Hangover II Makes the Cut!
There is only one word I can use to describe this movie…amped!!
When I learned that Warner Bros was making a sequel to “The Hangover” I was both excited and nervous. I was excited because I thoroughly enjoyed the first movie and all of the craziness of the Bachelor night antics. I was nervous because I just did not see how the sequel was going to measure up to the first. Then I learned that the movie was set in Thailand and I immediately knew our “Wolfpack” friends were in for a ride of epic proportion.
Having spent 7 months living in Thailand myself, I know from personal experience that EVERY moment is exponentially multiplied in “The Land of Smiles.” The fun you have is amped up, the danger you are in is amped, the emotions you feel are amped…being in Bangkok is like being on narcotics. I must say The Hangover 2 did not disappoint in showcasing the Thailand experience. It was like the first movie but on a whole other level.
The ensemble cast of characters calling themselves the “Wolfpack” (Zack Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Justin Bartha) reprised their roles to perfection. I laughed from beginning to end from a balanced blend of situational humor and zany lines from Galifianakis’ mentally stunted character Alan. The situations the guys found themselves were so bizarre and unbelievable that I couldn’t help but envy the night of partying they had. The cast was joined by “Crystal”, a talented, chain-smoking monkey. It is always a winning formula as long as you include a super talented animal. Ironically, This monkey added some extra realism to the movie. Thanks to the Hangover 2 I now want a pet monkey…as long as it is as awesome as Crystal.
All in all, The Hangover 2 was a step above the first. In fact, there were parts of the movie that I felt they almost went past the line of humor and believability. However, they did an awesome job of controlling the storyline and portrayals of the characters to deliver an excitingly funny adventure amped up on a near lethal dose of what I call “Bangkok spice!”
Two thumbs up and all my other fingers too! See what my fellow ATLiens had to say…
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-Michael Barlow for The “HIGH UP”. Video by Justin Patten.
Sip, Shop & Give Back! A Big Hit For Emerlyn & Ester
How many of you can say that you shop for a cause? Not many, right? Be honest, Divas. Especially to my shopaholics out there! You know what happens. We go to the mall and we have every intention of buying for our mom or sweetheart, but we see that cute little blouse or those fly jeans and….Ooops! We accidentally slip the card though the machine, and there you have it – shopping with only us in mind.
Well, not all of us are so “self-absorbed”, and I got a chance to see ladies shopping with others in mind, on Tuesday night at an event called Sip, Shop, and Give Back!. This event was hosted by Monyetta Shaw, Karli Harvey and Brandi Harvey. Karli and Brandi are the daughters of Steve Harvey. The event was held at the upscale and very classy boutique, Emerlyn and Ester, owned by Monyetta Shaw (R&B Singer Ne-Yo’s significant other). Monyetta, who likes to be called Mo’, partnered with a wonderful group called Grow Kids, Inc. to help raise money and awareness about their organization.
Monyetta (Mo') Shaw - Owner, Emerlyn & Ester Boutique
The event was set up so beautifully! First, it was hosted inside an elegant boutique new to the affluent Buckhead area of Atlanta. Second, the boutique served excited guests champagne and cake pops while they shopped. Now, before you ask, no, I did not get to sip on the bubbly because I was working! 🙂 Third, the atmosphere was pleasant and guests were in attendance to support a great cause. Yes, although people were shopping possibly for themselves, a part of the proceeds from every single purchase was donated to Grow Kids, Inc. So, shopping for a cause definitely eased that guilty feeling of spoiling yourself. See the difference?!
Grow Kids, Inc. Founder Menyuan Smith, AOM's T. Monet Sims and Brandi Harvey
There are many great organizations in existence but I am really excited about Grow Kids, Inc., because the founder, Menyuan Smith really ‘gets it’ and in her words, “I believe it really does take a village.” Menyuan has taken this old African proverb to heart and created a support network for teachers, parents and the community to help promote, Grow Kid’s motto: “safe spaces, green places and happy faces for our children.” Menyuan says, “We grow kids better together!” I absolutely love it! One of the organization’s signature events coming up on September 20th is called P.E.A.C.E 4 Preschoolers (Promoting Early Action for Calm Emotions). Menyuan will have all kinds of activities on that day that will involve kids using their hands to create and not to bully or hurt each other. I give my stiletto approval to this organization! Will you volunteer with me on September 20th?
Last but not least, the boutique!! It is not hard at all to spend your money at Emerlyn & Ester. Since Mo’ is the buyer, she picks all the pieces herself and I must say, she does a great job! She has stocked her store with some really great designers from all over like Marc Allison (exclusive jeans to E & E), Melodies, shades by Mary J. Blige and her favorite shoes by Raphael Young out of Paris. Mo has great style, so you know I had to ask her what is in for the summer. So, to all my Fashionistas, listen up! Ms. Mo’, says you will need a romper, a pair of Marc Allison jeans – which she swears by, a fly bag, a maxi dress, Melodies shades and you will be up on the latest trends for the summer. And guess what??! You can find these trendy items at Emerlyn & Ester Boutique. Go check her out and tell her T. Monet sent you!
To see more highlights from the charitable event click here.
-T. Monet is Special Correspondent for AOM & The “HIGH UP”, Photos provided by AOM’s Britt Hutchinson
Raphael Saadiq Performing Tomorrow @ Variety Playhouse
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Raphael Saadiq has been a standard bearer for ‘old school’ R&B since his early days as a member of the multiplatinum group Tony! Toni! Tone! He also produced songs for artists including Joss Stone, D’Angelo, TLC, Mary J. Blige and John Legend.
Saadiq’s previous critically acclaimed album, The Way I See It, was released on September 16, 2008, featuring artists Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone and Jay-Z, which received three Grammy Award Nominations and was voted Best Album on iTunes of 2008.
In 2010, Saadiq sang as part of the chorus in the 2010 remake of “We Are The World” for Haiti.
Saadiq’s latest album, Stone Rollin’ (released via Columbia Records) hit stores on May 10th. He will be performing live at Variety Playhouse on May 18th. Check out his new video!
-Courtesy of Trendsetter Media & Marketing
AOM Slated to Cover the VIP Pre-Screening for The Hangover 2 on May 24th
Aspire Online Magazine’s Michael Barlow will be in the building on May 24th for the private VIP pre-screening and after party for The Hangover Part II hosted by comedian, actor and radio personality Rickey Smiley. VIP guests will include Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Warrick Dunn, Lisa Wu Hartwell and many others. Stay tuned for exclusive footage and Michael’s candid review of one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer!
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
“The Hangover Part II” is director Todd Phillips’ follow-up to 2009’s smash hit “The Hangover,” which became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all-time and also won the Golden Globe for Best Film – Comedy or Musical.
Reprising their roles from “The Hangover,” Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha star in the film. Ken Jeong, Jeffrey Tambor, and Mike Tyson also return to the cast, and are joined by Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti.
In “The Hangover Part II”, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined.
Phillips once again directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Craig Mazin (“Scary Movie 4”) and Scot Armstrong (“Old School”). Phillips also produced the film under his Green Hat Films banner, together with Dan Goldberg (“The Hangover,” “Due Date”). Thomas Tull, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are the executive producers, with David A. Siegel and Jeffrey Wetzel serving as co-producers.
Collaborating with Phillips behind the scenes are director of photography Lawrence Sher, production designer Bill Brzeski, costume designer Louise Mingenbach, editors Debra Neil-Fisher and Mike Sale, and composer Christophe Beck.
Slated for a May 26, 2011 release, “The Hangover Part II” is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
No Thumbs For ‘Thor’
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The word to describe this movie is “unsatisfying”.
About 5 years ago Marvel Comics began working towards filming The Avengers movie. While this production is still a couple years off, they have been releasing movies focusing on each individual team member, i.e. “Iron Man”, “Hulk”, and this summer “Captain America”. Though I am not an Avengers fan I am an avid fan of Super Hero movies. Needless to say I was excited about what Hollywood would do with Thor “The god of thunder”, despite not being a fan. I even paid extra to watch it in 3D…I was sorely let down. Even though Chris Hemsworth, the actor who played Thor, was slightly reminiscent of my favorite post-mortem actor Heath Ledger, his acting capabilities fell flat. Natalie Portman didn’t fair much better as his leading lady. In fact, while watching her in this role I realized she has never been a very impressive actress. Like many actresses, her beauty is her key to success and the reason most guys watch her movies. Likewise, I am sure many women will be lining up to see 6ft, 6 inch, blonde haired, blue eyed Chris Hemsworth play Thor for no other reason than to see him with his shirt off. Hey, it pays the bills.
Not everything was terrible about this movie, though. The graphics were impeccable. There were many huge fight scenes with lots of explosions. I mean what do you expect from a movie about “The god of Thunder”? So, if you are in the mood for earth shattering fight scenes with hellacious explosions coupled with below average acting by strategically placed eye candy we call ‘actors’, then by all means pay the $15 or whatever it is to watch THOR. But me…I need a number to call to get my money back!! I’m just sayin’…
-Michael Barlow for The “High Up”
‘Something Borrowed’ Gets Two Thumbs Up
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I’d have to describe this move as “unconventional”.
First of all I just have to say I love Kate Hudson! She is an incredibly versatile actress with a very elegant quirkiness. She is Absolutely adorable. Okay I’m done with my Kate rant.
Ok so I went to see this movie with my mom and sisters for Mother’s day. To be honest I had no idea what this movie was about nor was I particularly excited to watch it. But its Mother’s Day and my Mom wanted to watch it and I love her so I did…I know I am an incredible son!
At first glance this movie seemed like your typical “boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy starts dating girl’s best friend” kind of movies. Upon further observation you will find that’s exactly what this movie was, but with a twist. I called this movie unconventional because unlike most romantic comedies where the guy and girl get together in the end, Ginnifer Goodwin and Colin Egglesfield’s characters (Rachel & Dex) keep hooking up throughout the movie even though he is engaged to her best friend. Ginnifer Goodwin did a believable job playing the weak timid friend who you just wanted to shake because she never stood up for herself and she always let her more overbearing friend Darcey (played by Kate Hudson) take whatever she wanted from her…including Dex. Just thinking about it gets me frustrated at her…and she isn’t even real.
With this cast you are sure to get a lot of laughs but there is a very poignant lesson about self-worth and taking risks in love that are woven throughout. I give this movie 2 thumbs up because it was just a nice surprise of a film. It’s a great date movie or, in my case, Mother’s day gift. 🙂
-Michael Barlow for The “High Up”
PYT, Inc. Announced As Official Media Sponsor of AOM’s 3rd Annual Chic Affair
Aspire Online Magazine is pleased to be working with Atlanta’s premiere public relations firm PYT, Inc. on its upcoming event spearheaded by Ms. Amore Vita and Ms. Brooke Belafonte. These two young ladies boast an A-List of clients and are committed to shining light on the incredible roster of new and existing businesses and upcoming talent in Atlanta.
A cocktail style awards gala, the CHIC AFFAIR was created by Aspire Online Magazine’s Founder N. Renee Webb to honor young professionals in various sectors. The lavish event provides an opportunity for business and community leaders to connect in a private, upscale setting while solidifying the essence of Atlanta and all the city has to offer its young people. Tickets go on sale June 1st.
Stop by our blog periodically for updates as we countdown 101 days to the CHIC AFFAIR!
Check out highlights from last year’s event!
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The "HIGH UP" 