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Laughs, heartbreak and homecomings

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“Shrek Forever After”
“Shrek Forever After” is guaranteed entertainment for the entire family. It really speaks to those fathers and mothers who suddenly wake up one morning and ask the questions “what’s happened to me?” “Who am I, and what have I become?” Those questions usually start, when the rigors of parenthood, marriage, and community responsibility set in. And when it does, people do the oddest things, and so does Shrek. He’s an Ogre for goodness sake.

Talk about making a deal with the devil, this time it’s our old pal Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohrn), who is just waiting for the chance to make Far Far Away inhabitants pay for his unhappy life. And he makes them pay, by turning the happy land into a nightmare, guarded by the nastiest witches imaginable.

The familiar is no longer familiar in this daring tale that reminds you of Frank Capra’s 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Rest assured, Shrek (Mike Myers) is no George Baily (Jimmy Stewart) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss ‘n Boots (Antonio Baderas) are no angels. And get ready for Fiona (Cameron Diaz), she’s tough, feisty, and ready to restore the kingdom.

This 3-D adventure takes you on a journey that is hilarious, and at times unexpected. You’ll visit an alternate universe where Ogre’s are hunted, and forced to go underground where they build a resistance army; you have a true ‘fat’ cat and well, Donkey amazingly is still the same … kind of. If I tell you any more, I will spoil it for you.

Go see “Shrek Forever After” in 3-D, it’s fun for the entire family, in theaters Friday.

“Just Wright”
Queen Latifah has done it again. This time she’s starring in a heart-warming, funny story that everyone can identify with, even men.

She’s that girl (Leslie Wright), you know the ‘friend,’ usually great to be around, men are attracted to her in a ‘sisterly’ kind of way, because she’s for real.  What men think they want is the sister that’s got it all … looks, body; you know the drill.

Paula Patton (Morgan Alexander) is wonderful as the gold diggin’ sister out to catch her a pro basketball player. There is no shame in her game, and the heart wants what the heart wants; diamonds, fancy cars, big house, oh, yes her own brand.

Common (Scott McKnight) is priceless as the target of everyone’s attention. He’s the superstar of his team, a gentleman, available and handsome. A chance meeting places he and Leslie (Latifah) in the same universe, but just when things look incredibly good … beauty turns into the beast, if you get my meaning.

It’s utterly delightful as you watch Morgan (Patton) play her game.

The outstanding cast includes Pam Grier (The CW’s “Smallville”) and James Pickens Jr. (ABC’s “The Practice”) as Latifah’s parents. Phylicia Rashad as Common’s mother and a host of pro ballers playing themselves.

“Just Wright” was released last Friday, and was number four at the box office, not bad when you consider the other films were in three and four times more theaters. However, let’s support this movie, and Latifah’s effort to give us quality entertainment. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

“LisaRaye: The Real McCoy”
Get ready for the season finale of television’s top-rated show “LisaRaye: The Real McCoy.”
We’re going home with LisaRaye as she resolves old issues, and hangs out at old haunts.

“The show has done exactly what I had hoped,” said LisaRaye. “People have heard bits and pieces of the story, but now it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth. People can really see what I’ve gone through. I hope women can learn from my story and it inspires others in similar situations; it helps to know that you’re not alone. I’m so glad the audience has responded, and the ratings show that they like what we’re doing.”

We’ll have more on this strong, beautiful and talented sister who is taking her life back and showing the audience how to do it right. In the meantime, mark your calendars for “LisaRaye: The Real McCoy” Thursday, May 20 at 9 p.m. on TV One.

Gail can be reached at gail@hollywoodbychoice.com

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