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It’s hard to believe that actor Jharrel Jerome can top his groundbreaking role in Moonlight or his extraordinary Emmy-winning performance in When They See Us, but with confidence, I can most certainly say he has in his latest film Unstoppable. Director William Goldenberg, a veteran editor who also cut Air, brings the remarkable true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) in this film from Amazon MGM Studios.
Born without a right leg, Anthony had to work twice as hard to pursue his dreams. And his determination, strength, and dedication is one of the most heartbreaking stories you will encounter.
Robles not only had to contend with his disability, but also with a volatile household, namely his father (Bobby Cannavale) who was emotionally abusive towards him and physically abusive towards Anthony’s mother (Jennifer Lopez).
Wrestling was an outlet for him to escape and hold on to the one thing left in his life that he had some bit of control over — wrestling. He received some positive patriarchal support from two coaches played by actors Don Cheadle and Michael Peña respectively. This support along with Anthony’s own vigor, truly made him unstoppable.
Jennifer Lopez emotes an impressive performance as Robles’ mother, who was a formative key figure in his life. His mother sadly deals with her own demons of insecurity, allowing Anthony’s father to take advantage of her at every turn. Bobby Cannavale who never disappoints with his spectacular depictions, does an incredible job of the conniving father. The abuse Anthony suffered was more mental abuse and stemmed from rejection and disdain. However, the silver lining to this story, and what makes it so remarkable, is that Anthony never let that seed of contempt his father had for him take root. He pursued his desires and dreams in spite of how his father felt about him, which is another layer to this true story that is so inspiring.
And while a story like Anthony’s which is incredible could easily fall into a 2-dimensional story trope, it is the nuanced and gut wrenching performance of Jharrel Jerome that gives this story texture and balance. There are moments in the film Unstoppable where we see Anthony’s personality shift. He literally goes into fight or flight mode at times when he’s faced in situations where there’s risk. In one example, during training, Anthony struggles to keep up with the rest of his team during a mountainous terrain to the point where he’s physically injured himself so badly that he begins to bleed. And while in most situations, a person would stop, Anthony kept fighting and going. Another moment where he shifts to fight mode is when he had to step in to defend and protect his mother from his abusive father.
Don Cheadle as his school coach has some great scenes with Jharrel Jerome and the two characters really showed the value of Anthony Robles’ relationship with his coach and the impact it made in his sports career.
Unstoppable shows peers into the real-life Robles who has long been a champion for accessibility. His mother has also played a key role in education and has a significant impact on his story.
The movie Unstoppable is a true tear-jerker, heartwarming, inspiring and the kind of sports film with a universal theme that anyone can relate to.
The film stars: Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Anthony Robles, Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez. Unstoppable is also produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity company which also produced Air.
The film made its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
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A new cut and color can turn you into the most unexpected character. This week, actress Taraji P. Henson proved just that, channeling her latest role as business woman and mistress “Vivian Thomas” with an asymmetrical orange pixie cut at the premiere of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist in New York.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Taraji P. Henson attends Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” World Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on September 04, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage) Her hairdo––next to a flipped ‘70s blowout on Terrence Howard––featured short, natural-toned sides and back, maintaining the shape of her normal cut (see: her look on the Tonight Show). However, self-proclaimed “hair minister” and hairstylist Tym Wallace dragged an impulsive bright orange through the lengths of her hair, adding an experimental “just dyed in the bathroom sink” >Henson told ESSENCE on the black carpet. And, her punk hairdo speaks volumes, just as her message says. Soaked in hair grease like Heath Ledger in The Joker, strands of hair crash into each other as they hang into her face.
Taraji P. Henson at the premiere of Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on September 4, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images) To pair with the look, makeup artist Saisha Beecham went with more innocent light pink tones on her cheeks and lips to counteract the badassery she had going on, which also translated onto her pale stiletto nails (à la Temeka Jackson.) Now, in a full-fledged Vivian Thomas moment, we get an inside look on what to expect from Henson from now on––the unexpected.
TOPICS: celebrity beauty looks Taraji P. Henson Taraji P. Henson hairThe post Taraji P. Henson Rocks New Orange Pixie Cut appeared first on Essence.
How to Get Away With Murder’s Aja Naomi King loves being a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. And not just because of their stellar products—like L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara— but also because of their Women of Worth foundation.
Founded in 2006 with the mission statement, “Because You’re Worth It,” the brand searches nationwide to select 10 non-profit leaders to be named Women of Worth honorees. King has been a brand ambassador since 2017, and she empowers and advocates for Black women who are making a positive change in the world. This year, the brand is selecting non-profit leaders to receive $25,000 to support their charitable cause, mentorship from other leaders, and the ability to use the L’Oréal Paris network to share their stories.
“I had no idea that L’Oréal did so much on just the philanthropic side,” King tells ESSENCE. “They pick ten women each year to honor and highlight the incredible work women do in their communities.” Although, as King says about Black women, “resilience is in our blood,” having support from major brands like this is essential.
Because of this partnership, King is excited to continue diversifying L’Oréal Paris’ portfolio and reminding other Black women they’re worthy and beautiful, too. “L’Oréal Paris is about owning the fact that you are worth it simply because you are here, alive, and deserving,” says King. “I love that I get to be one of the many beautiful, diverse faces of L’Oreal Paris, saying that message and knowing the impact globally that we are having all over the world for everyone.”
When it comes to her favorite products, she reaches for L’Oréal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum, L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara, and L’Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner. Afterall, “Knowing you look good makes you feel good,” she says. “When you find your favorites, they become irreplaceable.”
As for her beauty inspirations, she often turns to her mother. “I remember my mom would take lipstick and use that on her cheeks to create her blush,” says King. “She loves to play and experiment with makeup,” King adds. “She reminds me that feeling beautiful is all about keeping it fun and fresh for yourself.”
The post Aja Naomi King On Diversifying L’Oréal Paris’ “Women Of Worth” Program appeared first on Essence.