Random Movie News....

Haven't seen David Alan Grier in a film for a while, maybe this is why. From Comedy Central:

Fresh off announcing its 2008-2009 development slate, Comedy Central has given a pick-up to "David Alan Grier's Chocolate News" (working title), a fake magazine show hosted and executive produced by David Alan Grier, which will premiere during the first quarter of 2009. The network has also greenlit an "uber-spoof" of the reality genre.

Hosted by "In Living Color" alum and Tony Award-nominee David Alan Grier, "David Alan Grier's Chocolate News" makes no apologies for its biased approach as it investigates inherently urban pop culture topics such as an operation to save black and white conjoined twins, steroid use in Little Leaguers and a rapper's public service announcement gone awry. The point-of-view is decidedly from an African American perspective and everyone and everything is fair game for Grier and his regular team of investigators.

From IW: Gotta give it to him. He's always popping up somewhere. Gettin' a little grey around the edges, tho, yes?



For My Philly Folks:

The late Ivan Dixon, star of the classic NOTHING BUT A MAN and director of THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR.

Be sure to tune in to tonight's episode of REELBLACK TV. We have exclusive interviews with actor/filmmaker IVAN DIXON (Nothing But A Man), who passed away last Sunday at the age of 76. Also on this weeks show is poet SAUL WILLIAMS (The Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust), who comes to Philly's Trocadero Theater on April 11 plus a rare performance clip of Grammy winner JOHN LEGEND.

Reelblack TV airs at 6PM tonight on Comcast 54/DUTV with repeats Saturday and Sunday at 7AM. Don't get Comcast? Watch "best of" clips at http://youtube.com/user/reelblack

This has nothing to do with Black Cinema, but why the f**k is Marlon Jackson stocking groceries at Von's in San Diego? The whole family should be chipping in just so no mess like that will ever pass our eyeballs in print. Just wrong in every single way.

Anyhoo, back to the movies. This year’s jury for TAA is a notable group of industry professionals – actors, writers, producers, and directors – who will review script excerpts and work samples prior to the Festival. The 2008 Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award Narrative jurors are Adam Beach, Joy Bryant, Damon Dash, Kate del Castillo, William Greaves, Jessica Hagedorn, Chris Lee, Anthony Mackie, Jesse L. Martin, and Patricia Riggen; the 2008 Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award Documentary jurors are Neda Armian, Marysol Castro, and Sheila Johnson.

It is good to see such a diverse panel, but why is Joy Bryant a judge? No disrespect, but hmmmmm.

Speaking of The Tribeca Film Festival:

David Mamet's "Redbelt," starring Chiwetel Ejiofor ("American Gangster") will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. Ejiofor is joined by Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Tim Allen and Joe Mantegna. The film will serve as the Gala premiere of the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival on April 25. The festival runs April 23-May 4.

In "Redbelt," according to Tribeca Film Festival, "Mike Terry (Ejiofor) is the chief instructor at the Southside Jiu-jitsu Academy. Although a talented fighter, he refuses to compete in professional bouts. Instead, he trains dedicated students in the art of self-defense: bodyguards, cops, and soldiers. At his brother-in-law's club one evening, Mike saves famous action star Chet Frank (Allen) from a severe beating. His defense of Frank leads to a job in the film industry, but other events conspire to force Mike to participate in a prizefight."

From IW: Mmmmm, Chiwetel.