https://blackgirlnerds.com/the-cast-of-1883-discuss-the-challenges-of-traveling-in-the-19th-century/
BGN interviews the cast of the series 1883.
Featured in the interviews are: Tim McGraw (James Dutton), LaMonica Garrett (Thomas), Faith Hill (Margaret Dutton), and Isabel May (Elsa).
Created by Academy Award® Nominee Taylor Sheridan, 1883 is the highly anticipated prequel to the Emmy® nominated series “Yellowstone.” Premiering December 19th on Paramount+, the original series stars Academy Award® nominee legend Sam Elliott, Grammy Award® Winner Tim McGraw, Grammy Award® Winner Faith Hill, Academy Award® winner Billy Bob Thornton, Isabel May, and LaMonica Garrett.
Paramount Network will air a special simulcast premiere event for 1883 on Sunday, Dec. 19, following a new episode of Yellowstone. 1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land – Montana.
Interviewer: Jeandra LeBeauf
Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax
A Journal for Jordan is a sentimental and stirring journey based on the life of journalist/author Dana Canedy (Chante Adams), her son Jordan Monroe King (Jalon Christian), and his father 1st Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan). It’s a meandering, yet thought-provoking film that has its share of issues, but overall skillfully strums on the heartstrings.
The Sony pictures production is an adaptation of Canedy’s memoir, A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor. In the film, we travel through multiple different timelines to witness the love between Charles and Dana seed, grow, and continue to flourish despite the changing seasons.
There’s an immediate attraction between Charles and Dana, and we see her family encourage the setup. There’s a hitch, though; Charles is a military man and so is Dana’s father. Unfortunately, Dana’s experience with having a philandering dad included him often returning to base to meet up with other women. Yet her mother stayed faithfully by his side. Her sister calls it love, but Dana calls it fear. She’s desperate not to follow in her mother’s footsteps. This is one of the reasons falling for Charles is so hard. Adams does a marvelous job of showing the vulnerabilities in the walls she puts up. She’s relatable, and you can understand her hesitation and ongoing annoyance. How dare she fall in love with this man who represents everything she’s been trying to avoid?
Charles is sweet and respectful, but he comes with baggage that’s more than just an ex-wife and a daughter. He says he would never be with another woman, but it’s clear his first love — the Army — will always take precedence over Dana. The Army and the love for his country provide Charles with a sense of self-worth, but also with an escape from the terrors of human love. It’s an interesting and subtle paradox that rears its head several times during the film. Charles appears bold and stringent in the face of the men who serve under him, but soon we see that life betray him. He still remains loyal, though there’s something else there — a kind of pain, disappointment, or even a realization that his safe space was never really safe.
A Journal for Jordan is a hard movie to be objective about. During the film, a question is asked of a character about why we engaged in war after 9/11. The character explains there are two trains of thought: one that claims we were there protecting a nation from terrorists, and another that claims we were the ones who bore the terrorism in the first place. This is a line in the sand that is unavoidable, and we see Dana walk it with as much grace as you can expect from someone who clearly has unresolved trauma.
However, as an audience, this line is truly crucial to how you ingest the film. Are the ends justified? Even when Jordan is in the womb, Charles calls the baby his little soldier and jokes that he’ll wait until the boy is 18 to take him to a recruitment center. Dana laughs and shakes her head no, but the track is laid and it’s frankly terrifying watching it play out. Dana never wanted a military man, and now her fiance is planning for a legacy of kings defending their country at every cost.
For myself, there was a sheen of dread that lay simmering in the undertones of the film. It didn’t make the film less enjoyable, but it caused me to think about the thematic elements more deeply. This is not a rom-com. While there are triumphant moments, it’s not really uplifting. What the film does is offer a glimpse into the lives of a couple whose love for each other was usurped by one person’s love for his country. It doesn’t seek to answer whether that’s right or wrong but instead deals with the peaks and valleys of the aftermath.
A Journal for Jordan focuses on the titular journal given to Charles by Dana. She tells him to tell their son who Charles is and what he believes. Unsaid is the sobering thought that there’s a great chance Charles won’t be around to tell Jordan himself. Charles fills the journal with life advice and things he’s learned during his journey. Jordan becomes enamored with the journal, paying special attention to the entries on physical fitness and what it is to be a man. He’s light-skinned (a trait passed from Charles’s mother) and has light eyes and begins to get bullied at school. It’s through the journal that he finds safety and confidence.
Christian delivers a solid performance as Jordan and hits the emotional beats well. He’s not on screen for long, but he carries a heavy role with a lot of grace. The screenplay by Virgil Williams is a nice companion to the directing style of Denzel Washington. There’s a definite Spike Lee influence, but Washington has curated a style all of his own. It shines within the stolen moments of the film. The comedic relief is shown in quiet asides and sideways glances. There are stunning vignettes of statues and other static objects that permeate the heart with metaphor and double meaning. Washington doesn’t think less of his audience. He expects us to understand the significance of every shot and, if we don’t understand, to at least appreciate the surface beauty.
There’s a level of respect given to the actors, particularly Adams, who is a stunning woman. There’s a scene where we start at her ankle and travel all the way up to her thigh and then her torso and then her face as she lounges. It could be seen as exploitative, but it served to show the beauty she holds to Charles. The way he thinks of her during the parts of their relationship that are spent — the majority of the time — on the phone. Washington does a wonderful job of showing the longing between the two as they drift through their unconventional relationship. The film is long and you can feel it, but this is in order for the audience to feel immersed in the story, which is ultimately successful.
Overall A Journal for Jordan is a lovely film that is perfect for the holiday season when we reflect on the things that matter most and the people we hold in our hearts.
A Journal for Jordan will open in theaters December 25, 2021.
Fans of Batman and other DC Multiverse Figures, this is the article you need AND deserve!
As a kid you relished in the idea of your merch, it was a way to truly express yourself and the love for your fandoms. As an adult that feeling truly never left, and honestly why should it. Now, as your kids follow in your steps, you want to give them a little push in the proper direction. So, today we’ll be covering Figures and Toys in the DC Multiverse. Be advised not all of these are meant for “everyday play,” but really that’s up to you and what works best for your family. Without further ado, let’s begin!
Starting off our list is the one and only HARLEEN QUINZEL! Harley to her friends and of course her Puddin. Also to the Bats, when he won’t stay off her and Mr. J’s tails and ruins a good night on the town. Like seriously, who does he think he is? Someone outta give him a good WHACK! Anyway, if you miss those good ol’ days of kicking back and watching the animated series. Then this Harley is perfect for you.
The next in our showcase is the fallen Robin, Jason Todd, also known as The Red Hood. Known for his rocky past and brooding temper, he is a must for those with a long love for the Bat Family and its members. He is a staple piece if you’re looking to introduce your kid(s) to every aspect of Batman’s history in his time as the Dark Knight.
Keeping the theme close to home, we’re back with another Robin, the current Robin, Damian Wayne. The son of the Dark Knight himself, he has all the same energy to match. Much like his father he can be a little rough around the edges, so, stand back when he’s waving around that sword! Despite it all, his character shows it’s never too late to change, and that even the toughest kids just need love.
Continuing the Batman sidekick trend, I saved the best for last. Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing, is best of the Robins, with the best hair, costumes, and uh, “rear assets” in all of the DCU. This Nightwing figure can be posed in different positions and comes with two baton accessories and a detachable stand, making this figure great for both playtime or a display case.
Batman (Flashpoint Paradox Ver.)
Since the loss of his parents, Bruce obviously would never be the same, as that hurt carries for a lifetime. But what if it was different, and he was the one to not survive? The devastation of losing your child in such a terrible way can turn anyone to their lowest point, or maybe even inspire them to try and do some good—even if it seems like they take it a bit overboard.
Superman ( The Animated Series)
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s a guy in his underwear! And they’re red at that. Krypton’s last son really flies around like that? Yeah, but it’s a look, and an iconic one at that. Well, can’t really argue with that. what do you think Clark? Clark? Weird he always disappears when Superman is around. I wonder if there’s a connection.
Another classic, and one I will forever hold close to my heart. Batman is, and always has been, the complete package. He is everything a hero embodies despite his harsh past, he stands for what is right and never believes he is above the law or the decider of another’s fate. Bruce Wayne is a reminder that you can have everything and still lose it all. More importantly, what you make of that loss helps shape you.
When the Multiverse is at its knees, you do as you always have—stand up and fight! It’s a mentality Diana carries with her through this new world. As each day goes by, she still clings to thoughts of her sisters and the Justice League. Can she save them? Will the multiverse collapse? Also, can we talk about how cool her invisible chainsaw is?
Terry McGinnis is truly an underrated Batman. Much like the predecessors after Bruce, Terry took up the mantle in own unique way, even though he was designed to be the next Batman at the direction of Amanda Waller. Terry had an actual happy life, and despite the losses he’d face that would lead him to being the Dark Knight, he can let people in and knows he doesn’t always have to be alone.
Whether you were a fan of Rebirth or not, Barbara will always be an icon in her own right. She is strong and fearless, even at her weakest she still found a way to overcome her trauma and rise again.
Cyborg (Teen Titans : The Animated Series)
BOOYAH! Do you see this, it’s AMAZING! Kinda makes me hungry for pizza. In all seriousness, this is a true gem. Cyborg never got the credit he deserved by the fandom and that never sat right with me. He is an amazing young man and, despite what he may sometimes think, he is more human than all of us.
Does your kid love adventure and saving the day, even turning your living room into their own personal crime fighting space? Well, I have something I think they’ll really enjoy. This set involves a 33-inch tall Batman that transforms into a functioning Batcave! It includes 9 accessories, an exclusive 4-inch Batman figure, working elevator and many more functions. Then when playtimes over the whole set folds up, making for easy storage.
DC Super Hero Girls: Supergirl
Throughout the years DC Super Hero Girls have gone through some changes. Hitting the market with not one but two different variations of the show in the last few years, This figure is based on the 2015 version and brings me back to the days of looking forward to new adventures at Superhero High. The importance of this show means a lot, as each version of the show hopes to empower girls to shine and be their own unique type of hero.
When the streets of Gotham have fallen to their knees, even the Bats could use a little help. His suit is actually very impressive and the expandable wings ain’t too shabby either. Especially since it’s a perfect callback to Batwing’s debut in the DCAU. The suit even glows the same and he feels perfect for kids who want to sneak in a little more action past bedtime. Careful kids, he comes with over 20 different sounds so try not to get caught!
Little People Fisher Price DC Super Friends Exclusive Pack
As a kid, I truly adored the precious, chubby-faced citizens that came out of Fisher Price. I took them everywhere! The movies, long car rides, the park, anywhere I could think of, and that always stuck with me. I’d bounce them off the walls as I’d make up action packed adventures, and now seeing these little heroes makes me so happy. I’m positive they’ll make your little hero happy too!
Hot Wheels DC Character Cars 5-Pack
I’ve never been much of a hot wheels fan, but not gonna lie, if I was a kid again, I’d need these immediately. But that’s possibly because I’m obsessed with the concept of Harley’s car having a tiny mallet attached to it. These give off mad vintage vibes and I’m here for it. Especially since it’s rare these days to have this type of color scheme for Batman.
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu DC 4-Pack
When I saw this, my first and only question was do they stretch, and pleasantly I was not disappointed. If you have kids that are a little rougher on toys, this honestly is for them because they’re durable and squishy and able to take a few hits.
The post Batman and Other DC Multiverse Figures appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
Time is everything, so let's just get to the festivities, shall we? Happy Holidays and welcome to another spectacular episode of Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review-airing this and every Wednesday at 8 p.m. eastern on the BTalk 100 cyber-broadcasting network. Listen to your gamma-irradiated AFROnerdist hosts as they decipher the following issue-laden codes: one of our favorite events returns in this post-pandemic world....the 10th annual Black Comic Book Festival to be held at the esteemed Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. We will discuss some of the scheduled appearances as well as our expectations for Blerdom in '22; Disney+'s Hawkeye series is almost coming to a season finale and we have some thoughts about today's episode (#5th out of 6) and its feverish revelations for the rest of the MCU; didn't we just speak about NASCAR's popular Black racer, Bubba Wallace? Well, a new trailer for a documentary centering on a debunked racial incident has raised the ire of many on GOP twitter;
in the wake of actor, Daniel Craig's departure from the James Bond franchise, word has it that producers might make the next installment to feature a "non-binary" (huh?) version of the super spy; a medical student's illustration of a Black fetus has caused not only a stir but a much-needed evaluation of an apparent dearth of minority representation in medical textbooks and diagrams;
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!