Movie Review: Rising of the Planet of the Apes

Tim Burton’s 2001 remake was definitely over-shadowed this past weekend with the release of the Rising of the Planet of the Apes.  However, the movie didn’t fare as well as the 2001 effort in box office numbers.  I honestly believe this was due to lack of promotion here in the United States.  I only happened to find out about the film’s August 5th release from family planning to go to the movies.  Nonetheless, its performance by Andy Serkis in the lead ape role Caesar was nothing short of spell-binding.  Caesar was the son of a female chimpanzee who was a subject in the testing of an experimental drug for Alzheimer’s.  In her quest to protect her baby she had an outburst that inevitably lead to her being put down along with other chimps. 

            Her son, Caesar, taken in by the lead doctor in the experiment is passed her genetically enhanced intellect. The rest of the movie is built on Caesar’s understanding of his place in the universe.  He’s faced with being an ape in a human’s world full of its oppression and boundaries.  A moment that truly moved me was when Caesar is discussing with an orangutan why it’s important to get the apes to work together.  “As one we are weak…as many we are unbreakable.”  I found myself by the end of the movie cheering for the apes wanting nothing more than their freedom.  The audience shared my sentiments as they applauded at the close of this film which I’ve only experienced on two other occasions after watching a movie.  This Rupert Wyatt film is a rare gem full of suspense, heart-felt drama and a revolution full of awesome special effects birthing a freedom to an evolved species that will leave you chanting one thing...  “Long live CEASAR!!!!”    

Two thumbs up…A MUST SEE FILM!!!

New Book Review: Perfect Peace by Daniel Black

New Review: Perfect Peace by Daniel Black

The introduction to the Peace family is the birth of a little boy to Emma Jean and Gus Peace.  Emma Jean proven through the course of the book to be emotionally erratic and downright certifiable decides that after having six sons and giving birth to a seventh that she would have a daughter at any cost…even by manipulating the sex of a child.  

The novel is more a series of short stories; one plot intertwined with the other to create a novel filled with robust characters and subplots.  Gus Peace’s bouts with the Jordan River and its cleansing power are one of the most beautiful metaphors in this story.  Most of the characters make their way to the Jordan somehow and find some sort of peace within themselves be it perfect or not. Emma Jean’s emotionally abused mind and tortured spirit threatens to destroy her husband and each one of her children in one way or another.  This leaves the community of Swamp Creek’s most hypocritical Christians to pray empty prayers for the Peace family and wonder will Gus and his sons survive the woman’s mania.

 The favorite character award goes to good ole Gus Peace.  He did the best he could with what he had and more importantly his work ethic translated to all of his sons which proves to be the most invaluable lesson he passes down to each of them.   I loved his visits to the river and moreover when he cussed something terrible as he was filled to the brim with Emma Jean’s BS. 

Daniel Black’s story is wonderfully written with characters that jump off the page.  NO character is insignificant to the overall story line and each play an integral part to propel the reader to an end that is bitter sweet.  I gave this work four stars simply for its repetitiveness.  The story also handles issues over sexuality and the many ways it could be addressed or not.  The ideals and notions passed down through generations of African Americans in regard to the roles of women and men scream throughout the novel.    Finally, the main metaphor in this novel will leave you questioning your own destination to perfect peace and if it’s possible to achieve.     

My Natural Hair Journey: Back to My Roots

Hey Yall,

My natural hair journey officially began January 16, 2011.  I remember the date because it was the day after my grandmother passed and a few of my girlfriends stopped by the house to express their condolences.  In the process of attempting to cheer me up we got on the subject of natural hair.  They'd both started their journeys and I realized that they hardly ever discussed it before that day...with me at least.

It wasn't until I did my "BC" (non-naturals Big Chop: cutting off all the permed hair) that I realized I don't know too many women not going natural as of late.  One of my dear friends loves to talk about the experience with me now and through our various conversations I've found that everyone's experience is different.  I wanted to find a way to become closer to God...spiritually, mentally, and physically.  My grandmother's death was sudden.  (Her pastor said, "Her death wasn't sudden because the Lord plans to call us all home...we just don't know when that time is.)  I love the Lawd just like the next one...but, my grandmother's death shook me to my core.  I felt forever changed by it and thus I needed to make major changes in my life as a result.  I decided that day that I needed a complete overhaul on my temple from head to toe and achieve a peace that I've found in writing...but not physically.  And being that today is Resurrection day...I feel it's an excellent segway. 

So!!!  I have kinky twists now and I'll explain why.  I've pretty much cut off all my permed hair because I'm the most impatient person I know.  And I was so excited about going natural in the beginning.  I use Kinky Curly products mostly, Pantene's Natural Conditioner, and a recipe for a leave in conditioner that I found on Youtube.  The routine I've devised was weekly washing and conditioning.  I know that washing with shampoo is taboo...I just have to see suds foam up in my hair to feel like it's clean.  It's mental and a personal choice and I co-wash w/ conditioner after.  The kinky twists have been in for three weeks just due to I wasn't very happy with the way I looked without hair.  Sure I've worn my hair short for years back in the day...but now I wasn't feeling the short fro after a while.  I like the twists...I've had them before so I'm no stranger to them.  Today was my first day washing them (I've been really sick for the last few weeks).  I feel refreshed and I'm looking forward to my next length check.  I will put up pics of my BC before the twists. 

Leave a comment about your experience, if you are still deciding, or totally against it.  I'd love to hear your thoughts...the journey is personal.  But, it's easier when you share your experience. 

You might learn something new and Happy Resurrection Day!

New Book Review: Running From Solace By Nakia Laushaul

My writer's eyes read a story about a young girl named Naomi that persevered through years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of her mother Nola and her mother's boyfriend Uncle C. After being removed from her mother’s home she endures the foster system and puts herself through college. However, her emotional wounds are still so deep and fresh that they bleed out of her permanent scars left from childhood.  Her marriage is suffering and eventually her whole life unravels when she meets a young boy named Xavier and his abusive mother Mona. 

Nakia Laushaul has brilliantly crafted what I like to refer to as onion characters...once you peel back a layer there's much more to find.  Xavier was my favorite character from the moment we meet him until the very end of the story.  I felt his pain and wanted to walk up to him and hold him close.  It's a moment he rejoices that someone wants to spend time with him and I literally had to put my Kindle down and cry. Laushaul has a way of drawing you end and caressing you with details page after page leaving you with cliff hanger chapter endings.  She has the art of seducing you with her plot leading you to a climax that resolves this story nicely. I've already been recommending Running from Solace to anyone I know.  This book makes for happy reading.

My friend's heart (being that I consider Nakia Laushaul to be one of the most genuinely good friends that I have) wanted to jump up and rejoice like I was in church for my girl.  I'm so proud of you Nakia.  It's something to be able to read another author's work that you are friends or even have a working relationship with.  You feel like you've bonded with them as a person...closer to them even.  I'd never read any of her work before this one and although we are miles away...I definitely felt like she was with me throughout the journey of reading this story.

Happy for you Sissy...much success!!!

Please Support this young Author...
http://www.amazon.com/Running-from-Solace-ebook/dp/B004WSXVSY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1303583179&sr=1-2

The First One

Allow me to Introduce myself...

My preferred name is PJaye.  I'm a junior...named after my Aunt and being named after someone can become quite complicated.  I will talk about that more one day because I have loads of issues with it (And I'm encouraging people to stop naming their children after people...lol).  Anyway, I'm a single mother of one little almost ten year old girl named Paige.  She's my world so you all will hear a lot about the Pooh-lee Monster.  And I have a two year old neice and god-daughter named Jaeda...she's the living breathing Dennis the Menace.   Aside from having a regular 9 to 5 that I'm ready to leave because I can't take working for the man anymore, I own a publishing company.  We will talk about that soon.  I'm just over the dreaded 30 year old mark and although young...I'm seasoned.

So Stay tuned...