COMEDY – The Double Scoop

Queen City Urban Art Showcase

Author: Amy Nicole

Two weeks ago I covered the “Queen City Urban Art Showcase” event which was held at the Music Factory in Charlotte, North Carolina. The monthly event curated by Michael Calloway and Leqyan Wilson features diverse artists from all across the Queen City.

Some of the performers included spoken word artists, live painters, comedians, singers, and other creatives. Attendees had the opportunity to shop at the several vendors that were present, and in between performance sets the dj spinned. There was also plenty of drinks and delicious food available for purchase.

The ambience was very chill and artsy, and the vibe was cool. There were people of all ages in attendance but the majority were art lovers and fellow creatives.

I was able to interview Michael Calloway and some of the performers for the night.

Check out some of the event footage below:

The showcase takes place every month at the Music Factory. Any artist or painter interested in being featured can submit inquiries to Michael Calloway at info@createamazingllc.com.

BARBERSHOP 3 Review

Author: Amy Nicole

It’s hard to believe that the first two Barbershop movies came out over 12 years ago! When I heard there would be another sequel added to the series I was definitely excited. I was curious to see how much the character’s lives had changed over the years.

Although Barbershop 3 focuses on the good times of catching up with old family and friends, it also addresses some serious issues such as the rampant gun violence in Chicago. In the film Calvin’s son Jalen is now a teenager and Calvin and his wife Jennifer struggle with protecting him from gang life. The barbershop also faces financial challenges and its location puts the business at risk for crime.

Over the years the barbershop and characters have gone through quite a bit of changes. The shop has now combined with a beauty salon owned by Angie(Regina Hall). This merger introduces fans to some new characters most notably Draya played by Nicki Minaj. It also ignites quite a few hilarious scenes in the movie as the men face off against the women.

Terri(Eve) is now married to Rashad(Common) who is also a new barber in the shop. She also has a baby and a stepson. Jimmy is now an established politician and JD (Anthony Anderson) owns a successful food truck business called Gansta Grubs which employs former gang members. Eddie’s character for the most part remains the same. His blunt, sarcastic and unpredictable humor will definitely keep you laughing throughout the movie. Most of the ladies will be disappointed that Michael Ealy will not be reprising his role as pretty boy Ricky….. sigh…..

Overall the movie was pretty good. I don’t think it was as good as the first two but most sequels rarely top the original. The film ignites conversations about topics such as the black lives matter movement and double standards among men and women. What I loved most about the film was the positive relationship portrayed between Calvin and his son Jalen. There is a stereotype that black men are not good fathers so it was nice to see a contradiction to that stigma in the film.

Photo Credit: Slash Film

CHRIS ROCK IS A TRIPLE THREAT IN TOP FIVE

Author: The Double Scoop

In Top 5, Chris Rock shows that he is a man that can juggle many hats. He wrote, directed, and starred in this latest comedy. The film included a star studded cast filled with many well-known comedians and actors such as Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, Cedric the Entertainer and Tracy Morgan.

Chris Rock plays Andre Allen, a comedian turned actor who finds that he has been typecast in the film industry. He gets to a point where he is fed up with his “comedic” image so he stars in a more thought-provoking film that isn’t received well by fans or critics. Andre crosses paths with Chelsea Brown, a young reporter played by Rosario Dawson who he agrees to let interview him for The New York Times. During the time they spend together they develop a strong connection which causes Andre to reconnect with his comedic roots.

Top Five isn’t your typical comedy. Although the movie is humorous, it included many subliminal messages regarding politics, stereotypes, and the double standards regarding race in the film industry.

Photo Credit: BLACKFILM.COM