Reel Images Magazine

Heroes Only Sung Of: African-Americans in Voice Acting

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When many people think about great African-American actors and actresses, they only think about those they see on the big screen. More often than not, they do not think about those who work behind the scenes and provide the voices for a film. Cree Summer is perhaps one of the most well-known African-American voice actresses. Her vocal talents can be heard on classic cartoons such as “Rugrats” and “Inspector Gadget.” She has also voice acted in several animated films including “ An Extremely Goofy Movie” and “Bambi ii.”

Eddie Murphy is a well-known stand-up comedian, actor and musician. He also has voice acting on his impressive resume. Most people can recognize Murphy’s voice in the popular “Shrek” films. He has also done voice acting for the film named “The PJS.” Actor Morgan Freeman is known for his distinctive voice and he has also done voice acting for many films. Some of this films include: “The March of the Penguins”, “The Civil War” and “The War of the Worlds.”

Many people commend African-Americans actor and actresses for their achievement in film, but sometimes they forget about their vocal talents. Cree Summer, Eddie Murphy and Morgan Freeman are just people who have excellent voice acting skills.

The Voice behind Lord Vader: James Earl Jones’ Repertoire

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

James Earl Jones created the best voice in film history, Darth Vader. He did not start out as a well known voice actor; however, he started out as a child who had a monumental stutter. When he moved in with his grandparents and at school had to stand up and read a poem he had written, he found he did not stutter. He found that when he was in front of people reading a script he, did not stutter, and this is what lead him to acting.
James Earl Jones has done very extraordinary television work such as Gabriel’s Fire, The next Generation and Paul Robeson, and many more. James Earl Jones has appeared in more than fifty films including Field of Dreams, and the Beloved Country. However, even though he as be in so many television shows, and movies his greatest work and what he will for ever be remembered for the voice of Darth Vader.
It has been said that with out his voice the film would not have been as popular as it was. His voice was priceless, and that it only cost around seven thousand dollars, it was a bargain to be the best voice in the history of cinema.

Driving Miss Daisy to Serious Insights

admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are many useful messages in this movie which allow the viewer to seriously consider the realities of the time and place that the movie takes place. In the south at the time portrayed in this film there were many opportunities for messages to be delivered and gleaned. The dichotomy of the black man driving the old Jewish lady allowed for many formidable opportunities for intuitive statements to be made on the prejudicial slant society held at the time. The scene where the police stopped them followed by the one officer commenting on the “Old Nigger and Jew” showed that social standing matters little in the face of pure unabashed bigotry.
Equally, the part where Miss Daisy gives Hoke the primer to help him learn to read rendered a statement that regardless of age, race, or social beliefs that education could and would be the weapon to defeat the ignorance that permeated the general public at the time. This proved especially poignant in the context of Christmas and her seeming break from tradition in giving a gift at that time of year. All in all this film offered numerous and opportunities for the gleaning of serious insights into our society.

African Americans in the News: Celebrating News People

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

African Americans are making huge strides in the news scene and it’s time we celebrated their accomplishments. Here is a list of our favorite African American newspeople with a few surprises and some old favorites. From http://www.direct.tv to basic cable, African Americans are making strides!
Oprah: No list of influential African Americans would be complete without a mention of Oprah. With her show going off the air soon and an entire cable network dedicated to her endeavors, it’s no wonder the queen of talk has accomplished so much in her 30 years on television, news and otherwise.
Robin Roberts: Roberts anchors Good Morning America on ABC and she manages to be funny, serious and entertaining, all before 9 am. With a great head for special interest pieces Roberts is a news anchor you can trust…who you also want to grab coffee with.
Deborah Roberts: Known best for her hard hitting journalistic pieces on network TV, Roberts (no relation to Robin) is married to famed weatherman Al Roker. She always has the facts and a keen interview sense and watching her present live is a work of art.
You go, girls!

Morgan Freeman: A Witness to Film’s Decades

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Morgan Freeman, best known for his roles in “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” has lead the way for several African American actors on the big screen. It’s not a big leap to say that today’s top African American stars, such as Will Smith and Denzel Washington, owe their success to Freeman.

Freeman started his film career with an uncredited role in “The Pawnbroker” as a man on the street. Surprisingly, Freeman didn’t get his first credited role until 1980 in the Robert Redford movie “Brubaker.” One of his first critically acclaimed roles was in the 1989 Civil War movie “Glory.” That was followed by his Oscar-nominated role in “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1989.

Since then Freeman has had significant roles in “Unforgiven” with Clint Eastwood, “Se7en” with Brad Pitt and “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson. He has also had roles in the latest incarnation of the “Batman” franchise and notable roles in “Million Dollar Baby” and “Bruce Almighty.” Freeman brings a sense of dignity to his roles in much the same way Michael Caine does in the numerous films he has appeared in over the years.

Today’s top African American stars, ranging from Eddie Murphy and Will Smith to Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx, have Freeman to thank for proving that being an actor isn’t about race, it’s about a true of love of acting and appreciation for the characters you bring to life.

The Stigma of Tokenism: Relic or Repeat Offender?

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I was asked by a friend the other day what my thoughts were on the concept of “The Token Black Guy” in movies in this day and age. Instead of the flippant answer I usually give to such questions, I stopped and thought about this one for a second.

Do they still do that in movies?

The answer is pretty obviously yes. Take the film “Skyline” for example. That cat from the show “Scrubs” plays an almost stereotypical young black male with a white girlfriend and a white fling on the side. And to top it off, he’s the first main character in the film to die.

Gonna have to call that a repeat offender for “Token Black Guy”

Flip that coin though and you have Morgan Freeman in “Wanted”, arguably the best character in the whole film and the only reason you would watch it in the first place. And his role as God in “Bruce Almighty” and “Evan Almighty”. Or even his role in Kevin Costner’s take on the Robin Hood tale, where he again manages to play one of the best characters in the whole film.

So…he’d give “Token Black Guy” a relic status.

That takes talent.

Who’s coming to Dinner? Serious Examinations of Race Relations

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Race relations in film have come a long way. It’s been a long time, thankfully, that we’ve seen the African American appear in film as only a slave or simple minded helper or dancing fool.

Films have evolved and so has the role of the African American in American life and film. More and more over the years since the 60′s has the African American taken more important roles in film. Sidney Poitier portraying a detective in “The Heat of the Night” demanding respect comes to mind. Also, comes to mind was his portrayal of a black man engaged to a white woman in Spencer Tracy’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”, which raised eyebrows.

Later, having blacks as lead characters, such as Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams in “Mahogany”, became more and more common. It turned out that movie goers of any gender or race started to enjoy movies for the story lines and not so much care what color the actors were.

Whoopi Goldberg won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in “Ghost”. Although, Hattie McDaniel won the same statuette for her fine performance in “Gone With the Wind”, Goldberg’s winning role was not a black stereotype.

Somebody or Somebody’s Fool: Mr. T the Role Model

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Mr. T may seem like a funny choice for a role model, but you can learn a lot from Mr. T. 1. You should be comfortable in your own skin. You don’t need to conform to the world to find contentment. Interacting in your world by being real and welcoming others who are different than you promotes unity. Your hair can be long or in a mohawk; it can be pink or green or brown. You can wear chains and bling and still have a soft heart.2. Say what you mean and be real. Don’t fake it because that gets you nowhere.People don’t say what they mean anymore. They may think it, but instead of just spitting it out, they try their best to diplomatically agree. I’m not saying that we should be judgmental. Judging someone is unacceptable, but I am saying that Mr. T is a great role model to encourage you to say what’s on your mind. He never held back when he thought that something was crazy.Because things are crazy out there. Racism and terrorism and uncontrolled financial debt are all crazy! Crazy! And unless someone says something, how can we dialogue and grow together.

Will People Choose African American Stars?

www.reelimagesmagazine.com — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As we approach the 37th anniversary of the People’s Choice Awards, it’s time to celebrate those among our people who have been recognized as nominees for an award. African Americans have been contributing on stage, on screen and on the airwaves for generations now, but in no way does that make the body of work by these individuals any less significant. Without further ado, here is a look at your African American nominees with a chance to take home the hardware on January 5thFavorite On-Screen TeamIron Man 2oDon Cheadle (alongside Robert Downey Jr.)The Karate KidoJaden Smith (alongside Jackie Chan)Favorite TV Drama Actor Taye DiggsFavorite Talk Show HostOprah WinfreyFavorite Male ArtistUsherFavorite SongAirplaines oBy B.O.B. (featuring Hayley Williams)TelephoneoFeaturing Beyonce (by Lady Gaga)OMGoBy Usher featuring Will.I.AmFavorite Breakout ArtistB.O.B.Favorite R&B ArtistAlicia KeysBeyonceMary J. BligeNe-YoUsherFavorite Hip Hop ArtistDrake Jay-ZLudacrisSnoop DoggFavorite Music VideoTelephoneoFeaturing Beyonce (by Lady Gaga)BabyoFeaturing Ludacris (by Justin Bieber)Favorite Online SensationAlicia Keys

Morgan Freeman Wins 39th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

www.reelimagesmagazine.com — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:43:00 +0000

Morgan Freeman can cross one more crowning achievement off his bucket list. Of course, after playing an almost too believable God in the 2003 comedy Evan Almighty, few have doubted how high or far Freeman could possible reach. The American Film Institute has chosen to honor Freeman as the 39^th recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, only the second African-American to ever receive such prestigious recognition, with Sidney Portier marking the first selection in 1992. Of course, were Freeman to have written this he would likely omit his skin color all together, well documented in his preference to avoid racial distinctions and celebrate common humanity. Such wisdom and earnesty has earned Freeman a number of devout fans both on and off screen across all population segments. Freeman’s presence across film and television cannot go unnoticed, commanding instant respect and credibility on voice alone, breaking the proverbial Tom Hanks barrier.The man who would go on to star in gut-wrenching adult dramas such as Shawshank Redemption, Street Smart and Seven, Freeman first made himself known to American audiences from the ground up, quite literally, starring in the PBS children’s show The Electric Company, bringing life to less timeless roles such as “Easy Reader,” the cool, literature-craving hipster played off of “Easy Rider,” and “Vincent the Vegetable Vampire,” garnering far less of the young audience than his fanged Twilight brethren. Almost More than a full decade later, Freeman would finally rise to the level of critical acclaim with which his name is now synonymous, as the late 80′s saw his star rise to new heights. Freeman was nominated for academy awards in both Street Smart (1987) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989), also playing a major role in the hit Civil War film Glory (1989), among other projects. Over the past 20 years Freeman has seen almost unprecedented longevity, still appearing in unforgettably eye-opening tales, memorable comedies and jaw dropping thrillers, picking scripts and roles with an eerily divine savvy. At age 73, Freeman has accomplished more than most in Hollywood could ever dream of, but don’t expect him to slow down now, if ever.