Viola Davis - writer, actress, and so much more

 Viola Davis - Finding Me is a wow of a memoir. This award winning actress - Academy, Emmy, Tony (2), Screen Actors Guild is a phenomenon. She is currently the star of The Woman King in a very strong powerful role. She brings nothing but the best to what  she does. 

However, her memoir tells a harrowing tale of poverty, abuse, and a struggle to fit into the world. As a very dark skinned black woman, she did not fit anyone's box of "pretty", "petite", etc. Her voice, her body, her face commands attention. She leaps from the screen now, but it took a lot of hard  work  to get there. 

Cover blurb - So I wrote this for anyone running through  life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying  to get some sort of self love. 

I am in more awe of her after reading this book. She truly spills her  guts on the page, as she does in  her work.  It  took time, but she found love, adopted a child, and  has her own  production company. 

Kudos to Viola Davis. I look forward  to her continued success and to see what she  brings on screen. 

Movie Review Madness - Widows

A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows – Veronica (powerful Viola Davis), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), Alice(Elizabeth Debicki) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) -- have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, Veronica joins forces with the other three women to pull off a heist that her husband (Liam Neeson) was planning.

That’s the blurb for Widows, but oh, there is so much more. Chicago politics (Colin Farell, Robert DuVall), double crossing, money and lots of it, guns, theft, and did I mention a lot of money?

I really enjoyed this film. Just go with the plot. There’s a lot of bad people looking to do harm and work deals, and survive.  The director, Steve McQueen, just let it rip. And when you think you have it figured out…think again. Twists, turns, and the greatness that is Viola Davis. She’s just so good. Just one look can say volumes.

I was happy with the outcome, not necessarily sad at the funerals, and oh yeah – ladies can work a heist plot (and get babysitters for the kids). Widows – no tears, no tissues required.

Movie Review Madness: Prisoners

I haven't posted my movie viewing in order, but that doesn't mean this is not worthy. Indeed, fall movie season has begun and it is worth heading to the theater once again. Prisoners offers a stellar cast and an intense experience. Everyone in the theater collectively held his or her breath until the end. Hugh Jackman and Maria Bello have two kids and live in a normal suburban home in PA. He works construction and times are a bit tough. They head over to the neighbors up the street (Terence Howard and Viola Davis and their two kids) for Thanksgiving. The day is good - food, family, and friends. Then the two young girls (approximately age seven or so) ask to go back to Hannah's room to look for a toy. The parents agree thinking the older kids will go with them. Oops. Miscommunication leads to missing girls.

Earlier, when the kids went for a walk, there had been a camper parked on the street. The girls wanted to climb the ladder on it, but the elder brother said no. It had a creepy vibe. A description of the girls and the vehicle are given to the police, and the camper is found at the edge of the woods. As police approach, the driver suddenly guns it and crashes into a tree. No sign of the girls, and the guy played by Paul Dano is confused. He's twenty something with the mind of a ten year old who lives with his aunt (Melissa Leo).

Lack of clues but suspicion about this lone suspect lead to frustration. Hugh is certain that the detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) is not doing his job, and he takes matters into his own hands. He holds Dano captive and tortures him for a confession. Terence Howard reluctantly goes along. Life stops for these families and they are prisoners in their worry and fear. Layers of new clues slowly emerge, and the clock ticks. Who's right? Who's wrong? Where are the girls? I will not give away anymore. Plenty of twists and turns keep us guessing. Each performance is great, and you'll be on the edge of your seat. This is a solid R for violence. Hugh Jackman is coiled as only a desperate father can be. Prisoners holds you captive.