Idris Elba calls out Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence

By The Film Critic
JR Staff Writer

The black film industry has been on the decline for well over ten years. During the late 1980s, Spike Lee led a revolution in the film industry. Many black filmmakers followed in Lee's footsteps, making classic movies. Along the way, several comedy films were made, too.

It seems as if the 1990s were the peak of black America, in many ways. All of the hard work during the Civil Rights Movement and in the 1970s led up to the 1990s. But, when it was time to pass the baton into the 21st Century, it seems as if the black community missed the boat.

Four years ago, Idris Elba broke into the spotlight with his supporting role on American Gangster. Sharing scenes with the legendary Denzel Washington led many people to crown Elba as the second coming. In the time since American Gangster, Idris Elba has had starring roles in quite a few movies, including one opposite Beyonce in Obsessed.

But, the primary black filmmakers have been Tyler Perry and a few other names. Perry is known for jumping into his blue dress to portray Madea. Martin Lawrence has starred in several comedy films, throughout the late 1990s and throughout the 2000s, and has dressed up as women. Lawrence recently launched his own film company and he is currently promoting his Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son movie. The film is expected to be a seller, along with the Perry films, but not everyone is impressed.

Idris Elba recently spoke out against the Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence films. Elba said it is time for both filmmakers to grow up. He said the Tyler Perry movies and the upcoming Big Mommas film are "buffoonish" and he is not impressed. Elba feels it is time for Tyler Perry, especially, to expand the type of films he creates in order to elevate the art. While his words came off a little harsh, Idris Elba was only offering a form of constructive criticism.

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Idris Elba prepares for a Big 2011

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

For the past few years, Idris Elba has been making moves to break into the limelight. He has starred in HBO's "The Wire" and has shared screen time with Denzel Washington and Beyonce. With all of this behind him, Elba is credited as a great supporting actor.

Being a supporting actor is great, but Idris Elba sees something better for himself. Elba has put in work behind the scenes in 2010 to become one of the leading male actors of 2011. Currently, he is working on Thor, in which he will portray God.

Idris Elba's role in Thor has received negative press from white supremacists. Despite the negative energy, Idris Elba is loving the attention. He feels that every great actor needs a pack of haters diminishing their every move.

The film will premiere in 2011 and it will definitely attract a major audience, which is a win-win for him regardless. With the film almost promising a major audience, more people will see Idris Elba's talents and he will land more movie roles. Idris Elba feels 2011 will be the first year of great things for him. Back in 2007, he starred alongside Denzel Washington in American Gangster afterwhich he was compared to the legend.

Elba loves comparisons, but he wants to be known as a great actor in his own right. Even with Thor in post-production, he will star in more films which are scheduled for 2011 and 2012.

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Denzel Washington broke the law for "Unstoppable"

By The Film Critic
JR Staff Writer

Because of his position as a successful black man, Denzel Washington has used his reputation to give back. The man has been living proof that anyone can make it. He has become very vocal and has done positive commercials. Many people consider Denzel Washington to be a positive role model.

Each year, it appears as if Denzel Washington is gearing up for a new film. He has been on a different high ever since he did both American Gangster and The Great Debates. In the first film mentioned, Washington portrayed Frank Lucas, a crime lord in the 1970s. That was his first role as a villain.

Now, Washington's focus is Unstoppable. While playing a criminal in 2007, he never actually broke the law. But, for his latest movie, Denzel Washington broke the law. He did not commit a major crime, the actor just drove a train without authorization. There were not any other trains on the track and it was only for the film.

Denzel Washington remains a positive role model in the community.

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