Wednesday, April 25, 2012

My review of "Think Like a Man"


Think Like a Man was an instant hit at the box office after its opening on April 20, 2012. It debuted at number one with $33 million, knocking down The Hunger Games, which spent four weeks as number one with only $14.5 million.

Four friends conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey's relationship advice against them.

I must admit , I was not among the masses that were jumping up and down in anticipation of the film. It’s an adaptation of comedian and actor Steve Harvey's book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.

1. I am not a fan of comedy films about breakups and make ups. 
2. I am not a fan of Steve Harvey. 
3. I am not a fan of comedian and actor Kevin Hart, one of the main characters in the film and its narrator. 

Still, I went to see it to find out what the hype was all about and to gaze at three actresses whom I find absolutely stunning – Oscar-nominated Taraji P Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union.

Taraji P Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union attend the premiere of Think Like a Man.

The women certainly did not disappoint as there was no shortage of sex appeal. They were more beautiful than ever and their outfits were as skimpy and tight as they could be without getting too 'hoochie'.  There were even some steamy lovemaking scenes. Everything else, for me, was, well, lukewarm. In other words, everything else was WACKY!

Almost everybody in the film, at one point or another, was a 'bitch' or a 'nigga'. When they were upset, they addressed each other as bitches and niggas. When they were jovial, they were still bitches and niggas. Even the men addressed each other as bitch. Those two words were thrown around too frequently and casually throughout the film, and were used in attempts to be funny. The cast could have been just as funny and effective in their messages without giving each other such derogatory names. I certainly found the language off-putting.

There was a joke by Kevin Hart's character - “Niggas are the only people who buy things they can’t afford,” or something to that effect. Of course, the theatre erupted into laughter, but I didn’t find it funny.

Taraji Henson’s character, being in a top management position, was the most successful and wealthiest of the women. When she opened her mouth, however, she was the loudest and most vulgar. I don’t know if that disconnect was deliberate, and if it was, I don't get the point at all. Again, it's as though the writers felt vulgarity was necessary for there to be hilarity. 

A few of the couples quickly fell in love and were as quick to break up. They fell deeply in love after just one date, or one sight. 'Love at first sight' was certainly a prominent theme. Basically, they all experience different  sorts of problems in their relationships. In the end, they work out their issues and live happily ever after. The whole thing was so predictable! 

Maybe you saw it and liked it; maybe you will see it and give it a thumbs up, or maybe like me, you will leave with a little smile and a big “WTF!”

I like what someone wrote online, "The movie is nothing but an infomercial for Steve Harvey's book."

A review of Think Like a Man by Grace Randolph

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Yendi responds to critics


Jamaican beauty queen, Yendi Phillips, breaks down as she speaks out about her pregnancy and relationship with musician Daniel "Chino" McGregor

Some very unfavorable things concerning her pregnancy outside of wedlock with Chino have been said on Facebook and Twitter. Some of the comments are:

"Disappointed. As a role model, you should get married first. So many achievements; failure on this one. Set better examples."

"Disappointing. You just came out of an engagement and you are pregnant for another man already?!!?!??! OK!!!! You're not married and it's not an established relationship. BURN THAT!!!!  Even worse, you are a role model to so many young females. REALLY!?!?!? God go with you, girl. Pray for forgiveness..."

"The concensus is that Yendi is too good for Chino & could have found a better-richer suitor! wow!"

"I'm not up for this. Asafa asked her about kids and she said she ain't ready for kids, and now Chino gets the green light... I thought you were smart."

"I wonder why he's wearing a ring and you're not. Gives the impression you got pregnant by another woman's husband. Either two wedding rings or zero; sends a less confusing message..."

For many people who believe in marriage before starting a family, it is understandable why they would be disappointed in Yendi's decision to have a child out of wedlock. It is also a valid point to say that since she is a role model to many young girls and women, it certainly looks more wholesome to have Chino "put a ring on it." As someone said, the title of "baby mama" just isn't fitting for someone of Yendi's caliber.  

Although I agree that Yendi should have waited until there was a commitment of marriage, I certainly don't condone some of the disparaging comments plastered across Facebook and Twitter. I am more at odds, however, with Chino than her marital status. He fathers a three-year-old girl from a previous relationship, and allegations are that other women have come out of the woodwork saying he is the father of their children too. He has the reputation of a womanizer. It is my opinion that Yendi could have done much better as Daniel is not on her level in any way, shape or form. 

The reggae and dancehall artist seems to have a problem with commitment and I doubt he will commit to his latest "baby mama". Yendi's loyal fans are rightfully disgruntled about her being reduced to the status of baby mama - one of them. When pressed about marriage, Chino's response is that he has yet to make up his mind as to whether or not he wants to go in that direction. He, however, did not hesitate when directing his sperm. Many have come to the couple's defense saying that the majority of Jamaican children are born out of wedlock so they in fact represent the reality of the Jamaican society. Just because something is common doesn't mean one shouldn't have higher and better standards. 

Again, I have more of an issue with this "baby daddy"called Chino than the absence of wedding bells. At the end of the day, Yendi says she is happy and that is all that matters. 

This is the picture of a 17-week pregnant Yendi that created a thunderstorm of chatter on the internet

Sunday, April 22, 2012

What does Yendi Phillips' pregnancy mean? If anything…

It was in 2007 when a 21-year-old woman sashayed her way into the Miss World beauty pageant, wearing a Jamaican sash. The 5’10” Jamaican beauty finished in the top 15.

The world would see her again when in 2010, Phillips danced, twirled and eloquently spoke her way to a first runner-up finish in the Miss Universe pageant. A role model for many, young Jamaican girls, Phillips was not only stunningly beautiful, she was educated. Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in recreation and leisure management. The beauty queen seemed to have it all together and had it all she did – she was dating a handsome, track sprinter and former world record holder, Jamaican Asafa Powell. Many thought of them as a match made in heaven.

Yendi Phillips competes in Miss Universe 2010

Fast forward to April 23, 2012, and the pageant darling announces she is 17 weeks pregnant by posting a picture of her stomach on Facebook. A left hand, believed to be that of the child’s father, gently touches the stomach. On his left, index finger is a sparkly ring. Yendi’s left hand, placed over his, does not show a ring. Are they married? Are they engaged? Are they not? Who is the father? Where is Asafa? The picture, a shot of the stomach area, does not show their faces.

Yendi Phillips announces pregnancy with picture

The father of the child is said to be a popular reggae and dancehall artist named Daniel McGregor who goes by the stage name Chino. He is the son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor.

Phillips announced her pregnancy as the welcoming of “little McGregor.”

Daniel "Chino" McGregor

The news quickly became a trending topic on twitter.

As fans congratulated the former Miss Jamaica, it came as a shock to many who bravely asked about her relationship with Asafa Powell.

One wrote on Facebook, “Is this real? Should have been Asafas's baby. Not a good match, Yen and Chino.”

“Asafa and Yendi [broke up] about two years ago… Please STFU,” write’s another in response to disappointed fans.

Others are solely concerned about the little girls who look up to Yendi. Should she have waited until marriage before getting pregnant? What message does this send to her young admirers? Should she care? Then there are those who wonder, “Why a musician, and why that one?” Some of his hits include songs called Ruff it up and She want it hard.

What do you say?



Yendi and Asafa in happier times

The high price of fame; do you want it?

In a 2009 televised interview, the late Whitney Houston told Oprah Winfrey that she once seriously considered moving to a small island with her daughter to escape from a life void of privacy. She longed for unfamiliarity where she could just be a “normal person.”

In this 2009 interview, Whitney Houston lamented about her frustration over the years with fame. 

Beyonce too, sometimes wishes to switch places with the unknown likes of you and me.  The singer went as far as to say she was jealous of those who could walk in a park or go to the grocery store without interference; something she could never do.

Beyonce, now a mother, cannot carry her baby in a stroller. Blue Ivy has to be strapped to her chest and her little head buried beneath a blanket. A picture of the newborn could earn the lucky photographer millions, and so the paparazzi will do anything necessary to get a snap of the prized baby. Snatching up the baby from a stroller may even be attempted.

Beyonce carries her baby girl close to her, not giving the paparazzi any chance to view her.

Singer and actor Terrell Carter may not be on the same level of stardom as Houston or Beyonce, but he got a sour taste of life in the public sphere when a former partner outed him as a homosexual. Carter is best known for his roles in several Tyler Perry films and for auditioning on the first season of X Factor USA. Many loyal fans thought he betrayed them and it has been argued that his career failed to advance due to the gay saga.


This picture of Terrell Carter made its way around the internet in an attempt to reveal his sexuality.

Fame; could you handle it? Do you want it?