Features

The Ru Report #162

Ready For The Close-Up
Reintroducing Anthony Anderson: Box Office Leading Man.

Yes, that's correct.

One of Hollywood's most beloved comical actors is one of the few who can boast a repertoire of films with a cumulative tally grossed at $1 billion. And he's just finally getting his just desserts with a leading role in a major studio film.

Mr. Anderson, who has appeared in flicks diverse as "Kangaroo Jack" and "Barbershop," will officially kick off his leading man status with this weekend's comedy offering, "King's Ransom," directed by Jeff Byrd.

"Because it's funny," the hefty Los Angeles native replied when asked why should film-goers see the comedy romp about a wealthy and arrogant businessman whose ex-wife-to-be has plans to take him for everything he is worth in their divorce settlement. Determined to one-up her, he established and elaborate scheme to kidnap himself. But he's not the only one who has designs on an abduction plot.

"I think we've assembled a great cast, we tell a great story," he continued, "and hopefully I haven't disappointed many people with the work that I've done in the past. So why not come and see a project that I'm actually a lead in?"

And while the vivacious Kellita Smith heat things up in the movie, playing the scorned and savvy spouse, "King's Ransom" also includes notable turns by Nicole Ari Parker, Regina Hall, Charlie Murphy, Loretta Devine, Jay Mohr and Donald Faison.

"The script was a nice script to begin with," Mr. Anderson added. "We just fed off each other's energies. So whatever they brought, I just wanted to make sure that I hit the ball back over the net when they hit it to you and that's what we did."

Mr. Byrd, who directed the 2003 Showtime movie "Jasper, Texas," told "The RU Report" that working on "Ransom" was a welcome departure from the heavy material that was dealt with in his previous work. "Doing that film was emotionally draining," he revealed. And although he developed a friendship with Mr. Anderson through a mutual acquaintance over the years, the job wasn't a guarantee to be his. "The caveat was Anthony had to approve of me," he explained. "That was the stamp of final approval." And thankfully he landed the gig, executed the vision and is now singing Mr. Anderson's praises.

"Anthony, to me, is like a stealth bomber," Mr. Byrd continued. "He's a comedic genius. Anthony has a great grasp on comedic timing and where to find the drama in the character. And that's what I love about him. He taught me a lot, and taught the other actors a lot about that comedic timing and how to deal with it."

Mr. Faison, who became a household name 10 years ago starring in the "Clueless" franchise, also found great inspiration working with Mr. Anderson.

And he also learned a lot in the process.

"He did a lot of movies and just to talk to him about his journey and how he got to where he is now was a great experience," the "Scrubs" star offered. "We're about to see a new Anthony Anderson. He's growing as an actor and we kind of started at the same time, so to talk to somebody who is on the same mission that I'm on is always insightful."

Mr. Anderson isn't letting this new-found fame go to his head either. Happily married with children (and exonerated from bogus rape charges), the fast-talking actor emanated a humbled energy in person. He's so grounded that when he saw the promotional roll-out campaign for "Ransom", he, admittedly, was awe-struck.

"You know what was wild," he explained: "I saw that [billboard for the movie] on a bus and I didn't know that my name was going to be above-title. Honestly, I didn't know. But when I saw the posters, that's when it dawned on me that 'wow, this is really happening.'"

But don't get it twisted. The new era of work for Anthony Anderson doesn't stop at "King's Ransom," which is distributed by New Line Cinema and set to play in over 1500 theaters this weekend.

He's currently shaking thing up with a recurring role on the gritty TV drama "The Shield," playing opposite the Emmy Award winning Michael Chiklis and the three time Tony Award-winning actress Glenn Close. "I'm not going to lie, everyday I go to work and I have a scene with Glenn Close and Michael Chiklis, I literally try to make them sweat in every scene," Mr. Anderson shared. "I want them to sweat. Just with the work, not even with the intent of the character and all of that. I want them to work. Just like I want them to want me to work in the scene. That's where I'm coming from with it. When you watch it, I don't ever want it to become lopsided. I got to bring it!"

Alright! Okay!

And then there's the John Singleton-produced Sundance Film Festival hit "Hustle & Flow," which will arrive on the big screen this summer. Mr. Anderson and his co-star Terrence Dashon Howard have been receiving high marks for the independent film about two Memphis-based pimps going through a mid-life crisis. Mr. Singelton, critically acclaimed director of "Boyz N The Hood" and "2 Fast Furious," reportedly mortgaged his home to help raise the $3.5 million it took to produce the film, which was subsequently picked up by Paramount Pictures for $9 million.

"[It's a] great film," he proudly affirmed, adding, "and I'm not saying that just because I'm in it. If I wasn't in it and I saw it, I would tell you the same thing. It's much more deeper than [pimps and hoes]. It's really about two men really trying to find themselves. It's just a powerful piece. Hands down, there isn't a weak link in that film, with regards to writing, with regards to directing, with regards to acting, with everything."

Up next for Mr. Anderson is Martin Scorsese's remake of the Hong Kong cop flick "Infernal Affairs," titled "The Departed" and set for release late next year. The eagerly-anticipated film also stars Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mark Wahlberg. It will surely set him up nicely as a serious acting force to be reckoned with.

"I am an actor, this is what I do," he boasted. "This is what I trained at since I was nine years old. Trained by Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Al Freeman, Jr., Bill Duke….and people like that."

"I've been recently given the opportunity to show the other side," he continued. "This is something that me and my team have always designed, this is our plan, it's just now coming together."

Watch out world, a new Black man is ready to capture the brass at the box-office. And if Samuel L. Jackson ("Coach Carter"), Ice Cube ("Are We There Yet"), Will Smith ("Hitch"), Tyler Perry ("Diary Of A Mad Black Woman") and Bernie Mac ("Guess Who") hitting #1 at the box office during the first three months of 2005 is any indication, then Mr. Anderson may be on the right track for equal success.

For times and a theater locations showing "King's Ransom, please log onto www.enjoytheshow.com.

Pages
The four-time Emmy Award-winning creator of the furry red franchise known as "Sesame Street"'s Elmo is a beautiful brother named Kevin Clash. That's just in case you didn't know. Mr. Clash recently signed a big money deal with Broadway Books to deliver an inspirational book for adults, that is on deck to be released in the fall of 2006. To be titled "What Elmo Taught Me," the hardcover book will draw upon the Baltimore native's unique experience as a parent, master puppeteer, and performer whose work has enchanted millions in America and around the world. "Playing a three-year-old day in and day out has given me a unique perspective on adulthood," Mr. Clash said. "I get to stay in touch with what's important but what we as adults take for granted. I always feel revitalized when channeling Elmo because he preaches the basics--and having the basics in the front of your mind on a daily basis keeps you focused on what's important. It's improved my relationships, my career, and my outlook on the future. Perhaps by sharing some of the things I've learned I can help adults in the same way." The forty-something year old Mr. Clash will also share the remarkable and stirring story of his road to success, the emotional and philosophical ideals he has learned from his creation, and how these can nurture values such as love, joy, creativity, diversity, cooperation, friendship, and optimism.

"Essence" magazine best-selling author Victoria Christopher Murray is tackling the "down-low" topic in her forthcoming book "Grown Folks Business: A Novel," which will be released in June via Touchstone Books. According to a spokesperson, the book will offer a fictionalized view of a female perspective on her male's low down, "down low" lifestyle, the Christian church's varying responses to homosexuality and dealing with the emotions of love when a relationship goes sour. Ms. Murray previously authored the novels "Truth Be Told," "Joy," "Temptation," and "Blessed Assurance"--which was a collection of inspirational short stories. Currently an assistant editor at "Black Issues Book Review," she resides in Inglewood, California with her family. The author will be embarking on a 14-city tour this summer in support of "Grown Folks Business."

"American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino is set to pen an inspirational tome called "Life Is Not A Fairy Tale" for Fireside Books. "I always tell people life is not a fairy tale," the High Point, NC native offered in a statement about the project. "I went through the struggle. I hope people can be inspired by my story to never give up on your dreams." As a platinum-selling single mother who experienced emotional and physical abuse, the proposed project should be quite telling. It is expected later this year.

All The Way Live
Image Entertainment recently released the home video companion of Dianne Reeves' critically-acclaimed live album "In The Moment--Live In Concert," which was originally released in 2000. The powerhouse three-time Grammy Award winner, considered the most versatile voice in contemporary jazz, is a true tour-de-force with her live show, which continues to draw crowds wherever she performs. "There's nothing like raw, in the moment feelings and trusting those feelings," she recently told The RU Report. "I think that's what we are about, I think that's what we posses--that ability to create right here, right now."

Always shining on songs such as Mongo Santamaria's classic "Afro Blue," Joni Mitchell's "River" and her knock-down, self-penned and Brazilian-inspired "Endangered Species," Miss Reeves delivers throughout the 13-song showcase. The stand-out on the set is her vivacious spin on Cole Porter's "Love For Sale," which is the grand finale. Miss Reeves' interpretation is my favorite. Featuring band members Otmario Ruiz on keyboards, Reginald Veal on bass, Roscoe Bryant on drums and Munyugo Jackson on percussion, the show was recorded live at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1999.

In discussing the aspect of capturing live performances for future use, Miss Reeves enthused, "I think this is so hip, so important to put these types of things out."

"I hope that this generation really find [it] important without a bunch of production, just getting out there and doing their thing," she added. "I believe in that thing that we have when we are in church, and we are conveying what's in our hearts. That's really, really strong and important. And when it's live like that, it's really something."

The DVD package for "Live" also includes a video interview with the celebrated chanteuse.

In other "live" music news, the world's famous jazz club, The Blue Note, nestled in New York City's Greenwich Village, will play host to two of the most distinctive voices in R&B music next month. On May 16, soul siren Alyson Williams is set to play two shows, marking her debut at the popular music venue. Last night, the former Def Jam Records Diva reached out to me from Moscow, Russia where she is making the coins. She informed me that the Alize sponsored show will also double as a birthday celebration. And starting May 17 and playing for a week-long engagement, soul legend Ben E. King will bellow and serenade the patrons with his classic hits "Stand By Me," and "Save The Last Dance For Me."

Honorable Mention: "We Are The World: The Story Behind The Song" (Image) is now available on a 2-disc DVD set, ripe with features such as previously unseen footage, outtakes from the recording session in which 45 of the biggest names in American popular music (including Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson and Paul Simon) united to record the song to help alleviate the suffering of starving millions in Africa. For the 20th Anniversary Special Edition, Jane Fonda hosts the 52-minute musical odyssey which chronicles the magic that took place on January 28, 1985.

Scene + Heard
In the latest installment of VH1's acclaimed original series, "Behind The Music: New Edition," Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant are pouring the tea about their ups and downs in the music business. VH1 is giving them the royal treatment with the special, which will feature rare and never-before-seen archival video, film and concert clips and songs, plus exclusive interviews with the artists, their friends and colleagues. "When I hear certain things, about Bobby hitting Whitney, or him being arrested for this or that, it's like, he's still my friend, you know," group member Mr. Bell said on the show. "I just kind of like pray for him, like I hope everything is alright." Mr. Gill, who replaced Mr. Brown and subsequently was the only group member who had a viable solo career when the group disbanded, talked candidly about his arrival in the group: "There was a huge explosion, I mean, it was, I mean, it got real ugly. Ralph was like 'I didn't want' him, I didn't bring him in here. And I'm not trying to split up my money with, you know, five ways again." Plagued by bad business deals, internal strife, and a frustrating struggle for respect, New Edition is widely recognized as the "original boy band"--that's if you don't count the Jackson 5. Sounds like appointment television. "Behind The Music: New Edition" premieres on April 28.

Samuel L. Jackson, while shooting Joe Roth's "Freedomland" in the Bronx, NY with Julianne Moore and Edie Falco, was spotted also doing double duty promoting a bigger and badder role in "XXX: State Of The Union" at the Regency Hotel. He sipped on a Venti Frappuccino while mulling through Sunday morning publicity chores. A film publicist quipped about Mr. Jackson offering advice to a "Jewish publicist trying to make it in the business." His stalwart longtime mouthpiece Lisa Kasteler didn't seem amused.

Andre Harrell, former Motown Records president who also founded the seminal New Jack sound of Uptown Records in the late 1980s has a new gig lined up. So I hear. Drum roll please--As the President of BET. Or "a" president, to be technical. This will mark the fifth act, or so, for the former rapper turned best friend of Russell Simmons and the man that gave birth to the likes of Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Heavy D and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Of course the mouthpieces over at BET are keeping mum on the subject, as they should.

Lynn Whitfield, looking immaculate during the Dee Dee Bridgewater show, last Saturday evening, at the swank Le Jazz Au Bar east side nightclub. In the throws having an "alcoholic outburst," the 52-year-old blactress shooed away a friendly photo-journalist yelling some rubbish about not wanting her photo taken. Only question is: who would buy it? Adorned in a leopard print wrap coat, the Baton Rouge beauty acted not so beautiful, making so much noise throughout the elegant set, that paying customers kept throwing visual daggers in her direction.

Usher will be featured on the cover of the June issue of "Essence" magazine-- said to be their celebration of Black Music Month. Fashion photographer Cliff Watts lensed the shots of the multi-platinum-selling, Grammy Award winning crooner for the best-selling and long-standing Black women's magazine.

On May 2, movie super-producer Joel Silver and the cast of the upcoming Warner Bros. horror film "House Of Wax" will be on hand to reveal a wax figure of pop culture icon Paris Hilton at Madame Tussaud's in New York City's Times Square.

Notable/Quotable
"I'm not just doing this for the highfalutin crowd – for lack of a better word—I want all people to be able to come to see this, in particular my fans. You know, people see you in films but never any closer than that. I feel I owe something to the people who've been unwavering in their support."
--Two-time Academy Award winning thespian Denzel Washington, about his much buzzed about return to The Great White Way in "Julius Ceasar."

Coming Up
"The RU Report" will celebrate the theatrical arts with our annual "Give My Regards…" series, which will run throughout the entire month of May, preceding the Tony Awards. Stay tuned.

©2005 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

Karu F. Daniels

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