RIP Katherine Johnson

History is not always made by the big names that are in the headlines. It is sometimes made by those who are not in the spotlight.

In the 1960’s, the Space Race was heating up. It was also a time of change in America. The Civil Rights movement forced the country to face it’s shameful past of denying human and legal rights to the African-American community.

Katherine Johnson may not have known it at the time, but she had a role to play in changing America for the better. Mrs. Johnson passed away today at the age of 101.

In her day, she was automatically disqualified for certain jobs because she was a woman and a citizen of color. But when push came to shove, her mathematical abilities overcame those barriers and helped America go into space for the first time.

After decades of silence, she was finally given her due in the 2016 film, Hidden Figures. She was played on screen by Taraji P. Henson.

May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration.

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What Men Want Movie Review

Though the Feminist movement has made great strides over the decades, there is still much work to be done.

In the new film, What Men Want (a gender flip of the 2000 film What Women Want), Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a sports agent who is expecting to receive a  promotion. When she does not receive that promotion, which goes to a colleague who is Caucasian and male, she is not pleased to say the least.  During an outing to celebrate a friend’s upcoming wedding, they visit a psychic who gives Ali a questionable tea to drink. This drink allows Ali to hear men’s thoughts. She uses her new skill to advantage, but at what cost?

Yes, one could argue that this film is formulaic. It could also be a bit shorter. But, it speaks to the very timely issue of respect and equal pay within the workplace, a very real situation that women deal with everyday.

Do I recommend it? I could be leaning toward yes.

What Men Want is presently in theaters. 

Ralph Breaks The Internet Movie Review

When creating animated movies, the creators have to walk a fine line. They have to appeal to both the children and the adults, which is often easier said that done.

Ralph Breaks The Internet premiered today. A sequel of Wreck-It Ralph, the film starts off six years later. Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) are still the best of friends. But Vanellope is feeling hemmed in by how predictable her life is. When the game controller on her game breaks, Ralph and Vanellope travel to the Internet to find a new controller. Their plan is supposed to be simple, find the controller on Ebay and go home. But as the saying goes: “mortals plan and G-d laughs”.

While trying to stick to the plan, Ralph and Vanellope meet Shank (Gal Gadot) and Yesss (Taraji P. Henson). Will they be able to accomplish their goal or will things to awry?

This movie is brilliant, funny and appeals to all ages. It has the humor that speaks to the kids and the emotional gravitas that adults will appreciate. I also appreciated the scenes with the Disney Princesses. Without giving too much away, I will say that it was nice that Disney stepped into the modern era by stepping away from the traditional narratives of these traditional characters.

I recommend it.

Ralph Breaks The Internet is presently in theaters.