huxtable of my family, I have opted for a life of chasing dreams. Although I have successfully caught and tackled a few (including becoming a published writer — thanks again BET.com!), there are still a few naysayers found nestled on the branches of my family tree.

The reality — family isn’t always on your side. Also, much like Maye, I have had my share of “new loves,” “old loves” and “why-can’t-he-just-get-it-together-and-be-everything-I-need-him-to-be-so-we-can-start-a-family-and-finally-give-my-mother-a-grandchild?” loves.  I Will Follow taught me sometimes there isn’t a happily ever after, especially if you don’t properly love yourself.  Relationships don’t always turn out the way you expect them to, and this film presented that truth.  Finally some truth on the screen!  After Eat, Pray, Love and Sex and the City 2, I thought doses of truth were abandoned in cinema.

While I patiently wait in love limbo, positioned between old and new, I vow if given the opportunity, all of my free time will gladly be shared with Omari Hardwick. I will follow him—anywhere!

I don’t know about you, but if a vampire does not burst into flames in sunlight it’s not a true vampire in my book! Stephenie Meyer took a timeless tale of terrifying creatures of old and exercised artistic liberty to create a clan of blood-sucking, teen-loving, glitter-glowing vamps that have taken the modern-day movie-going world by storm. Everyone and their mommas (literally tweens to 30-somethings) are caught up in this romantic yet radical tale of teen angst. The third installment of the Twilight series, Eclipse, hits theaters tomorrow, and after seeing the film last night, now is the time to finally choose a side. Are you on Team Edward or Team Jacob?

There comes a time in every girl’s life when she has to decide what type of guy she should “tie her soul to.” I have quite a few years and more melanin on Kristen Stewart’s character, Bella, but I’m still trying to figure the type I want to be tied to. But why do I have to be tied? Can’t I just be cuddled?

Well, how in the world is Bella supposed to decide before the credits roll? Here are the choices. You have the bad boy, in this case a vampire that promises you a lifetime of youth and unbridled yearning. Robert Pattinson’s character, Edward, has got Bella caught up in his boyish charm and old school chivalry, even though he’s cold as stone and has no beating heart… Well, girls, they’re never perfect!

A life with Edward will keep Bella forever young by becoming an ageless vampire – even if she has no soul. This factor is a definite plus in today’s society. Masses of women are fighting the aging process armed with the 3 Bs: Botox, breast lifts, and occasional bulimia. No one wants to get old. I, too, have a hang up with openly sharing my age; perhaps it has something to do with my Southern upbringing. A lady never tells her age and a gentleman should never ask! So, I can definitely see why girls of all ages would sign up for Team Edward.

On the other hand, you have the boy next door. Taylor Lautner’s character, Jacob Black, is a part-time werewolf, who unconditionally (even if you also love a pale-faced vampire) loves you for who you are — even when the wrinkles come a few years later.  The 30-something woman who sat beside me in the theater was banking on that… she swooned every time Lautner’s rippled eight-pack abs made a cameo.  I can appreciate the beauty of that brown boy, and I have been known to say, “If you can’t find a good man, you might as well raise one!”  Nonetheless, I’m still well aware of the fact that he is a boy. I shot that woman side-eye stares every time she sighed, all while thinking, “Girl, get yourself together, you could be his momma!”

What is a girl of any age to do? I for one have decided to sign up for Team Jacob for two reasons. One, putting a spin on Wesley Snipes’ catch phrase, “Always bet on Black,” I believe that “ You are insured with the indigenous!” — shout out to my Meherrin Tribe!  Two, although the fantasy of being forever young is enticing, growing older is a reality for everyone. The thought of being with a man without the requirement of losing my soul and him kissing my eventual crows feet — ladies (and boys) that sounds absolutely wonderful to me!

Twilight: Eclipse is in theatres tomorrow.

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J’Nara Corbin is a New York City-based actress and model. She is starring in the film, Finding Me, which is available  on DVD.  To read more of J’Nara’s work click here for her commentary on The Karate Kid.

Having written about films like Good Hair, The Princess and the Frog, Just Wright and Sex and the City 2, I have enjoyed sharing my movie experiences, showing how what I witness on the silver screen mirrors my life. Prior to the lights going down in the Times Square theater for the advanced screening of The Karate Kid, I asked myself, “What in the world do I have in common with a 12-year-old boy who needs to learn Kung Fu to defend himself from bullies?” By the time the closing credits rolled, I answered that question with an unequivocal yet grossly understated “A lot!”

We all have had our share of bullies pop up in our lives; whether they struck fear into you on a playground during your younger years, or they never grew up and followed you into adulthood in the form of unrelenting bosses, bad boyfriends or “frenemies.” We have all had to show restraint by refraining from stooping to their level and slapping their mothers for not doing a better job of rearing these Neanderthals. A true Ultimate Fighter knows that the best fights are the fights we avoid… however, if you should find yourself backed into a corner, it would not hurt to have a Jackie Chan of your own to teach you some moves.

I am sure we all remember The Karate Kid of 1984.  Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita affixed the iconic “wax on, wax off” to the list of the ever-eclectic ’80s totally tubular terminology.  Will and Jada stepping in as producers proved to kick the action up a notch and brought this universal-themed tale of the triumph of the underdog to the 21st century!

Triumph is what this movie is all about. Grown men were yelling at the young boys on screen during the very grown up fight scenes. You would have thought they were in Las Vegas watching a title fight that held their child’s college tuition in the balance!

With punch after punch, kick after kick and Taraji P. Henson yelling, “That’s my baby!” — The Karate Kid left me with an unmistakable life lesson that leaps over all cultural barriers. Life will knock us down, but we can choose to get back up.

I tucked away “wax on, wax off” and replaced it with a mental note to start practicing the seemingly simplistic art of hanging up and picking up my jacket (you’ll get that line when you see it!).  So, I hit the streets of the Big Apple with a lil’ Sex and the City in my step, keeping my eyes open for my Mr. Just Wright and ready to do a quick “Hi-yah!” if the wrong man gets in my way!

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J’Nara Corbin is a New York City-based actress and model. She is starring in the film, Finding Me, which is available  on DVD.  To read more of J’Nara’s work click here for Good Hair: Am I Good Enough?

As the harsh New York winter finally makes way for spring, I find myself breathing in new life with the anticipation of fresh possibilities. The warmer weather brings winds of change and gentle breezes laced with potential love — as you folks know, spring cleaning comes in many forms!  Most people put away heavy coats. Others throw away old ideas, welcoming new ways of looking at love and life. The latest Fox Searchlight flick, Just Wright, is the perfect transition movie for viewers ready to embrace change, making room for romance.

Queen Latifah’s modern-day Cinderella story is a grown up fairy tale that forces the audience to accept the good, bad and ugly of a mature relationship. Latifah’s character, Leslie Wright, is a laid back, basketball-loving physical therapist from Jersey looking for a Prince Charming that can see beyond her tomboyish ways and view her as the queen she truly is. Scott McKnight is played by Common (there’s a man that’s just right!) is just the prince to recognize her royalty.

It’s not love at first sight by any means. This love took time, trust — and the dramatic exit of a trollop! Paula Patton plays Morgan, the Louis Vuitton-lusting woman hoping to make a husband out of Scott McKnight.  While Leslie made first contact with the neighborhood boy-turned-New Jersey Nets sensation, Morgan left nothing to chance and snatched Scott up, armed with a push-up bra and honed-in “Ho-Dar.”

Soon, Scott hits rock bottom with a knee injury on the court.  Leslie takes her passion for basketball and her skills as a physical therapist to pick him up. With tough love and laughter Leslie heals Scott’s knee and his heart.

That is real love boys and girls! Seeing a person when they are down and out, helping them get back on their feet (literally!), and realizing that what a person does for a living is not an indicator of who they are as a person. Many women and men should take note of that lesson.

I decided to walk home from the theatre on a warm Manhattan night. A mere 20-some-odd-block trek was welcomed with a smile. Although I knew the chances of running into my special someone during my evening stroll was slim to none, I walked away from Just Wright knowing that he would most definitely show up right on time.

Just Wright is in theaters nationwide Friday, May 14.

J’Nara Corbin is a New York City-based actress and model. She is starring in the film, Finding Me: Truth, which is in theaters this summer.  For more of her work, you can read her commentary on Princess and the Frog and Chris Rock’s Good Hair.

I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Disney film The Princess and the Frog.  The first African American princess makes her well overdue debut, carving out a place in animated history, joining the ranks of a bevy of beauties destined to sing and dance their way to the ever elusive utopia of “Happily Ever After.” The children in the audience woke up my inner child with their laughter and squeals of delight. They unknowingly gave me the okay to watch with a child’s eyes. No falsehoods. No facades. I was once a little brown girl that dreamed about meeting a prince. I am now a bigger, even older brown girl who still finds myself dreaming, all while trying to forget a few nightmarish dates and relationships.

I hoped that Walt’s crew would teach me all of the ways to catch and keep a prince. I listened to every song like “When We’re Human,” “Almost There,” and “Down in New Orleans.” I watched every dance step with eagerness and anticipation. I was even willing to dethrone Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” as my “Girl, it’s okay to be alone!” anthem.

The romantic and unyielding city of New Orleans was the perfect back drop for this tale of promise and perseverance. Flashes of the French Quarter filled with jazz bands, jambalaya, music and magic brighten up the screen. Anika Noni Rose was the Dreamgirl chosen for this dream job of bringing Tiana to life. Bruno Campos brought passion to Prince Naveen with his buttery smooth Brazilian accent.

I don’t know any women who would hesitate to follow a smooth talking, good-looking man anywhere in the world — even if that means following him into a swamp! You might just have to swat away a few mosquitoes while being serenaded by crickets and crocodiles. Hey, not a bad date — you are out of the house!

Anyone who is still playing the arduous dating game knows you have to kiss a few frogs in your quest for love. We know there are evil forces that keep us from totally connecting with our true love, like long distance, feuding families, conflicting schedules, camera phones, caller ID, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. In Tiana’s case, the wicked forces came in three forms: a self absorbed Southern Debutant whose world solely consisted of parties and fashion; a disobedient servant who desperately longs to be a prince rather than serve a prince; and a voodoo man who keeps company with scary spirits while scamming his way to profit and power. Luckily, Tiana arms herself with good friends, common sense and old fashion upbringing. (You can’t go wrong when Oprah Winfrey is your mother!) She also befriends a blind voodoo priestess (Jenifer Lewis) who is more than willing to share her good juju. You can’t forget the feisty Cajun firefly that threatens to light his butt if anyone ticks him off.

Sadly, no magic words were found to help me cast a love spell. However, the message of self-love was revealed, all while Tiana was getting closer to her unexpected yet inevitable fairy tale ending with Prince Naveen. She had already successfully found love with herself, her life and made a clear path to her personal dreams and career goals. Tiana was “Almost There;” the Prince was simply a surprise to her already-fulfilled life. He was not the reason for her joy and happiness; he was a welcomed addition. Powdered sugar on the beignet!

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J’Nara Corbin is a New York City-based actress and model. She is starring in the film, Finding Me, which is available  on DVD.  To read more of J’Nara’s work click here for Good Hair: Am I Good Enough?