The new Daniel Pearl based movie, A Mighty Heart, will probably be a success due to its subject matter and lead actress—Angelina Jolie. Ever since the announcement of Angelina Jolie’s appearance as Mariane Pearl—Daniel Pearl’s wife—there has been flack from black activists and movie goers alone who are miffed at her playing the role of a black woman. The upset stems from the fact that there are so many black actresses waiting for their opportunity on screen, especially a noteworthy one in a powerhouse film, and the glass ceiling is too hard to break. Usually black female roles are hard to come by, and normally they are filled by the same people over and over, but it’s rare that you see them handed over to someone of another race.

In a released statement, here’s what Mariane had to say about the casting decision:

“I am delighted that Angelina Jolie will be playing my role in the adaptation of my book,” Pearl said in a statement. “I deeply admire her work and what she is committed to.”

The interesting thing to keep in mind is that Halle Berry was also cast in Dreamworks’ new film Class Act. It’s based on the life of a Nevada teacher, Tierney Cahill, who was challenged to run for Congress in 2000 by her sixth grade class. Tierney Cahill is a white woman. Take note that equal resistance has not been posed about her playing such a character. A Mighty Heart hits limited release on June 22 here in the States, so we’ll see if Angelina proves herself to her critics. She is talented, and being that she is who she is, controversy will only fuel the buzz, not squash her success.

So this raises the question about the industry and race. When is acting about acting alone? At what point, if ever, is it important to draw distinctions between who could play a role because they are talented and who should play a role because it makes more sense? Who can pin point the difference where granting a black woman a breakthrough role is indeed a breakthrough and doing the same for a white woman is disrespectful? What do you think?

Mariah Carey is at it again, but this time she is going big for her thespian resume! In an earlier post, we told you about Mariah working with acclaimed director, Spike Lee, on Lovers & Friends. Now, Mariah is teaming up with Hollywood Powerhouse, Adam Sandler, in a new project entitled “Don’t Mess with the Zohan.” Mariah has become hip to the fact that people love her just for being herself. Therefore, in Zohan, she will be taking note and playing herself!

In the movie, Sandler plays a man who prances over to America to become a hairdresser and thus, shaming his parents because of his career choice. Carey helps Sandler’s character overcome his arch enemy, The Phantom, placing Zohan (Sandler) at the top of his game.

The film is in pre-production and will be directed by Dennis Dugan. The locations are set to be NY, LA and Israel. Dugan just finished “I now pronounce you Chuck & Larry” with Sandler. Another name attached to the project is coming-of-age producer, Judd Apatow. Judd is behind such hits as “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and the newest blockbuster hit “Knock’d Up” and wrote the film along with Sandler. Mariah has Hollywood’s finest around her pinky. Movies are on the way and we can only expect her to unleash the dragon when she launches her next album! Take me higher Lord!

After taking a break from his stint as the black man who is capable of saving the world, Will Smith is back at it! In December, you’ll get to see him play the last man on Manhattan left uninfected by a virus that has changed people into blood thirsty vampires. The best part is his daughter Willow will also play his daughter in the movie! Those Smith kids will never be without work if he has anything to say about it!

Finally, it’s here! We’ve read the script for this film and it is going to be amazing! American Gangster, the latest project in production from Ridley Scott, is about a drug mogul who smuggles heroin into 1970’s Harlem by hiding his cash crop inside the coffins of American soldiers returning from Vietnam.

The movie is holding some all-star talent to its slate as well. Denzel Washington & Russell Crowe lead the film. However, Cuba Gooding Jr. also is attemping to make a come-back. Rappers T.I., the RZA, and Common have major supporting roles as well. So splendiferous!

The movie is set to come to a theatre near you November 2007.

Get ready love muffins!

Of all the three part movie series set to debut this summer, this may be the best. So far Pirates and Shrek have both received mediocre reviews from critics and even fans, but many people (those lucky enough to get into advance screenings) are loving Oceans. You know Angie had to come out and support her man Brad, and Matt brought his wife, Luciana Barroso.

All the men looked debonair and fabulous, but the question is: Does Al Pacino have hair plugs? He looks a bit messy!

Is it me or is Miss Mandy Moore looking healthy and plump in that 2002 prom gown? Her sideline man, John Krasinski, looks like he could be her brother. But actually, the boy in grey has been in “Dreamgirls”, “Shrek The 3rd” and the U.S. version of “The Office”. Maybe he could give Mandy some acting tips or some singing lessons. Either way, come back to us Mandy!

Eva Mendes looked ridiculously beautiful on the pink carpet. Her bag was just a touch off but the hair was amazing, the smile was radiant and her skin was flawless. When is she coming back to us? After doing Ghost Rider the Latina beauty must redeem herself. Upon researching, here’s what a little birdie shared…

She has 2 films coming up in pre-production. One is called The Cleaner where she will share the screen with Samuel L. Jackson. It is about a retired cop (Jackson) who has turned to being a crime scene cleaner. On his latest gig, he doesn’t know that he is actively participating in a cover-up operation. Interesting!

The other project, The Women, packs some hollywood heavy hitters. Mendes will star with Debra Messing, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Meg Ryan and Candice Bergen. The story is a remake of George Cukor’s 1939 “The Women” about a prominent and opulently wealthy New Yorker who leaves her cheating husband and has some bonding time with her ladies of society at a luxurious resort. Intriguing!

Josh Duhamel & Tyrese Gibson posed on the pink carpet together. I guess Josh got tired of trolly Fergie and decided he could do a lot better! Even if he does make Tyrese look like a tiny tot!