Features

The Ru Report #152

Fat Is Where It's At
Kenan Thompson has hit the big time.

The "Saturday Night Live" featured player--who has made the best mockery of TV personality Star Jones in recent months-- is taking on another larger than life television icon--Fat Albert.

The 27-year-old Atlanta native and former Nickelodeon staple stars in the title role of the heavily-promoted big studio transfer of the legendary cartoon "Fat Albert," which opens this weekend.

According to director Joel Zwick, the former "Good Burger" star was immediately hired for the leading job after the "Powers That Be" took a quick peek at an audition tape. Those "Powers That Be" would be no other than the revered and groundbreaking television industry powerhouse known as Bill Cosby, who created the original cartoon series in the 1970s. "Cosby looked at in no more than 15 seconds and said 'hire him' and all Cosby picked up was his sweetness. He couldn't care less at that point about whether [Kenan] was funny or if he was not funny. He seemed to have evoked that sort of kindness and sweetness that he wanted in that character of Fat Albert. And that was, what I thought, was a pretty amazing thing."

The charming movie is helmed Mr. Zwick, who broke out the confines of a 21-year career helming TV sitcoms with 2002's surprise hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Fat Albert" is already getting high marks from the critics, and has won over test-audiences with its dignified approach to urban youth culture. "We didn't think that the teenagers would buy into it for a second but they did big-time because one of the things that unites us all is that we were not interested in what makes us different in this movie," Mr. Zwick stated. "We were interested in what makes us the same." He added that Camille Cosby was very instrumental in ensuring that negative stereotypes of African-Americans were not being perpetuated throughout the film.

The movie, written and executive produced by Mr. Cosby, is distributed by Twentieth Century Fox and will play on more than 3500 movie screens this weekend. The cast includes Kyla Pratt, Keith D. Robinson, Omarion Grandberry, Jermaine Williams, Dania Ramirez, Marques Houston, Shedrack Anderson III, Alphonso McAuley and Aaron A. Frazier, amongst others.

"The very interesting thing about this cast is that every single one of them was my first choice, which is a remarkable thing," Mr. Zwick revealed. "I knew nothing about the "Fat Albert" series. My kids were a little too young and I was definitely too old, so I did not really hook into what Fat Albert was about. I decided that what I basically wanted to capture was a kind of a innocence and sweetness of purpose from the actors. I was less concerned about their level of craft, although I was totally amazed about how good they turned out to be on that level, but I wanted nice people."

Mr. Zwick won the coveted position to helm the project actually by default.

Initially, acclaimed actor/director Forrest Whitaker was on board to do the film. But things got dicey. "My take on what happened is that it was a generational problem between Cosby and Forrest," Mr. Zwick explained "Basically, Cosby wrote out of a sensibility of kids who were hanging around and doing their thing literally through the late 40s and early 50s. And Forest Whitaker's relationship to the world comes much later. So I think there was a kind of a sensibility breakdown, not a craft breakdown."

But as long as the "sitcom King"--the Brooklyn-bred Mr. Zwick is recognized as Hollywood's most prolific director of episodic television, having helmed 525 shows, including 21 pilots that have gone on to become regular series--was in the driver's seat, he didn't have any qualms about playing second fiddle. "As far as taking it over, it was a year after Forrest disbanded that my name came into the mix as a possibility to take over the movie and Cosby at that point. had not seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" … but he loved the fact that I had about a 21 year career in directing sitcoms… and he thought that was the proper sensibility for "Fat Albert."

The collaborative style proved to be fruitful for all parties involved.

"[Mr. Cosby] came like the first day and he was just astounded and excited to see all of the characters come to life," added Mr. Thompson, who adorned a 30 pound fat suit while filming the movie in and around Los Angeles. "He and his wife Camille seemed ecstatic from day one. They told us that it was awesome and we helped them make a dream come true. It was thirty years in the making. He was very supportive throughout the filming and he came back for his cameo. He's a very powerful man and he was there the very last day when he didn't have to be there just to tell us that we were doing a very good job and to pat me on the back."

"Fat Albert" is great family fun and should do a brisk business during the holiday break. It's a colorful, comical work of art loaded with morale fiber and great motivational messages for young people. And if that doesn't pan out, Mr. Thompson has an idea:

"If it was up to me, I would pay for everybody to go and see it," he joked, then added, "but that's not the issue. The issue is that we have a great movie in the can and it has great potential to do a lot of great things beyond this theatrical release. So we need to support it."

Sounds Of The Season
For me, the best part of the holiday season is the musical offerings that are heard everywhere you go. From supermarkets, malls and coffee shops to television, radio and movie theaters holiday music is in full abundance. There's no escaping it. And I can appreciate it all, whether old or new. Or classic or spastic. Here's a brief listing of new and noteworthy yuletide offerings.

Dionne Warwick, one of my all time legendary song stylists, delivers her very first Christmas collection with "My Favorite Time Of The Year," (DMI) her easy-listening styled take on seasonal standards such as "Silent Night" and "The Christmas Song." Smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz joins the multiple Grammy Award winning singer on "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" and "Joy To The World," while longtime friends BeBe Winans and Gladys Knight also show up and show out on the 13-track set.

"American Idol" finalist George Huff also gets into the swing of things with his masterfully crafted disc titled "My Christmas EP!" (Word) featuring rousing renditions of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and the opening medley "Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," served up with much gospel fervor. Noted gospel greats such as Desmond Pringle, along with Cedric and Victor Caldwell contribute to the 5-song set.

And that all-around entertaining dynamo known as Vanessa Williams released her second holiday set this season, "Silver & Gold" (Lava). Long-time musical partner Rob Mathes produced the new disc, featuring collaborations with Brian McKnight, the Broadway Inspirational Voices along with Irish musicians Cormac Breatnach and Martin Dunlea.

Also deserving an ear is Brian McKnight's spiritually-laced "Bethlehem" (Motown) from 1998, Vanessa Williams's sublime "Star Bright" from (1996) and a hard-to-find set called "Nativity: A Life Story," a musical masterpiece produced by James Stovall, Harold Wheeler and Hattie Winston, featuring the voices of Phylicia Rashad, Keith David, Ebony Jo-Ann, Marva Hicks, Freddie Jackson, Alyson Williams, BeBe Winans, Stephanie Mills and the incomparable Lillias White. And check out the re-issues of "The Best Of… Christmas Collections" by Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, New Edition, Michael McDonald and The Staller Brothers that Universal Music's Chronicles imprint recently released.

Great Gift Ideas
Although Christmas is just a couple of days away, your gift-giving shouldn't be over with. Kwanzaa starts on Sunday and runs throughout the whole week. Below are some wonderful great ideas

Reads:
Poet Laureate Maya Angelou has a cookbook, but it's just too nice to splatter grease stains on. Titled "Hallelujah! The Welcome Table" (Random House, $29.95), the 240 page hardcover weighs just under two pounds but is chock-full of down home recipes. Tried and true dishes such as fried meat pie, chicken liver, beef Wellington, bread pudding and chocolate éclairs are juxtaposed with Ms. Angelou's pithy and poignant memories. More than 100 recipes are included. Perfect for nana, mama, grandma or whatever you want to call her.

Illustrated with more than 200 color movie stills, historical images, storyboards and behind-the-scenes photos, the new full-color pictorial 'moviebook' "Ray: A Tribute To The Movie, The Music, And The Man" (Newmarket Press, $30) is a fabulous treat. Featuring an introduction by Jamie Foxx, who stars as the late musical genius Ray Charles in the critically acclaimed biopic "Ray," this 208 page collectible includes the complete screenplay for the film along with commentary from friends, musicians and historians. Perfect for avid movie buffs and soul music lovers.

And the publishers of "Essence" magazine released another hard-cover coffee-table book this season. This one, called "Making It Happen: Creating Success and Abundance" ($24.95), features Mary J. Blige and Beyonce on the cover, with an inset of Oprah Winfrey, Jacqueline Johnson, and Magic and Cookie Johnson. In his introduction, Essence Communication Partners CEO Ed Lewis quotes the late Langston Hughes and talks up economic advancement. Edited by Patricia M. Hinds, an acclaimed children's book author, the tome features inspiring stories and profiles on BET founder Robert Johnson, designer Tracy Reese, super-duper-model Tyra Banks, political analyst Carlos Watson, boxer Laila Ali, nursing professional Trilby Barnes and basketball star Grant Hill. Perfect for young folks. It's a celebration of The New Black History.

Last but definitely not the least on the list is "Ailey Spirit: The Journey Of An American Dance Company" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $35) chronicles the growth of the company as a key American institution. The book is a visual wonderment celebrating more than four decades of sheer artistry, along with insightful text that draws on unpublished interviews with more than 50 key individuals from within the Ailey "family." Wynton Marsalis contributes the foreword. Perfect for the dancer in you.

Sights:
If you're feeling more Blockbuster than Loew's this holiday season – or know of someone who is, then there are a few home entertainment offerings that should be pleasing to the eye. Film and TV veterans Clarence Williams III and Denise Nicholas star in the psychological thriller "Ritual" (Urbanworks Entertainment), $14.98), which delves into the lives of a seemingly perfect family.

The DVD Collector's Set of "Barbershop" (MGM, $39.98) includes collectible postcards, the first Ice Cube-starring movie and its excellent sequel directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan, and a limited edition headband. The set also includes a Sneak Peek DVD of the next spin-off from the franchise, "Beauty Shop" which stars Queen Latifah and opens in a few months.

The hugely-popular Disney Channel series "That's So Raven" just made its official debut on DVD format with the "Supernaturally Stylish" volume (Buena Vista, $19.99), featuring four previously-aired episodes and a never-before-seen episode from the new season. The DVD also features two bonus music videos from Raven, who is the 2004 Nickelodeon Kids Choice winner for "Favorite Female Actor" and an alum of "The Cosby Show."

Sounds:
Only one music collection stands out as a great stocking stuffer for the most broadest reaching of demographics. That's the deluxe box-set celebrating the musical achievements of one of music history's greatest icons: Michael Jackson. "The Ultimate Collection" (SonyBMG, $59.98) is a five-disc display book box set featuring four audio CDs including 57 tracks of hit singles, album cuts, previously un-issued recordings and hard-to-find rarities from US and UK archives spanning 1969 to 2004. The fifth disc is a completely unreleased 1992 live concert DVD. In addition to the hours and hours of audio and video content on this amazing collection, an ample 64-page color booklet is included with dozens of rare and never-before-seen photographs and personal memorabilia from Mr. Jackson's archives. A chronological timeline covers the entire story and a complete discography are also included, along with an essay by noted pop culture critic and author Nelson George. Executive produced by Mr. Jackson, himself, the collection marks the most extensive presentation of his artistry ever assembled in one package.

Something Special:
And while we're on the subject of giving. Why not get into the giving spirit ourselves. "Oprah," "The View" and "Ellen" aren't the only ones giving away nice gifts to their avid and loyal viewers.

In an unprecedented effort, The RU Report has teamed up with SONY/BMG to give away an Urban Classic Gift Pack, a 5-CD collection featuring the sounds of The Isley Brothers, De La Soul, Mos Def, Raphael Saadiq, Macy Gray, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck D, Buddy Guy, Ruth Brown and B.B. King.

"This is the best project that I've ever worked on," said the Emmy Award nominated rootsy rapper Mos Def, who appears on "The Isley Brothers: Taken To The Phase (Reconstructions)," which was released earlier this season to rave reviews. The masterful collection also features Stuart Matthewman (of Sweetback and Sade) Will.I.Am (of Black Eyed Peas), ?uestlove (of The Roots) and a gang of current day maestros putting their spins on The Isley catalogue.

And for the more discerning Isley fan, "The Essential Isley Brothers" will whet your pallet with its close attention to chronology, detailed overviews of their illustrious recording career, scholarly liner note essays, and a package that include rare photography.

But that's not all. This special Urban Classic Gift pack also features "Lightning In A Bottle," a double-disc soundtrack to new concert film /documentary from producer Martin Scorsese and director Antoine Fuqua. The double CD documents the historic "Salute To The Blues" concert event that was held in February 2003 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. The set features Buddy Guy, Ruth Brown and B.B. King, as well as such musical heirs as Bonnie Raitt, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry, MosDef, Chuck D. and Macy Gray.

Enter to win this great gift while supplies! The first ten entrants will receive an autograph copy of the "Taken To The Next Phase" signed by Raphael Saadiq, ?uestlove, Stuart Matthewman, or the members of the group, De La Soul.

To enter, send your name, contact information and daytime telephone number to: TheRUReport@aol.com.

Good Works
Toys "R" Us is giving back to the community. One of the most leading specialty toy retailers in the world has teamed up with Marine Toys for Tots foundation and the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. to collect cash and toy donations for America's needy children this holiday season. To kick off the partnership, Toys "R" Us, Inc. is donating $1 million in toys to Toys for Tots. That's putting your money where your mouth is. Until January 7, 2005, Toys "R" Us retail stores will accept cash donation to the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund from customers at stores and online at Toysrus.com. Toys for Tots will use the monetary donations raised by the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. to purchase toys to benefit needy children in local communities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are an estimated 13 million children in the United States living in poverty. Last year, Toys for Tots distributed over 15 million new toys to 6.5 million of the neediest youngsters. The Toys for Tots program conducts many activities throughout the year that help generate toy and monetary donations that aid in the development of underprivileged children in the U.S. "Toys "R" Us is the joy business," said John Barbour, who is the U.S. President for Toys "R" Us. "And we are especially gratified to know that the partnership with Toys for Tots will help provide millions of needy children with a brighter holiday season." Currently, the chain sells merchandise through ore than 1,200 stores, including 680 toy sores in the U.S. and 591 international toy stores, including licensed and franchise stores as well as through its internet sites. Information about Toys for Tots is available at Toysfortots.org.

©2004 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com