I was never really into movies as a kid. Or as a young adult. Sports was more my thing.
Yes, I had favorites. The eerie voice of Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” still echoes. The heartbreaking scene of Ricky’s death in “Boyz N the Hood” is as vivid as it was the first time I saw it.
I will never get enough of Will Smith. I tell myself I want to be like him someday, minus the ears.
However, I was never one of those film buffs who watched every movie, or analyzed every director. I was never truly engaged in the world of movies, until one summer when I began attending midnight showings. I was hooked. I also enjoyed watching the reactions of everyone else in the theater.
But there had to be more than just sitting in front of a giant screen for two hours. Growing up, I remember my grandparents telling me to do things with a purpose. “Don’t just do for the sake of doing.”
Several months ago I began writing movie reviews for The Matt & Ramona Show, a nationally syndicated radio show based here in Charlotte.
The more I read the work of other critics, the more convinced I become that we need more black voices talking and writing about cinema events. The field is dominated by middle-aged white males, many reviewing films targeted toward a demographic they don’t understand.
Writing for Qcitymetro.com is an opportunity for me to review movies by and for the black community, at a time when those projects are often overshadowed by a disinterested majority.
So, I invite you to come along. I want you to share in recognizing and supporting the effort of those working in the black entertainment industry.
I also want your feedback. Not every movie I review will be by, or exclusively for, an African American audience. Tell me what you like and don’t like. Better yet, share your thoughts with other Qcitymetro.com readers by posting comments.
For those of you who are in the film industry, let me know about your screenings, projects you undertaking or people you think would make interesting profiles.
Meanwhile, I’ll see you on Friday when I give my take on the upcoming Oscar awards.
To read some of Kary’s movie reviews, go to kbowser.wordpress.com. Email Kary at kbowser@mattandramona.com.
