Image Souces: Trailer Addict and Varitey
Last weekend, two films in the afrocentric varitey were releases in theaters nationwide. One being the story of Nat Turner's rebellion, Birth of a Nation (not to be confused with the racially-offensive D.W. Wright film from 1915), and the other is the Halloween-theme comedy in Tyler Perry's Madea franchise, BOO! A Madea Halloween. After thats weekend, both films were in the subject of controversy not in the way of the separate themes in each respective film, but rather each movie's audience and box office earnings.
According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, Birth of a Nation debuted at #6 on its first weekend at the box office earning $9.5 million. Three weeks later, Boo! A Madea Halloween top the box office on its opening weekend with $35.3 million while Birth of a Nation fell way behind at #15 earning only $1.26 million with the total earnings at $13.5 million, making the film a flop. Despite recieving critical praise from Justin Chang from Variety and a 74% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes, the mixed critical reception was part of why Birth of a Nation bombed. During the first three weeks of its theatrical run, Nate Parker, who starred as well written, produced and directed the film based on the 1831 rebellion in Southhampton County, VA, was in the center of controversy. Parker was confronted during an interview on 60 Minutes with allegation of a rape that dates back to 1999, while attending Penn State University at the time. Despite being exonerated at court in 2001, the damage was done and was removed from the Penn State wrestling team a year later. After the 60 Minutes interview, The Washington Post reported that the film's poor box office run was a result of the interview that lead to boycotts, several theaters dropping the film, and co-star Gabriel Union, who was a rape survivor herself, told the New York Times that she cannot take Parker's allegation lightly and "can't sell the film." While, Parker's rape allegations reflected Birth of a Nation's failure at the box office, Pro-Black members blamed the Black Community for not supporting the Nate Parker film and see the Madea Halloween movie instead. Even Pro-Black memes, like the ones below, belittling the Black Community for seeing one film and not the other.
Even an article from The Black Loop slams Black movie goers for falling for the "distractions" like the N.W.A. film Straight Outta Compton. Recently, Devon Starshooterz Walls shoot a live video where he came to a Regal Cinema to see Birth of a Nation, but could not because the showing was "sold out." During the live-feed, Walls pointed out the some theaters to not screen the Nat Turner movie is also the problem.
"Sold out" my ass! But I digress... Regal Cinema's came under fire for not screening Birth of a Nation according to a TMZ.com article which also features Walls' live Facebook video.
As a black man myself, I understand the importance of bringing the story of Nat Turner's rebellion to the mainstream media, but at the same time that and most "historical" films are often fictionalize in a way to get the audience's attention. As for Nate Parker's 17 year old rape case, I'm not going give my option on it. I have my reasons for not seeing both films which leads me to ask two questions: "Why see another Tyler Perry film that, for once receives so much commercialism that overshadows what made the original stage plays great?" And "why spend $10 or more to watch a fictionalized 'historical' movie about Nat Turner when you can read or resource the accurate facts about his rebellion at the library for free?" Think about it.
While I enjoy a few "Madea" films, that is just here or there. Most of Perry's films that feature his trademarked character showcased American Americans or those of African decent in a negative light. While I consider seeing Birth of a Nation myself, I grew tired of films about slavery because so many has been releases in the last 15 or 20 years to a point it becomes a sub-genre. It's better to stay away from the escapism of going to the movies and stay in tune with the real world. Black America is already living in dark times, especially with the unjust killings of Black men, women and children in the hands of the Police and citizens who use "standing their ground" as an excuse. Stay true to yourself and know your history. Now I'm saying you shouldn't see nether films and whatever and however you think of those movies is entirely up to you, just that there are other things to worry about in this crazy world we live in . Have you seen Birth of a Nation, Boo! A Madea Halloween, or both? What do you think of the films and my options in this blog? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, keep it lock!
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Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the blog author and does not reflect those of ADTC Productions or Dynasty Network, LLC. In addition, Nintendo does not promote, sponsor or endorse this blog. (Which is basically the whole point even if it meant stating the obvious, but I'm trying to cover my ass here, okay?)
Given the irony my father despise video games, Nintendo has finally unveiled "Project NX" in the form of its latest game system, the "Nintendo Switch," three days ago on my old man's birthday. Jokes aside, after a missed opportunity at E3 this past year, I finally saw what the buzz its about in the trailer seen below...
The Reveal Trailer...
Source: Nintendo Official YouTube Channel
So Here's What We Know So Far...
Now contrary to initial speculations, the Nintendo Switch is a handheld gaming system. According to the press release from Nintendo's official website, the "Switch" provides not only both single and multiplayer gaming experience, but also enables gamers to play the same title anywhere, if not, everywhere. The console itself connects to the TV via the Switch Dock, but when removed, the system automatically switches (hence the name) to portable mode which allows you to play on the go. Additionally, the Joy-Con controller can attach to and detach from the system while playing on the go, or slip into the Joy-Con Grip accessory when playing at home.
Also in its press releases, 48 confirmed third-party companies annonced their support for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo Everything via Nintendo of America on Twitter
On the day it's reveal, NVIDIA Co., the California-based technology, has confirmed it's custom graphic processing unit "Tegra" will power the Nintendo Switch according to NVIDIA's blog. "The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards," stated Ashish Karandikar, NVIDIA's VP of Hardware Engineering. Karandikar added to the blog, "NVIDIA additionally created new gaming APIs to fully harness this performance. The newest API, NVN, was built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses."
In addition, Nintendo Switch will also support Unreal Engine 4, as confirm by Unreal Engine via Twitter.
Several games have been confirmed for the upcoming console including (but not limited to) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (originally a Wii U exclusive) and potentially a new Super Mario, Splatoon and Mario Kart games. (Actually titles for the upcoming games are yet to be announced.) Also, Just Dance 2017 and the yet-to-be-titled Sonic the Hedgehog game slated for 2017, has also been confirmed for the Switch, according to Eurogamer and Gamasutra respectively. Despite showing support as one of many third-party developers for the Switch, Bethesda, along with Nintendo, was at the center of controversy after gameplay footage of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" was featured on the reveal trailer for the Switch. Shortly after, it was confirmed by a Bethesda spokeperson on GameIndustry.biz that Skyrim is not confirmed for the Switch "just yet," but rather showing support for Nintendo's new console which explains the gameplay footage.
Unfortunely, it's been reported from several gaming sites, will not be backwards compatible with the Wii U software or 3Ds game cards. Instead, the Switch will use the game card media much like the 3Ds. The Nintendo Switch is set to release on March 2017. While not officially confirmed by Nintento, the rumored MSRP is $299.99 USD (unless stated otherwise). My Two Cents on Nintendo Switch
Despite the fact that Nintendo is one of the longest-endured companies in all of gaming, their previous home console hardware throughout the last 20 years has been hit and miss at best. The Nintendo Wii U, in which I own, got hit the hardest by being outsold by the Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft XBox One, and even its predecessor the original Wii. However giving it's success of Nintendo's current-gen handheld, the 3DS, and recent jump into the mobile gaming market, the ever stubborn "Big N" is not throwing in the towel in this current console war.
Now whether or not that Nintendo's new "hybrid" console is the successor to the Wii U and/or 3DS is entirely up for debate. One thing's for sure, regardless of Nintendo's risky and innovated decisions, I like here this is going. The Wii U was the first Nintendo console I ever bought with my own money. While imperfect, it has it's perks. While I see some similarities with the Wii U design, the Switch really shows it's "take gaming anywhere, everywhere," concept. Given its GPUs and mass third-party support from publishers and developers compare to its predecessor, I will say its an improvement. I'm impressed with the knowledge I researched so far. Of course, something as promising never comes without its speculation and concerns. One being very obvious is the lack of backward compatibly, which is a standard for nostalgic gamers in today's era. While their's no doubt that classic games of Nintendo's past to be available digitally for the Switch, nothing can compare to the physical copy of the previous generation game. While I like the concept, I'm iffy on the Joy-Con controller features, even though it allows the players to control the game wireless. The "switching and gaming on the go" feature is innovative, I can not help but to repressed about the Wii U's gaming pad battery life. Given what the trailer above was selling, the Switch's mobile mode look like it'll use a vast amount of power. The fast-draining battery was the biggest issue for the Wii U's gaming pad, but I hope that Nintendo doesn't make the same mistake with its upcoming console. Enclosing...
Concerns aside, I applaud Nintendo for staying the innovation route even with the negative feedback they received since the original Wii. While the Nintendo Switch has been announced, it's too soon to say what will the outcome will be upon its March 2017 release. It definitely capture my interest, but I won't get it on day one. Not at least, until there several exclusive games that get my attention. Here's no doubt there will be more info on the Nintedo Switch in the coming months.
Also, on the side note, I don't mind the name which match the concept, but "NX" sounded more suited for the console, in my honest opinion. So what are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, keep it lock! For those who been watching a few of my recent videos, you'll probably notice that I bleeped out the profanity I use and censored some of the adult content featured (i.e. TRIBALCHILD TV: Kill la Kill Review). There are two reasons for doing as such. One reason, YouTube has recently change its content policy, mainly for monetized content in form of Advertiser-Friendly Guidelines. According to the YouTube Help page, in which explain it's Ad-friendly guildlines, content that is considered "not advertiser-friendly" includeds, if not limited to:
Several YouTube Content creators, including fellow Dynasty member, Sonic the Ghetto Hog Productions, isn't too happy with these new guidelines as ranted in the video below... (NSFW: Language) Like the head of the Ghetto-Hog Nation, none of my content has been effected by the sudden and unfavorable change of policy. Additionally, I find it unfair for content creators like Cinemasscre, J.I. Mathers, and others known for their profane language and adult humor to have their content demonetized because they are not ad-friendly. If YouTube total disregard for fair-use isn't bad enough, but also "freedom of speech."
However, that is not the primary reason why I decided to censored my recent videos. The main reason is that more of more of my family members, including my mother and younger siblings, became aware of my content and my earliest work isn't actually family friendly. So I felt is necessary to censored some of my future content for the sake of my family and younger viewers. However, not every single video I'll release in the future will be censored. Any future video that will not be "edited for content" will be age-restricted via Restriction mode. Depending on the feedback will determine the way I upload videos for YouTube. So what you all think of my decision to censored my recent content? Should I keep it clean or go back to making them uncut? Let me know in the comments... `;P Given YouTube's strict copyright policies, it comes to no surprised that the TRIBALCHILD TV Season 3 Finale, where I review Kill la Kill, has been blocked in four countries, including the United States. First time around, I edit the first part of the video and change the pitch of the audio. When I uploaded it the second time, I still get a copyright notice and get block. Naturally, I was disappointed that YouTube's ContentID feature don't recongized "fair use." After trying twice with no prevail, I filed a dispute claiming that the video follows the ground of fair use. As of this blog, I have not recieved any word on the status of my blocked video. I even made a video addressing the unfortunate news, which you can watch below if you haven't done so on the main page already... NOTE: The video explaining why the Kill la Kill review was blocked has since been removed. If you didn't catch that later half of the video, you can watch the uncensored version on my Patreon page, in which is available to everybody, not just my patrons. Until my claim gets resolved on YouTube, my Patreon would be the only place to watch my review, which can be seen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tribalchild-tv-3-6880271 That is all, for now. Keep in lock here and ADTC social media for updates. Find and Follow ADTC Productions on… Official Webpage: http://ADTCProductions.Weebly.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ADtheTribalChild Twitter: http://twitter.com/ADTribalChild Tumblr: http://adthetribalchild-productions.tumblr.com deviantART: http://ad-the-tribalchild.deviantart.com/ Google +: http://plus.google.com/+ADtheTribalChildProductions84 Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/ADtheTribalChildProductions 10/3/2016 I dispute I filed for my TRIBALCHILD TV: Kill la Kill Review was successful! Now it's avaliable for all to see on YouTube!!
Watch it right now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3IUyUJYIg |
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