Django Unchained - Spike Lee won't see it, will you?

"Django Unchained" - Spike Lee won't see it, will you?  Did you already see?  It is on my list of things to do this holiday season. I'm intrigued by the cast - Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson - that's kinda hot.

Spike Lee told VibeTV that "I cant speak on it 'cause I'm not gonna see it,""All I'm going to say is that it's disrespectful to my ancestors. That's just me...I'm not speaking on behalf of anybody else."

The Quentin Tarantino film is in theaters now, check out the trailer:

 Synopsis:

A former slave and a German bounty hunter become unlikely allies in the battle against a tyrannical plantation owner in this western from visionary director Quentin Tarantino. Two years before the Civil War pits brother-against-brother, German-born fugitive hunter Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award-winner Christoph Waltz) arrives in America determined to capture the outlaw Brittle brothers dead or alive. In the midst of his search, Dr. Schultz crosses paths with Django (Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx), a freed slave and skilled tracker who seeks to rescue his beloved wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (Academy Award-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio). Once Django has aided Dr. Schultz in coralling the Brittle brothers, the two team up to capture some of the most wanted men in the South. Meanwhile, Django never loses sight of his mission to free Broomhilda from the treacherous slave trade before it's too late. Upon arriving at Candie's nefarious plantation, dubbed Candyland, Django and Dr. Schultz discover that slaves are being groomed for gladiator-like competitions by Candie's malevolent right-hand man Billy Crash (Walton Goggins), and together they skillfully work their way onto the compound for a closer look. But just as Django and his partner locate Broomhilda and plot a daring escape, Candie's house slave Stephen (Academy Award-nominee Samuel L. Jackson) catches wind of their plan, and informs his master of the betrayal. Now, as a clandestine organization attempts to back them into a corner, Django and Dr. Schultz will have to come out with pistols blazing if they ever hope to free Broomhilda from Candyland and the clutches of its vile proprietor. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi


Leave a comment and let me know what you think about the film.

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Sheryl Lee Ralph: "Diva, Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware."

Sheryl Lee Ralph co-stars in the family Christmas movie "Christmas In Compton" in theaters now.  After you check out the movie, she suggests getting her book, as a Christmas gift.  "Redefining Diva: Life Lessons From An Original Dream Girl" just made the New York Times Best Seller Book List.

Recently, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with the busy Actress, Singer, Activist, Wife, Mother and Producer.  She shared how she lives "a D.I.V.A. life, divinely inspired victoriously aware.

When Sheryl Lee Ralph first met with the filmmakers for her new film, "We all realized there was no holiday movie that displayed people of color in a wonderful, human, family way."

"I love that I was given the opportunity to create a very down to earth, afro-centric character.  It's O.K. to celebrate Kwanza, natural girls rock - this is part of who we are also.  I feel very strongly about portraying positive role models, especially for women. I was happy that I was able to spread words to help other people - - -  to let your children live and to understand you can't rule them." The film does present a warm family feel and is destined to become an urban Christmas classic.

Read More:  Conscious Filmmakers Produce "Christmas In Compton" [Exclusive Interview]

How does the Diva maintain her ageless good looks?  She replied "I live well, I don’t cus people out.  I don't fight, I don't over indulge in anything. I make a conscious descion to be happy.  I watch the weight that’s on my body. The weight that on my mind. The weight that's on my spirit.  I try to keep it all balanced.  I live a Diva life - Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware, because I know, life is for the living and it can be rough."

 Christmas miracles can happen anywhere!  "Christmas in Compton" brings big laughs and holiday cheer for the whole family, in theaters now.  Check out the trailer:

Follow Sheryl Lee Ralph on Twitter:  @TheSherylRalph

"Christmas in Compton" stars Omar Gooding (TV’s “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”), Keith David (Crash, Platoon, 2013 WB release ”Cloud Atlas” with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry,), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Miguel A. Núñez Jr. (Juwanna Man) and Orlando Brown (Major Payne, TV’s “That’s So Raven”), this comedy will keep the entire family laughing this holiday season. 

Synopsis:  BIG EARL, the owner of a Christmas tree lot in Compton, and a man with a big heart and a big vision, demands success from everyone around him. All kinds of trouble erupts the week before Christmas when his son, DERRICK, part-time music producer and part-time Christmas tree lot employee, crosses the line to prove to Big Earl that he is a success. The colorful characters that populate the tree lot cause additional complications for Derrick as he tries to solve his problems secretly. Things spiral out of Derrick’s control, jeopardizing the survival of the lot, and more importantly, his relationship with his father. What Derrick needs is a miracle; a Christmas miracle in Compton.

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Meagan Good and Dijon Talton "Wild Out" [Exclusive Video Interview]

Actress, Meagan Good makes her directorial debut for her cousin/ Glee star, Dijon Talton's, music video entitled "Wild Out"

This was my first time meeting both of them and I immediately felt their love for each other as family and friends.  During the interview, Meagan and Dion often gave their praises to their faith in God.

Dijon Talton is definately someone to watch.  He sings, he dances, acts and is a charming person.

Check out this exclusive video interview and the FREE offer from Dijon Talton.  Subscribe to the Robin Downes Network on YouTube.

 Celebrity cameos included Logan Browning (Meet the Browns & Summerland), Hosea Chanchez (The Game), & Ashley Everett (Beyonce’s Single Ladies Dancer). For more information on Dijon and his music visit, www.dijontaltononline.com

For media contacts and interviews: Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates at (323) 933-8007 or via email at lajass@att.net

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Conscious Flimmakers Produce "Christmas In Compton" [Exclusive Interview]

"We do service" is the clear vision that film producers Michael and Beth Hubbard live by in order for their business, Bright Idea Entertainment: The Conscious Filmmaking Company, to bring to the big screen Christmas In Compton.  The family Christmas movie is set to be released in the U.S. November 9, 2012.

Christmas in Compton stars Omar Gooding (TV’s “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”), Keith David (Crash, Platoon, 2013 WB release ”Cloud Atlas” with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry,), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Miguel A. Núñez Jr. (Juwanna Man) and Orlando Brown (Major Payne, TV’s “That’s So Raven”), this comedy will keep the entire family laughing this holiday season.

Recently, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with the filmmaking team of Michael and Beth Hubbard."By creating our company with the intent of 'conscious filmmaking', we wanted to fulfill the concept and premise that you go in and leave the community better than when you got there.  We created 20 internships with local residents for all departments across the board. We used local extras. We did’nt want to come in and just use exteriors.  We wanted to do something good and conscious" explains Beth Hubbard.

This was a family affair and a labor of love for the husband and wife community conscious duo.  Michael Hubbard's brother, David Raynr, is the director and a partner in the company. Having collaborated together on several projects over the years, the trio decided to combine their efforts and create a company founded on the principles of integrity, abundance, creativity and fun. The Hubbard's two teenage sons perform as actors in the film.

Michael Hubbard described the experience as "Working with my family provided holistic fun and I believe it gave the film a positive warm feel to it.  It was a win win production process with people from the community flourishing. We even kept the peace with visits from gang members." 

The film does present a warm family feel and is destined to become an urban Christmas classic. 

Synopsis:  BIG EARL, the owner of a Christmas tree lot in Compton, and a man with a big heart and a big vision, demands success from everyone around him. All kinds of trouble erupts the week before Christmas when his son, DERRICK, part-time music producer and part-time Christmas tree lot employee, crosses the line to prove to Big Earl that he is a success. The colorful characters that populate the tree lot cause additional complications for Derrick as he tries to solve his problems secretly. Things spiral out of Derrick’s control, jeopardizing the survival of the lot, and more importantly, his relationship with his father. What Derrick needs is a miracle; a Christmas miracle in Compton.

 Christmas miracles can happen anywhere! Christmas in Compton brings big laughs and holiday cheer for the whole family when it opens in theaters on November 9, 2012.  Check out the trailer:

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Blair Underwood: Breaks Down Raw Male Emotion For 'Woman Thou Art Loosed! On The Seventh Day'

Blair Underwood stars in the the dramatic thriller Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The 7th Day which was released on DVD September 4th.  The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Neema Barnette, produced and distributed by Codeblack Enterprises and executive produced by T.D. Jakes for T.D.J Enterprises.  Surpassing industry expectations, opening weekend, April 13, 2012, the film earned $6,376 per screen, beating “The Hunger Games” on average, and finished as the #1 independent feature its opening weekend.

Today I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with Actor, Director, Producer, Author and Fashion Line Representative - Blair Underwood.

The focus of the interview was on his experience during the filming of the dramatic thriller, Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The 7th Day.  Underwood explained to me that "New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the world.  New Orleans, especially the French Quarter, is like a country unto itself. We shot the film in July of 2011. At this stage of my career, it is important that I do what I enjoy doing.  Co-starring with a phenomenal actress, such as Sharon Lela, was also a joy. I had an incredible time."

"Working with Director, Neema Barnett, she allowed me to direct. As an African American director woman it is a challenge out here.  She reached out to me to be a part of the project and helped me to get into the Director’s Guild by giving me the opportunity to direct some of the scenes." Underwood said.

I asked Blair Underwood how he prepared for a very powerful emotional scene.  He shared "One of the things I appreciate about Neema as a Director is that she says, 'I’m going to protect you guys'.  We didn't have the resources that you would have on a big budget film.  With her as a director you have to rely on her vision that this film would come out with quality.  The story is a very real situation and the fact that young black children are being kidnapped is a very real situation right now. Society looks to men to be strong, that everyone relies on.  There comes a time in life where you may breakdown. We thought it was important to see this man in his own confines, deal with his own emotions. He was in a situation where he could not fix everything.  That’s a very raw emotion.  I think it's important to not see him so cool and calm or just quietly simmering.  We don't have all the answers and that can lead to stress.

When asked how he personally coped with stress, Underwood proclaimed "My wife and I will be celebrating our 18^th year anniversary.  We often say to our kids, stop and breathe – take a slow deep breath.  What happens is your whole body calms down and you can think more clearly about what your doing.  The bigger issue is to go to your faith.  What works for me, is to know that all of this is preordained. Our job is to learn the lesson. I am a Christian, I believe God has a plan. I believe he is not going to leave us hanging.  If I did not have faith as a tool, as a man, in our society... I don't have all the answers.   Being able to turn it over to a higher power work for me.

On September 18th, the multi-talented Blair Underwood releases his latest book South by Southeast.  The fourth installment in this award-winning mystery series draws actor-turned-super-sleuth Tennyson Hardwick into his most challenging case, compelling him to face the unthinkable: save his daughter or the woman he loves.

Additional projects for Blair Underwood include a Development/Talent Holding Deal with Universal TV and his own fashion line, BU Collection for K & G Fashion

"Part of keeping your stress level down, in this business, is not having all your eggs in one basket." - Blair Underwood.

Be sure to get your DVD copy of "Woman Thou Art Loosed: 7th Day" - Check out the movie trailer:

Cast:  Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day stars Golden Globe® Nominee Blair Underwood (Madea’s Family Reunion, Set It Off) and Sharon Leal (Why Did I Get Married Too?, This Christmas).  Also starring Nicole Beharie (American Violet), Nicoye Banks (NBC’s “Law & Order”), Emmy Award® Nominee Pam Grier (2012, The Man with the Iron Fists, Just Wright), Reed R. McCants (Civil Brand) and Jaqueline Fleming (2012, Contraband;  HBO’s “Tremé”).

Synopsis: This dramatic thriller is about a husband (Underwood) and wife (Leal) who find themselves in the midst of a crisis after their young daughter is kidnapped. The couple must race against time to find their child, who is believed to have been abducted by a serial killer that symbolically murders his victims ‘On the 7th Day.’ During their desperate search, a series of deep, dark, damaging secrets unveil a troubling past, putting the marriage and their futures in jeopardy.

o Official Film Facebook:                   facebook.com/WomanThouArtLoosed7thDay

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Chuck Nice, Cat Greenleaf, Kangol Kid, Stacy London

“Made In Brooklyn”
4th Annual American Cancer Society Pink & Black Tie Gala
Brooklyn, NY – What’s Pink and Black, and returned to Brooklyn on May 17th. It’s the Pink & Black Tie Gala of course! The 4th Annual gala returned to Stage 6 Steiner Studios; where gorgeous views from the rooftop terrace set the mood for the fabulous “Pink and Black” night. The American Cancer Society honors outstanding leaders who have contributed to Brooklyn’s health care, cultural, and business communities. It was a night to celebrate those “Made in Brooklyn” and raise funds for the Society’s patient services and programs as well as national life-saving research.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, they fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. They save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

Robin and Bow Legged Low from Full Force

This fashionable night was graced with its returning host and Brooklyn native, Stacy London. The evening started upon entrance as guests walked the pink carpet and greeted by the lovely, Cat Greenleaf; to find their way to the fabulous rooftop cocktail party with an auction of once-in-a-lifetime travel deals and glamorous fashion, conducted by comedian, Chuck Nice; who looked dapper in his black suit. The evening then flowed to a delicious dinner, award ceremony, then culminating with an amazing dance party with music by DJ Diamond and special performances by Hip Hop Royalty, Full Force and Sugar Hill Gang. It was a night of charity and fun.

I had the opportunity to interview Brooklyn native Kangol Kid, Hip Hop Legend and Founder of the Mama Luke Foundation is recognized for his efforts to bring Hip-Hop artists such as Will Smith, L.L. Cool J, Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock, Ice T and Flava Flav together through the Mama Luke Movement as Hip-Hop’s first public financial contribution towards the fight against breast cancer. 

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"What's Up With Downes?"

Robin and Mom

There is not one person who can’t say that they have not been touched in some way by the silent killer known as cancer.  It challenges its victim to a grueling battle that cannot be won unless awareness becomes a top priority and finding a cure is the American Cancer Society’s #1 mission.  My Mom lost her battle to Breast Cancer in 1998 at the age of 60 years old.


All proceeds from the event go to support the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and local patient service programs. For more information or to join in the fight, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

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Chuck Nice, Cat Greenleaf, Kangol Kid, Stacy London