The amazing American Violet hits DVD today.  Based on a true story, a single mother of three, Dee Roberts, is randomly arrested on bogus drug charges. Forced with the choice to either give in or to fight, she challenges an archaic, corrupt and racist Texas legal system, risking the freedom of herself and her family.

During the press for American Violet, where I interviewed Nicole Beharie and Xzibit, I also had a chance to sit down with the legendary Oscar nominee and Emmy winner, Alfre Woodard.  One of the most interesting quotes she gave me was on advice for aspiring actors and telling video vixens with names like “Chocolata” to keep those legs closed.

You’ve been in this industry for a long time. Is there anything you had to work for that the young actresses of today take for granted?
“What I would say that exists now, with the 24-hour news cycle and just the rabid, insatiable appetite for being in people’s business — people are famous for total bullsh*t reasons now! But, those are the images that are flashed all the time. That person might get a role over a person who is actually gifted and trained like Nicole Beharie — she is being considered in the same breath as a video vixen is.  Some studio says, ‘Well, more people will watch it if ‘Chocolata’ plays Sojourner Truth!’ [Laughs] Most of us who are over 40, maybe even over 30 — people may know things about us, but they don’t know when we ovulate. We learned how to close our legs when we get out of limos — whether you had your panties on or not.

“I would say to young actors, you really have to find – not even backdoor ways – windows, which haven’t been closed tight to get yourself in the room. People head off looking for people to act as leads in their movies to places where people are singing and dancing, but yet you’ve spent all this time preparing yourself. I would tell them don’t come to this hedonistic ball unless you come with training. All that other stuff will die away, it will fall and you just persevere. You have to know that you define who you are, you declare yourself an actor. You don’t wait for a magazine, newspaper or awards; you know who you are. Sometimes they might turn to you and recognize you, but don’t wait on it and certainly don’t depend on it.”

Tell it like it is, Alfre!  Quick — email blast this to… well, you fill in the blank.

Summary: Based on a true story during the 2000 Gore-Bush election, Dee Roberts and many people in her community are arrested on random drugs charges. Roberts must prove her innocence while putting the life of her and her family at risk.

Review: American Violet is one of those films that you just know is going to be a good movie from the previews. It’s a story with a purpose, thoughtfulness and stays with you regardless of your race or socioeconomic background. In addition, it’s a haunting story that could happen to anyone if you do not live in a privileged neighborhood. Written and directed by Bill Haney, the movie is delivered with a gritty but sharp independent feel. No big special effects, no $10 million paid actors, no elaborate sets—just a solid script and creators who care about the story. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s easy to remember holiday classics like Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol.  However, if you want to check out holiday movies with a lil’ color, this list is for you.

5. Last Holiday (2006)

There have been a string of black holiday films (Perfect Holiday, This Christmas) in the past few years, but one could argue the success of Queen Latifah’s Last Holiday rejuvenated the trend.  The film is a remake from 1955 with Latifah playing a woman who finds out she only has weeks alive.  She spends her last holiday doing all she never had a chance to do.  Latifah’s presence carries the film and her co-star, LL Cool J, adds some flavor.

4.  A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000)

A fun, light-hearted film — and any excuse to see Vanessa Williams on camera is a plus.  Before Williams was the high-powered diva, Wilhelmina Slater, on Ugly Betty she played Ebony Scrooge (Ebenezer Scrooge – get it?) in the 2000 VH1 production of A Diva’s Christmas Carol.  A modern and divalicious remake of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  A Diva’s Christmas Carol is an amsuing watch and includes appearances from Brian McKnight and Chili of TLC.

3.  Holiday Heart (2000)

Ving Rhames in drag is more like a horror flick during Halloween, however,  for better or for worse, Holiday Heart is a classic.  Rhames is a drag queen named Holiday who is a staunch Christian.  Wanda (Alfre Woodard) is trying to care for her daughter while battling drugs.  Rhames becomes a parental figure with the story’s climax hitting on Christmas Eve.

2. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

The Preacher’s Wife would be Whitney Houston’s last big screen film appearance and probably her best acting to date.  The Preacher’s Wife starred Oscar-winner Denzel Washington and was a story about a preacher who prays for help with his struggling church.  His prayers are answered with the help of an angel (Denzel Washington) who falls for the preacher’s wife — Whitney Houston’s character.  A great holiday film for the entire family.  Plus, Nippy belts out her hit “I Believe in You and Me.”

1.  The Kid Who Loved Christmas (1990)

A made for TV movie that was produced by Eddie Murphy Productions and starred Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, Della Resse, and marks Sammy Davis Jr.’s last film appearance.  The Kid Who Loved Christmas is a touching story about a child’s only wish to be with his father for Christmas.  While not well known, one would think with all the star power that the movie would at some point make it to DVD.

Happy Holidays!