Viola Davis Considering a Political Biopic

Coming off the heels of success from The Help, Viola Davis is in talks to portray Barbara Davis, the first black woman to be elected to the Senate in 1966.  The film will be based on the book Barbara Jordan: American Hero, and will be produced by her, her husband and Shelly Glasser and Diane Nabatoff.

I have never heard of Barbara Davis and have no idea what she has done, but based on watching this clip and listening to her speak about whether or not to impeach Nixon, she is clearly a powerful presence.  Cinema Blend has a great write up on it.


Just listen to her speaking....

Reese Speaks Out About Domestic Violence

While I may not be that compelled by some of Reese Witherspoon's more recent rom com film choices, she has made some classic films that have etched their presence on my All Time Favorites list, ones that will always be remembered -- Freeway, Fear, Election, Legally Blonde, American Psycho, Walk the Line.  But even more so, I can't help but love her for speaking out about the dangerous and realities of domestic violence in a time when it's treated more like tabloid gossip rather than a real issue.

Reese recently spoke at the World Conference of Women's Shelters, which included 1500 women from 90 different countries.  In explaining the conference to her children, she said "it's a place where thousands of people come together to share information and ideas and how they can best communicate that communities need to help each other."

The community she is in is the entertainment/celebrity kind, and by speaking at this conference and participating in this interview she is walking the talk. We need smart, informed voices in the wake of Rihanna and Chris Brown dismissing the impact their reunion can and will have on their young fans.

I've read many times that it's teenage girls who are most at risk for relationship violence. Teenage girls are also the ones most influenced by their role models.  In discussing her characters and film choices, Reese says, "you don't realize the change you can create, just by creating positive role models."  She explains that once a group of women approached her to tell her that they went to law school because of Legally Blonde.

She also goes on to talk about how she hopes to be a part of a change that ushers in an era where women play a more prominent role as writers, directors and producers within the film industry.  "It's up to us to create the change and educate our sons and our daughters."

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Amber Tamblyn Needs to Become a Rapper

In a hilarious moment of inspiration, actress Amber Tamblyn created some comedic, feminist, rap songs at the expensive of Tyrese (actor, model, singer?  idk) when he stumbled across her email address and assumed she was Amber Rose, model/ex-girlfriend of Kanye West, and sought to establish a musical collaboration with her.  Well, Tamblyn being the brilliant comedienne and actress that she is played along with his mistake and created these demo songs she calls "Awareness Raps."

"All in Favor," the first in the series of her "Tyrese Sessions," is actually pretty awesome and funny with witty and confrontational rhymes that call out Congress on attempting to ban birth control for women.  I wrote out all the lyrics below so you can see just how epic and funny her song is.

Why aren't actual musicians writing songs about this and bringing attention to the fact that the United States Congress is trying to ban birth control?   If you want to hear the rest just go to her Sound Cloud for the "Tyrese Sessions," and go to her facebook page to read her explanation and the serious of emails where she pretends to be Amber Rose.



Dear Men in Congress,

You think banning birth control is conservative progress?  You think sanctioning my ovaries won't bring me to violence?  How about I tell you what to do with your caucaus?

It is now illegal to think about me topless, to keep your lotion where your socks is, to refer to powerful women as monsters like those jocks at Fox did.

I am not afraid to cock block dick, to sew an instructional video of rape kits to your eye lids and make you watch it.  I'll take away your golf clubs and gun clips.  I'm gonna fix this by getting you fixed.  Enough's enough kid, come on stop that.  If you wanna make this law, then use this law rap.

You have the right to get strangled by a bra strap.  Anything you sexualize can and will get shot at, with a glock cap.  I'll shove your life in a duffle bag, hand it over to a sex trafficer and let him smuggle that.

You wanna cuddle dad?  NO!  Don't touch me.  You can't touch me anymore.  I'm so pissed I forgot how to rhyme.   I hate you so much I forgot what I was talking about.  Who wants to get Mexican food?  Jay-Z do something!

This is do or die.  These are the new rules I play by.  This is the end of the line.  Okay old white guy?  Ladies, testify.  It's time to put a measure on the floor against chromosome Y.  All in favor, say aye.


Amber, do you want to collaborate with me?  Seriously, I think you're awesome.

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Amy Poehler Takes on Congress

Image via Women and Hollywood.  Did Amy make this?  I dont' know, but I'm pretty sure it was inspired from her bit with Seth Meyers on Congressional involvement in birth control.  You can see it in the video below.

Stars of The Help Interviewed by Tavis Smiley

Watch Actresses Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley.

Most Hollywood stars only give sound bites on issues of race, gender and oppression or avoid these matters completely.  But Viola Davis has a compelling perspective regarding the criticism of the character she and Octavia Spencer play in The Help.   Also, Octavia's recent words of wisdom have made her a new heroine of mine.

I haven't seen the film myself, but what do you think?  Does she make a good point or does The Help only reinforce Hollywood's representation of Black Americans in stereotypical roles?

We Need To Talk About Kevin

Brilliant film by Lynne Ramsay.  If you see only one film this year, this should be it.  The Frisky did a very interesting interview with the film's young star Ezra Miller.  If you haven't seen We Need to Talk About Kevin, I'd wait to read the interview.  But if you have seen it, you should check it out because he has a complex and compelling perspective on the story and character.

Step Aside Bieber, Juliet is About to Take Your Throne

Eat shit Disney!