Cinema Tidbits by Seymour Flix

Yes, it's been awhile since we've connected, but that's the way of superstars. But the Flixster is still alive and well and my fan-base as loyal as ever. so, let us get started with some
Cinema Tidbits from yours truly.

The End of Madea

Tyler Perry and  Perry as Madea

'Madea' is being put to rest after almost 20 years.  Yes, the Tyler Perry, rough-talking grandma character which appeared in dozens of films, plays, and TV appearances is going into 'permanent' retirement. 

Perry plans on doing a farewell stage tour in 2019, "Tyler Perry's a Madea Family Funeral" to say farewell to his iconic character. It would be an understatement to say that Madea made Perry a very rich man. The film franchise alone, consisting of 10 movies, has grossed over $500 million.

"I'm happy to kill the old bitch, man" Perry said during an interview with Bevy Smith. "I just don't want to be her age, playing her." Well said Tyler, who wrote and directed most of the Madea films.
Perry has said that the character was loosely based on his own mother, and is known for the use of comical and vulgar language, and has a litany of criminal offenses.

For sure, Madea has made us all laugh over the years, and it will be with regret that we see her put to rest. We wish Tyler all the best.

May Be Overdoing Their Cause

Weinstein: Could the 'Me Too"  Movement Overplay Their Hand?

In an amended class action suit filed last Wednesday in NYC, the beleaguered mogul was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year old girl.  The action, brought forth by an anonymous woman, charged that she was repeatedly attacked by Weinstein from 2002 - 2011 beginning when she was 16.

Weinstein vehemently denied the allegations. His attorney, Ben Brafman stated, "This claim is preposterous. Like so many other women in this case who have already been exposed as liars, this latest, uncorroborated charge, that is 20 years old, will also be shown to be patently false."

Filed under a Jane Doe, the complaint states that the victim continued to have dealings with Weinstein over the source of 9 years.

With this latest accusation, the 'Me Too' movement may be going too far and actually diminishing the validity of their cases against Weinstein. Already, another case against him was dismissed , with the Judge, in that case, stating there was a lack of evidence in how Weinstein and the Board at The Weinstein Group might have operated to conceal his alleged predation.

With the Supreme Court appointment of Bret Kavanaugh, and all of the false allegations brought to bear, Weinstein may benefit from that fiasco.  Only time and justice will tell.


FlimStruck Shutters Doors

AT&T says goodbye to FilmStruck

FilmStruck, the Cinephile streaming service was struck-down after two years in operation. Turner Communications and Warner Bros. owners of FilmStruck announced that FS would cease operations by Nov. 29th.

WarnerMedia, now owned by AT&T, and in charge of all mainstream direct-to-consumer entertainment services decided that FilmStruck did not fit into their strategic plans. FilmStruck hosted hundreds of classic, arthouse, indie, and foreign films - many of them exclusive to the streamer.

It will be missed by many fans and a large following of H'wood directors and producers.

Sequel to 'Crazy Rich Asians' to be filmed in China

'Crazy Rich Asians' Sequel - To Be Shot In China

Although the film won't be released in Chinese cinemas until November end, the producers of the very popular film say the sequel will be shot in China. Entitled "China Rich Girlfriend" the sequel will be filmed in Shanghai, and be the second adaptation of the "Asians" series of books by Kevin Kwan.

'Crazy Rich Asians' has grossed $232 million since its release and its screening in China could push the gross to over $350 million. I saw and enjoyed the film and it deserves a sequel.

All the best,
Seymour Flix