#FILMFRIDAY: CloseUP - BETCHA DIDN'T KNOW THAT...Whether Movies, TV, or Soundtracks, Mariah's Got Game!

Most people are unaware, that Mariah Carey’s film and TV credits go far further than Glitter and Precious. Did you know? I thought not! Well for this #FilmFriday Special, we're going to take a look at just a few of them...

Mariah actually has a host of roles on her CV that are never mentioned, because there is little bad to be said about them, especially where Mariah’s involvement is concerned.

In Tennessee (2008), she plays Krystal, a battered wife, desperate to escape her cop husband Frank (Lance Reddick), who knows that her talent could take her away from him, which it eventually does. When she runs, she meets a pair of brothers, Carter and Ellis (Ethan Peck and Adam Rothenberg) in search of their childhood home and father. One terminally ill without the key to life that only their estranged parent holds; the journey isn't as easy it sounds. Frank calls in the help of his cop friends, who keep him apprised of Krystal’s every move. Actually, Krystal’s journey steers what is essentially a too dark and too long road trip movie back in to the right lane. Not one that you can watch twice (ok maybe that’s just me), it’s great to watch Krystal’s plight land her on a stage, performing with her idol, Willie Nelson.

In WiseGirls (2002), she plays Raychel; a tough-talking, sassy waitress that unwittingly becomes involved in a mob sting, thanks to her friendship with undercover agents Meg (Mira Sorvino), and Kate (Melora Waters). She is funny, relatable, and surprisingly identifiable in the everyday, unglamorous role, stripped of her usual finery.

I suggest you check it out!

Then there is that other forgotten gem – Mariah’s turn as Candy Cushnip on Ally McBeal. A loopy little Single Sally; she is called as a key witness by John Cage (Peter MacNichol), in his case against a matchmaker who claimed that she could match anyone up. Crazy quirks and uncontrollable OCD landed her firmly in the undatable client pool. As some might know, when it comes to Mariah’s real life public appearances, she does actually take her own lighting specialist (hey, a Diva is, as a Diva does...); well in this role (which is where I believe she got the idea), another everyday character (a librarian, or some such regular person), hired a lighting specialist to follow her around everywhere, in particular, on her dates!

Shown in roughly 2002, the stint was a great turn on the small screen, after Glitter the previous year (and some obvious acting lessons).

As far as Soundtracks go, did you know that her Prince of Egypt duet with Whitney Houston brought the Song's writers home an Oscar? She's also done other Soundtrack work too; most recently, 'Almost Home', the theme song for last year's blockbuster Oz: The Great and Powerful:

And that, my friends, is what you call one seriously multi-talented Diva!

Until the next...
ES ;)

Farewell 2013...It's Been One Heck Of A Ride! Here are YOUR Top 10 Favourite Features...

As the final moments of 2013 draw to a close, this humble Blogger would like to take a few moments to look back at an incredible year and just say a massive THANK YOU for the time that you have spent with me over the last 364(.75) days. None of the amazing experiences would have been possible, were it not for the time YOU took to visit and volunteer your interest in what goes on here at ESP HQ.

Proof positive is, as always, in the features that you visited the most, and so in honour of you, here are your Top Ten favourites of the past year, in reverse order:

10. Lost In Music - 'Going Au Naturel'

 

Les Nubians - 'Princesses Nubiennes' (2006)

The month of March was all about the music here on the ESintheP blog; 4 focal weeks on different aspects of how music influences and shapes us, and how we then present musical products to specific audiences as a result. This particular feature looked at the effect of Language and Communication on the music we make and consume. Sade's 'Sweetest Taboo' was the 'Spotlight Example' - find out why with a little help from Les Nubians... 

9. ESPspotlight Review - 'Oz: The Great and Powerful'

All about trying new things, and breaking new ground, this year saw the introduction of movie reviews to the mix, and where better to begin, than with a connection to a childhood favourite, that also just happened to tie into March's 'Music Month' theme?! Recently premiered on UK satellite TV over the holiday period, see if you agree with my 'unconventional' take...

8. ESPspotlight Review - Lulu Liu Catwalk Presentation, London Fashion Week AW13

Lulu Liu Catwalk Invitation AW13

You know what they say: 'You never forget your first'! Looking back at Lulu Liu's catwalk presentation now, the wonderfully talented fellow London Lady made an everlasting impression on a blogger entering an entirely new world for the very first time. An experience to cherish, my first catwalk outing will take some knocking to be replaced as my favourite! Relive the outing in this nostalgic flashback...

7. FindOutFriday Interview - Lily Rice, Lexie Sportswear

Lily Rice with Lexie investor, and
BBC3 Presenter, Richard Reed

When I attended last year's StartUp Fashion Event, I was introduced to an entrepreneurial young woman, who gave a brilliant mock pitch for buyers from some of the world's largest department stores. Don't take the word of Yours Truly however; after impressing the panel, Lexie Sportswear company founder Lily Rice, found her label gracing the pages of Vogue magazine. FindOut what made her so dynamic in her January interview...

6. ESPspotlight Review - Fresh Laces at Harvey Nichols

One of my favourite events to come out of this year, self-starters Nathan Massiah and Louis Daniel have had a phenomenal start with their Fresh Laces Sneaker and Lifestyle Fairs in 2013. My second outing, the organising team, which also includes Mrs Massiah - better known as jewellery designer Elisha Francis - have quite clearly found a niche in today's market by appealing to every demographic, from novices like Yours Truly, to well-known celebrity connoisseurs. Look out for bigger and better events from these guys in 2014, but for now - here's a look at just one of this year's success stories...

6. ESPspotlight Review - London Edge

In joint sixth place, London Edge was yet another first, that opened my eyes to a long-established, phenomenal fashion culture right on my own doorstep! Entirely out of my natural comfort zone, I gladly received some of the best and worst educational lessons, that I valued the most throughout the year. This event also gets my personal prize for favourite photo album of 2013 - but don't take my word for it, browse the images from Day One and let me know what you think...

5. ESPspotlight Interview - Anavae

Already familiar with the photographic talents of Rebecca Need-Menear; I was honoured to be introduced to the musical side, as lead singer of record-breaking Rock duo, Anavae. If you missed them earlier this year, here's your chance to meet the pair yourselves!

4. ESPspotlight Interview - Junya Yamada

Junya Yamada, DRUMCAN Fashion Show Producer

I first encountered Japan's most sought after Fashion Show Producing maestro, Mr Junya Yamada, at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. Completely enamoured with the level of information about Japanese fashion, and how the culture has filtered back to the UK - where it apparently emanated from in the first place! His fresh views on fashion, and how to translate the message of thinking about the fashion we select, and interpreting it back through our own personal filters. That and much more came out of one simple question - 'What is Kawaii to YOU?' An intriguing interview, that remains one of my favourites to date; and I'm thrilled to see that a few of you apparently shared my sentiment!

3. ESPspotlight on Manic Panic

At the earlier-mentioned London Edge, I chanced across a stand that left a lasting impression on me. Always a sucker for a good backstory, I fell instantly in love with the rise of Tish & Snooky. These New York natives - who also happened to be singing sisters - started their now world-famous cosmetics company, whilst backing the likes of Blondie, and many more, at the legendary 'CBGBs', during the gamechanging times when Punk music was born. If you haven't met them already, introduce yourselves now...

2. ESPspotlight Interview - Tyrese Introduces Kristal

One of the biggest moments of the year was almost as much of a favourite of yours as it was mine, it would seem! Kristal Lyndriette, the first recording artist to be signed to Voltron Records, the label owned by everyone's favourite bus-singing, fast car driving, alien-car serving funny man. In case you haven't guessed, I'm talking about Mr Tyrese Gibson. The first of a two-part special (tele)meeting Kristal was an honour, and talking just about everything under the Sun with the big man himself in the second part, was an experience that I will never forget...

And for your final favourite? The Most Read Feature of 2013? Drumroll please...

1. ESPspotlight Review - StreetFest

The first really sunny Sunday in May signalled the tentative start of Summertime in Britain. Though it would be another two cold months before our full 'mini-heatwave', London Town got a taster of what was to come, and I can only assume it was in celebration of the massive StreetFest lineup. Live music, poetry readings, live street art, skateboard and BMX stunts, street dancers, DJ battles, market stalls, sneaker designs stands, nails bars, food stands with every possible cuisine under that aforementioned Sun and so much more; Raw PR did Shoreditch proud that day; and from what I recall, it seemed every attendee came away ready and waiting for the next round. Flashback to warmer climes with this little reminder of the most read feature of the year...

___________________________________

And there you have it - we've reached the end of another jampacked annum on the ESintheP blog! Though I've said it before, I have to repeat the sentiment, I cannot Thank You enough for taking your time to spend with me, and for the feedback I've received from you throughout the year. You are truly appreciated, and all that's left to say, is I hope to see you back here in 2014! So to every single one of you regulars, and every newbie too - CHEERS TO YOU!

Happy New Year Everybody - be safe and responsible on your travels (you won't make it back here otherwise)! See you in The Next Chapter...

ES ;)

#ESPspotlight Review: 'Oz: The Great And Powerful' (Movie)

When I first looked at the 2013 film release calendar back in November and learned there was to be a prequel to The Wizard Of Oz; I gave serious contemplation to camping outside my local Vue like a crazy person waiting on iPhone 12. Then the snow thing happened and well, I figured I'd wait indoors with heating and wi-fi the way sanity and good sense intended.

Now I have to say, that I purposely avoided every review possible in the lead up to the release. I read nothing about it, because knowing that I was going to write about it from the moment I heard of it, I wanted to approach this review purely from the mind of one who grew up on the film legacy, and was now being offered a new layer to the history because personally, I think that's where most going to see it will be coming from; therefore as always, I want to tell you what you really want to know. Unfortunately, one unwittingly caught me Friday morning, when I heard Simon Bates of Smooth FM fame warn the masses to categorically avoid it at all costs, mainly because of the CGI and overall because it has no heart...Hmmm. That did not bode well, but I would not be deterred.

"We all  have a little Wicked within us"...isn't that what Evanora says?!

Friday gone, Yours Truly transported herself to the Emerald City (firmly ensconced herself at the BFI IMAX in Waterloo) for their first showing of the 3D version; decked out in my black and green best, in my Wicked Evanora tribute (I would have gone Glinda but unless Her Goodness would have been willing to part with that wand for the cleaning process, I was not about to risk my whitery in the hideous London downpours that make London drivers so splash happy). I don't know if it's a 'generation gap' type thing, but I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to see this in all it's 3D glory - forget that Star Wars crap (stone me if you wish, but I do NOT get the fascination) - this is the ultimate fantasy film! I would have even paid extra for the spectacles had they not come with the ticket! I even sat front row for that mutha - bad idea, it backfired bigtime - the migraine it caused is still here, grinding an axe on my brain like an evil witch cast a spell or something...

Now in the spirit of full disclosure I will admit upfront that I am entirely and unconscionably biased when it comes to all things concerning the The Wizard of Oz, and I make no apologies for it. I'm a tough crowd at the best of times, but when it comes to my childhood iconic moments? Well it's just as well they brought Ms. Carey in on the Soundtrack to help sweeten the pot (dirty trick...but I applaud it)...

I was smiling early on Director Sam Raimi's overlapping elements of the original story with the modern day 'next step'; starting out in black & white, Michelle Williams' very Dorothy-esque gingham ensem, for which I will be forever emerald green envious at the sheer coolness of...

I think the CGI worked really well, although I was surprised to see it used so early on. The character overlaps were also done well with Williams' set up as a central character, along with Zach Braff being alluded to as a "trained monkey". Both carried that same element as the Kansas-portion of the original, so we know who we're looking at and hearing as the storyline and James Franco's Oscar portrayal develops (character, not award. I don't see that in my crystal ball for you, my not so great and powerful friend).

A bit longer than I would have liked, I was anxious for that balloon scene to get underway and boy did it not disappoint...it took all my willpower not to leap out my seat for fear my rear was about to be impaled by some sharp and angry looking wicker spears. Brilliant! Again, Franco waking up in colour was another respectful nod to the classic but - I have to say that this was one of the moments that I was looking forward to the most, but equally concerned about. For me, this was a perfect example of where film history could be touched by literal magic and sent into a new stratosphere. Waking up in Oz, the ultimate alternate universe full of colour and wonderment, I was hoping with all my might that it would be done justice - and I wasn't disappointed.

Mila Kunis with James Franco, at her Theodora best...

The moment when Mila Kunis stepped out from behind the fauna and looked out from beneath that decadent red velvet, Victorian hat was a showstopper for me. Playing up her beauty to the fullest for the Good Witch half of her dual role; it reminded me of my favourite scene in Titanic when Kate Winslet steps out of the car at the beginning in that gorgeous dress and looks out from under hers.

Both scenes milk the beauty and splendour of each in their DeMille style close ups until their respective cows come home; both had the same breathtaking impact. Unfortunately for Mila though, bar her Theodora stint, this is about as good as she gets in her role, and that was my biggest disappointment of the whole film. Apart from the singing - Where was the SINGING??? That right there was a strike against the entire production, because that ONE munchkin ditty did not cut it Mr Raimi - No Sir, it did not.

Mila, Mila, Mila....*sigh*. Here's the thing - I love Mila Kunis. I do. I truly adore her rawness and that 'bad girl bubbling under the surface' thing that seems to be her natural personality, that somehow translates into every character she plays. Every character that is, except this one. I'm sorry, but the gorgeous Theodora moments aside, I hated it. I even hated her Wicked Witch costume. And please don't get me started on the prosthetics. That, was not, on par with the classic. For me, I saw Will Smith in Hitch, after the shellfish moment, with some green body paint or a little nausea from the reaction - take your pick. Either way, that was an allergy! That wasn't a Wicked Witch! Mila's portrayal was just awful when you had Rachel Weisz up there, doing it the way it should have been done for both of them.

Speaking of Rachel. The only one to fully deliver exactly what I expected - this whole film is one of her finest moments. And not just because there's something about her nail art that screamed Puerto Rican Mami from the Bronx (in a good way - not like Mila's screeching that kept hurting my ears throughout). I never imagined a ghetto Rachel Weisz before, but after that seemingly tiny little detail right there, contrasted with her lofty, yet ravishing 1920s wardrobe finery, I now want to gift her some oversized gold hoops, tight denim, bubble gum and have her be my home girl for life. 

Returning with a flourish, I have to say that Michelle Williams' Glinda was the biggest (good) shocker of the film. Understand that I still to this day, and will forever hold a grudge against her for breaking up Joey and Dawson - don't ever expect me to let it go, I'm not good with that - my blacklist is for life. And, as someone remarked to me post-film; of all the Creek characters, she was so not the one anyone held high hopes for! But bar one issue that I will shortly come to - my word does she do a Good Witch justice! Costume-wise, I only really cared for her last gown (battle scene onwards), but she was believable all the way through and - steady yourself for another shocker - the only one to not only do the original character justice, but successfully bring a new, relatable layer to the modern day character. Her best scene had to be where she called Oscar Diggs like she saw him - her Brenda Lee Johnson-esque (Kyra Sedgewick, The Closer) scathing summation with a smile made his ego go *poof*, up in smoke - no wand required. Atta Girl.

James Franco as Oscar Diggs left, well...
everything, to the imagination

For me, James Franco's only good moment was the epic battle scene, where he really went to town and for the first time, embodied the 'Great And Powerful' title to his fullest extent. Admittedly that was with the help of the CGI extension, but hey, let the man have a redeeming moment where he can find one here, because I sadly don't have much more for him than that. Although he did do worthless cad extremely well...I'm quite looking forward to seeing him in the role of Hugh Hefner, which I believe he will portray exceptionally well...but that's where I'm going to leave that one.

If there's one thing I love as much, if not more than a good Disney moment, it's a good 'Girl Smackdown' the way nature and the rest of womankind intended. Being that this is Disney after all, it was Witch slaps and grabbing at pretty girl accessories (weave tracks of course remain untouched), but still - seeing Weisz and Williams' throw down and take it to the streets Witch style was stellar - another favourite scene greatly enhanced by the CGI, but that also confused me. How could the prosthetics team get it so wrong with Mila, but dead (no pun intended) on in Rachel's final scene? Baffling.

Overall, once I took some niggling issues out of the equation and stuck a pin in them long enough to take in the moment, I did love the film. The great things about it overshadowed (most of) the bad. Once you take those pins out though, those issues cannot go without mention. I've already touched on my great Mila disappointment, and the lack of singing dampener - The Wizard of Oz is after all, one of the best musicals of all time (please don't attempt to debate that with me, it'll get Ghetto Girl dirty - I'm South-East born and raised, y'know). There are two other things that irked me though, and I would really be interested to hear if I'm the only one.

First of all. Glinda is a Good Witch. I consider her virginal and innocent. I do not want to see her liplocking anyone behind a curtain, on the yellow brick road, in the Poppy Fields, or anywhere else; because then I'm going to wonder what else that led to, and the last thing I want to be considering is what kind of contraception they have Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Second. For the Love of All That is Holy - someone please tell me they spent 95% of this film, checking every chica for some Ruby Slippers? After all the central characters were introduced and still nothing, I even started checking for some Louboutin red bottoms - I would have settled for that! By the time those credits rolled, I sat there, clicked my heels three times and wished a Macys outlet would be the first house to land by the sequel Rachel Weisz 'let slip' about, so one of these Witches can find their way to a shoe sale...

Oz The Great And Powerful is in all major theatres now. There's no place like it.

Today's 'Lost In Music' competition is of course, tied to today's review - click here to win yourself an #ESPspotlight Review just like the one that you are currently reading, by answering one easy question!

Read me next time! ES ;)

Image Conscious: 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music In The ESP spotlight

So, if you caught my earlier 'Oz: The Great And Powerful' film review, then you will understand why I'm still in the land of, at this particular moment in time...or at least as close as London-by-way-of-Kansas will take me.

With that in mind, I would be pretty hardpressed to come with a better example that encapsulates the whole ethos behind Creativity Week than Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg's Over The Rainbow, now wouldn't I? Everything I've mentioned so far behind the concept of storytelling through songwriting, is evident in this one song. For me personally, this is one of my earliest memories of escapism through film and music, and please believe I did spend many an early year believing that if I just sang this song well enough then one day, that crack would form in the clouds and bring forth a rainbow to my feet, just waiting for my steps...The fact that I'm still here was a clear testament as to why my future does not include a microphone. Enough said about that, methinks.

If you listen to the lyrics of this song and really think about them, then not only will you see how the entire film translates to the fantasy described within the verses, but why it earned the duo the 1939 Academy Award for Best Original Song. A perfect meeting of the two Creative elements, Arlen's musical composition carries a message of hope throughout the score. Last week, when we looked at the Understanding of Music and it's Emotional Connection, we saw how mood could be affected by certain types of Musical Style. The wistfulness and belief in something better that this song evokes, has translated through generations and is still one of the most covered songs to this day; because of it's power to connect despite the changes in culture and time.

Over The Rainbow is another prime example of a legacy in Music History - don't you think? No? Well maybe you need a little reminder...Hit it Judy (I've always wanted to say that)!

I don't know about you, but I feel like donning some gingham and plaiting myself up in pigtails for at least a WEEK.

I don't think there is honestly anything more I can suggest about applying these ideals to your own musical exploits - you've just got to listen and analyse again if you still need some guidance. What can I possibly tell you that Harold, E.Y. and Judy can't? I defer to the Masters...

It's Competition Time again, and I think you know it's GOT to be based on the film! You ready?

Judy Garland bore a pair of famous daughters - one more known for following in her Mother's footsteps than the other.

Name her and the Musical film that she made famous?

(I'll give you two clues, it involves a bowler hat and Mariah Carey channelled said film for inspiration in her Breakdown video with Rap Harmony Group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony...)

As for yesterday's answer, I asked you...

What is the Name of Christopher Wallace's Mother?

The answer, is Volletta Wallace.

As always, entry couldn't be easier, all you have to do is the following: email your answer, tweet confirmation of your entry using the #MarchMusic hashtag and LIKE ESP on Facebook - it's that simple! And even if you don't win, you still win! You get 50% off your order for a #ESPspotlight Music Review, on any order that you place between now and 20:13 tomorrow!

Enjoy and let me have your feedback on both of today's pieces - the Comment Box is your friend!

Until the next...
ES ;)

PS. DON'T FORGET your ABC! It's easy as:

1. email your entries for today's competition
2. Tweet confirmation of your entry using the #MarchMusic hashtag to ESP Ltd. on Twitter then,
3. LIKE ESP Ltd. on Facebook by 20:13 tonight to be in with a chance!

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

• Only one entry per person, per day.
• Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album ONLY.
• Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
• Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
• Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
• All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
• The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
• Entry deadline is 20:13 each day, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.