The Internship movie review

Sigh, before you feel led astray, let me start off by asking Herald Sun and ABC did we watch the same movie??? How in any shape, form or fashion can you fix your fingers to type a bad review about 'The Internship?!' Beyond the movie being awesome, it was relevant.

For those of you who are still weighing on a decision to purchase something meaningless as apposed to watching the film, let me give you an incentive. The Internship starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, tells the story of how two washed up salesmen are awaken to the digital age as they compete for an internship at GOOGLE with a group of young, whitty and tech savvy adults. With GOOGLE offering a potential entry-level position, both men soon realize that they must acquire new skills and do away with old traditions in order to compete in the new age job market.

They win over GOOGLE reps during a Skype interview and find themselves at the GOOGLE headquarters in L.A where Wilson later realizes that all work and no play keeps the family and kids away and Vaughn realizes that he never finishes what he starts. Above all else, and while really trying not to give the movie away, both men learn a bigger lesson about themselves and expose audiences to something as well.

So let's be frank for a second. In my opinion, the film actually gave the Vaughn and Wilson age group some awareness of certain online hits that they need to get hip to in the new millennium, i.e Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Instagram... and let's not forget GOOGLE! They found a crafty way to weave in all those social sites and dazzled audiences with a little humor in between to keep their attention span up.

Most importantly, and this is what I really appreciated about the movie, the movie had two voices. It spoke about the struggles for middle aged adults to compete with a generation who can take one concept and make millions thanks to the Internet. And it also spoke about the struggles that young adults of the new millennium have as we constantly strive to reach standards that are risen daily. We have to know how to do A, B and C while still finding a way to be stand out and be creative. It's hard.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not blind. Some characters and scenes could have used a bit more flushing out, but I think the primary goal that the movie set out to achieve, was accomplished.

But most importantly, and speaking from someone who just graduated college not even a month ago, I'm thankful to have finally found a movie that gives voice to how it actually isn't easy to stand out in the job market with requirements of today. Down to the credits (literally, don't leave the theater without having watched the credits, you'll thank me in the end, lol), I needed to see The Internship and am glad I did.

Battleship Movie Review

2012 seems to be the year where fiction is being brought to life. What, with "The Avengers" being such a box office hit where all the imaginary characters in our childhood comic books all came together for one cause, to "Battleship."

"Battleship," mimicked off the infamous game "Battleship" from the Milton Bradley company, has critics raving around the world.  In the movie, several Naval ships battle with unknown origins that have, literally, fallen from the sky. Star Taylor Kitschs' character was the highlight of the film for me. To see that man in such control was so...so...I was impressed, I'll say that! You guy's may remember him from Disney's "John Carter" or as his character Remy in "X-Men Orgins: Wolverine." Hmm, from a brief flashback of his filmography, it seem's as though he likes to play action characters.

Another highlighted character in the movie was played by my personal crush, Liam Neeson. He never fails to impress with the stern yet personable characters he play's (smooches to you Mr. Neeson & remember, age aint nothin' but a speed bump in our potential future)!

Now to the breakout star of the movie, Rihanna. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but this isn't the first time Rihanna's played in a movie. In 2006's "Bring it on: All or Nothing," she still had to play a role; herself! But hey, I guess that's what we call a "cameo." Whatever the case, the girl surprised the tom hickory farms outta me! She really owned her character and it was clear that she took the role seriously. Applause goes out to you Ri Ri!

To me, "Battleship" was just another movie that predicted the outcome of what could (and potentially will) happen if America continues to tamper with outer space things that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with us. Gah-lee, stay inside ya own atmosphere people!

                                              Photo Courtesy of digitaltrends.com  

411 Brand bridges Knowledge with Entertainment

Bridging the gap between successful individuals and a generation that is trying to become successful is the goal that Founder of the 411 Brand had in mind.

The 411 Brand is a non-for profit organization aimed towards generating a greater relationship with the entertainment industry and those who attribute to it the most; the youth. It provides the youth (7-24) with the opportunity to meet their idols and hear first hand, their journey to success.

Past guest featured LL Cool J, Nas, a younger braided up Jermaine Dupri and the infamous late rapper, Biggie Smalls. The host for the show is currently and has always been Leslie “Big Lez” Segar. Leslie is most known for hosting BET’s rap city in the early to late 90’s.

 In its first time partnering with college students, the 411 Brand found it’s way to Clark Atlanta University and has recruited some of its students. “This was an outstanding opportunity because it allowed students to work on a real live show. I enjoyed it!” Zakeadra Bradley, senior and hype girl for the 411 Knowledge and Entertainment show, told the Panther.

 “I’ve always wanted to work with college kids because the show is specifically for them,” John Thomas, founder of the 411 Brand, said. He added, “I wanted to kind of create a way where there was a place for them to be a part of the show where they could actually see their work n the finish product.”

            Born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y, Thomas has invested nearly 20 years in the Youth Development industry. After moving to Atlanta in 1992, Thomas became the Productions Coordinator for V-103 radio station and his responsibility was to promote both v-103 and WAOK radio both on and off air.

A year later, the 411 Brand was birthed. From 1993 to1995, the show produced over 30 shows inside the Atlanta School system. In 1999, he partnered with Sprite to produce a 10 city nationwide tour. Today, the 411 Brand is preparing for its television debut.

            Thomas mentioned that there was no hope for a program like his as television back in the day solely focused on drama and reality shows. So the show was recorded and placed on their website.

            “The last show we did was in 2002 with Nas,” Thomas said. After taking an eight-year break from producing the show, Thomas focused his energies on other passions. In 2010, Thomas resigned from his position as Program Director at George Washington Carver Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta and went full force with the 411 Brand. Current programs include the 411 Basketball Academy, 411 Knowledge & Entertainment Show and the 411 Session.

 He added, “I went back and forward to Los Angeles and really learned about television. So, I think it’s time for people to actually walk away and be better from a television program.”

“I am so excited to work with the 411 Brand,” said junior, Demeshia Jackson. She added, “Our youth need to understand their self worth and the endless possibilities in the world to accomplish their dreams!

Jackson serves her duties behind the scenes as part of the production staff. Also a part of the team is junior Krisha Daniels, senior Errio “Ayo” Boyd sophomore Edward Davenport and Chivone Smith, whom also serves as the production staff where they, along with two students from Georgia State University, assists with interview questions for the host to ask the celebrities.

 “I truly look forward to what’s coming up in 2012. We have a lot of things on the table and I definitely appreciate Clark Atlanta for jumping on board and being a part of this vision,” Thomas said.

 To stay updated on all things 411 Brand, check out the site at the the411brand.com.

Clark Atlanta University STUDENTS!!!!!!!!

Auditions are being held at CAU on this Wednesday, October 19th at 7:30PM for Mass Media Arts students with an interest in television hosting, writing and production. PR company, BrandedPR is working with the community service based 411 Brand www.the411brand.com to bring awareness and inspiration to Atlanta's under served youth. The 411 Brand focuses on 3 core program areas; education, entertainment and athletics. As part of the entertainment program, 411 will be hosting its knowledge and entertainment show October 29, 2011 at the New Era flagship store in downtown Atlanta. Past guests include, Lamon Rucker, Jermain Dupri, DaBrat, Usher, Outkast, Chaka Zulu and others. We need a student host comfortable with interviewing a celebrity on-camera with energy, intelligence and charisma!

  We will need hosts for the show, writers/researchers to
  write scripts, questions for guests, audience members and assistants to help
  celebrities and crew.

 
  Auditions will be held this Wednesday,
  October 19th.

  Time: 7:30pm
 
 
  Location: Room G30 in Clark Atlanta University's mass media arts building
 
 
  Rules for the audition:

 
  1.   
  You may spread
  the word and bring ONE person along with you who is also a college student in good
  standing, who may be right for this opportunity. Males are welcomed.
 
  2.   
  PLEASE NO
  FRIENDS, BOYFRIENDS, GIRLFRIENDS, MOTHERS, SISTERS (YOU GET THE POINT). All attendees
  must be serious about the opportunity and willing to audition.
 
  3.   
  Please bring
  with you clips or writing samples. If you don't have anything to show,
  bring a winning smile, a professional attitude and elevator speech on why you are
  right for the job.
 

  If you have any questions, contact: tgray@the411brand.com.

Tahira Wright

Branded PR

www.brandedpr.net

E | tahira@brandedpr.net

404.578.6560

twitter @BPRTahira & @BrandedPR

Make your mark...Get Branded!

PROFILE

By Chivone Smith

         In a monotone voice and slumped over in her seat, a transfer in her third year of college fears being judged by her peers.  

         Described as being raised in an unorthodox family where her fourteen year old mother was courted by her (then) twenty-five year old father, Elena Major was very cautious of her responses when talking about her background as she did not want to get too personal about the dynamics of her family. However, when the mysterious Baltimore native expressed that her grandmother works for the FBI, all cards were out on the table. “My life was really wild before I got here,” Majors said. She added, “Just how I was raised and being out here by myself.” 

         The strong desire to get away is what drove this Morgan State University transfer from the confines of Baltimore to the hospitality of the South.  However, she quickly learned that everything that glitters isn’t gold.  Majors said, “I was slick tricked ‘cause I thought Atlanta was a city, but it’s not, it’s a slick country!” To add insult to injury, Major says that the academics provided at CAU isn’t impressive and that the old classrooms distracts her from learning effectively. “They make me feel like I’m in a high school classroom with a chalk board,” Majors said. 

         Donald Jones, a friend of Majors who happens to be an instructor at Morehouse College, stated that Majors is a very simple person despite how she may come off. However, he further explained the other side of Majors. “She’s very nice and receptive, but very straight forward,” Jones said. He added, “I don’t think she holds her tongue for anybody.” He further expressed his views on Majors by saying that people wouldn’t look at her and see a sorority girl. She is a member of the sweet Kappa Alpha Psi sweethearts and he ventured to elude that her sorority goes harder than the sweet ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

         From a cradle robbing parent, to having a grandmother who’s an active FBI agent, to being a wild child turned Kappa Alpha Psi sweetheart, there is no true understanding of who this mystery girl is. However, she feels that people should not shun her because they don’t know her and as a result, she had a message for the students of CAU. “I feel like a lot of stuff at this school is too much word of mouth and I feel like I should have equal opportunity as anybody else who knows people who been here for years,” said Majors. 

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