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Phylicia Rashad

Films in Full Colour #5 – SOUL

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We, at ScreenFish, believe that we are all created in God’s image and want to show our support where we can to those in the Black Community who continue to battle against systemic racism. While our team strives for diversity, we can always do better ourselves in giving voice to those who need the chance to speak out and be heard. 

In our series, ‘Films in Full Colour’, we examine films that explore issues specifically within the black community. For each episode, my co-host is Jordan Thoms, pastor of Warden Underground Church in Toronto and our hope is that, through the lens of film, we might be able to shine light on the issues faced every day by African Americans. This week, Jordan and I welcome Enrico back to the show to talk about lost souls and the spiritual power of music in Pixar’s Soul.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Want to continue the conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

Films in Full Colour #5: SoulDownload

Soul: Jazzing through Life Together

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Every now and then, Pixar releases a film that is not just enjoyable or even powerful but truly special. 

Soul is one of those films. 

Directed by Pete Docter, Soul is a film that admittedly feels like it’s been made for adults but kids should still love as well. While Docter’s previous hits Monsters Inc. and Inside Out targeted the fears and dreams of children and youth, Soul takes a more mature approach that places the emphasis on the middle-aged Joe Gardner. While the film makes every effort to incorporate Pixar’s trademark sense of humour and joy, the film’s focus on Joe’s journey makes it noticeably different in its tone. As a result, this is arguably Pixar’s most ambitious piece since Inside Out by attempting to grapple with the spiritual realities of the afterlife in a way that feels authentic but still remains relevant to kids. 

Now airing on Disney+, Soul tells the story of Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher who yearns for something more. Passionate about jazz music, Gardner wants to be on stage yet he feels stuck. After his sudden death, Joe meets 22 (Tina Fey), a soul who has yet to begin her life on Earth and seems unable to find her ‘spark’. Together, the two fight to help Joe reclaim his life while also helping 22 discover why life is worth living in the first place.

Featuring endearing performances from Foxx and Fey, Soul’s characters feel true to life. As Gardner, Foxx brings a relentless ambition to the character yet never loses his earnestness in the process. Meanwhile, Fey bring an innocence and enthusiasm to 22 that counterbalances Gardner’s cynicism. However, despite solid work from its leads, the stand out performances stem from secondary characters played by icons Angela Bassett and Phylicia Rashad. At every opportunity, Bassett and Rashad steal their respective scenes as they embed their characters with their own unique blend of gravitas and confidence. 

As one would hope, the music of Soul is one of the film’s most inspiring aspects. Featuring a stellar soundtrack by John Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (?!), the film is a testament to the power of music and its spiritual qualities. In each musical number, Soul showcases music as a transcendent experience that speaks to the very… well… soul of the performer. To Gardner, music isn’t just something he plays. It releases a deep joy within him that transports him into a higher plane. In this way, Gardner interacts with spiritual realm, unleashing an inner creativeness. that (literally here) points to the Divine.

Co-written by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami), the film is willing to engage African American culture in New York. Beyond the music itself, Soul makes sure to celebrate everyday moments like a quick stop at the barbershop or buying a new suit. Coming in the midst of a year when racial conversations have been brought to the forefront, these subtle inclusions provide the film with an additional layer of importance that inspires the viewer.

In fact, that spirit of the everyday speaks directly into the heart of the film. Though portions of the film take place in the afterlife, Soul is most interested in the way that we interact with the world around us. (In fact, much of the afterlife depicted within the film is shown as either a place of transitioning between realms or preparing for their new life, rather than eternity itself.) By partnering the two souls together, Gardner has the opportunity to reclaim his sense of wonder for the world around him while 22 continues to grow in strength about her new journey. Emphasizing the value of ‘jazzing through life’, Soul understands that there’s beauty in experiencing the moments around us, whether it’s helping a friend or grabbing a slice of pizza. In essence, this is a film which wants to encourage kids to step out and engage their lives while, at the same time, encouraging adults to support them along the way.

What’s most interesting about Soul, however, is the film’s more grounded take on realizing your dreams. For a company that calls us to ‘Wish Upon a Star’, Soul takes an almost anti-Disney approach by pointing out that one can’t always bank on their hopes and dreams to come true. For example, though he yearns to play on stage, Gardner cannot seem to get his ‘big break’. Struggling as a Jr. High music teacher, he lives his life in a constant state of waiting, making endless backup plans in an effort to be ready when his chance at success finally comes. However, in doing so, Gardner is never satisfied with the impact he makes on the lives of others. As a result, he fails to recognize the true beauty of the moment and his place within the world. While never stating that one shouldn’t have ambition, this is a staggeringly sober realization for any animated film, especially from the House of Mouse. (In fact, the film even goes so far as to suggest that those who remain trapped by their dreams can become ‘lost souls’ who never realize their potential on Earth.)

Ambitious and poignant, the spiritual journey of Joe Gardner feels relevant to anyone who has ever felt like their dreams remain out of reach. Though Soul feels more appropriate for adults than youth at times, it’s passion for embracing life is appropriate for all ages. As Joe and 22 work together to find their ‘spark’, the spiritual bedrock bubbles to the surface, challenging and encouraging families at the same time.

In other words, this is a film which knows the power of a Soul.

To hear our conversation with director Pete Docter and producer Dana Murray, click here.

Soul is available on Disney+ on December 25th, 2020.

Jingle Jangle: Lighting the Spark of Hope

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Set in the whimsical wintery world of a Christmas bedtime story, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey tells the story of Jeronicus Jangle (Forrest Whitaker), toymaker extraordinaire. A brilliant inventor, Jangle is known around the land for his innovative creations and wild toys. However, when his book of inventions is stolen by his protégé, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), Jangle is left in ruins as his competition takes credit for his ideas and makes a fortune. Years later, when his granddaughter Journey Jangle (Madelen Mills) arrives, Jangle recognizes her talent but struggles to grapple with his own failures. However, when a new invention begins to reignite the spark of his soul, Jangle also sees the re-emergence of an old foe who wishes to steal the project for himself as well.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus Jangle. NETFLIX

Written and directed by David E. Talbert (Almost Christmas), Jingle Jangle is certainly a much more ambitious project than his previous efforts. While Talbert’s work normally focuses on families and relationships, Jangle is a steam-punk sight for the senses. Featuring stunning special effects and some spectacular musical numbers, the film effectively brings to life the magic and whimsy that families want from their Christmas classics. Frankly, the attention to detail in the visuals is often truly remarkable, with each whizzing gear and popping spring feeling like an extension of Jeronicus Jangle’s complicated emotional state. 

Speaking of Jangle himself, Whitaker handles the role in with a mixture of sadness and charm as the once-great toymaker. For someone who is not particularly known for his work in children’s fare (has he ever done a film like this before?), Whitaker embraces the script and manages to bring a subtle spark to the character. While much of the cast are in fine form here, from Key’s mustache-twirling villain Gustafsen to the always regal Phylicia Rashad, the real story of the film is newcomer Madalen Mills who is absolutely wonderful as Jeronicus’ granddaughter and protégé, Journey Jangle. In her first major role, Mills absolutely lights up the screen with her performance and holds the film together with a sparkling debut. (And, frankly, it’s also refreshing to see a holiday myth that features an entirely African-American cast as well.)

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Diaana Babnicova as Young Jessica Jangle and Justin Cornwell as Young Jeronicus Jangle. Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Despite the magical music and eye-popping contraptions, the true heart of the film lies in its celebration of belief. While this is a theme that extends through numerous films at this time of year, there is something special about Jangle in the way that it explores its message. With each failed invention, Jeronicus Jangle falls further into bitterness, refusing more and more to try. Having seen his best days stolen from him, his frustration is understandable. Burned out and broken, Jangle is a man who has lost everything and feels frozen in his inability to move forward. (Seems appropriate for 2020, doesn’t it?)

However, with the arrival of Journey, light begins to enter the room again. Transformed by the belief that ‘nothing is impossible if you believe’, Journey recognizes that, even in our worst circumstances, hope exists. Her youthful innocence and willingness to take risks have not yet been marred by trauma and she is able to find joy in the midst of suffering. As a result of Journey’s willingness to believe that there is more on the horizon, Jeronicus is forced to confront his own emotional blockage and, potentially, allow himself to heal. While the film doesn’t take particularly focus on what to believe in, it is refreshing at this time for a film to remind audiences in 2020 that belief and hope are essential, especially in the darkest of moments.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Keegan-Michael Key as Gustafson. Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Having said this, the film does have a few flaws. Clocking in at just over two hours, admittedly the film does feel a tad too long at time. What’s more, though some of the musical numbers are truly amazing, there are also those that fall flat. (Whitaker does his best but he likely does not have a singing career in his future.) Even so, these are minor quibbles. The truth is that, for the most part, there is more than jingle and magic in Jingle Jangle to keep families enchanted through the holiday season.

And, in 2020, that may be the most that one could hope for.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Phylicia Rashad as Grandmother Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Jingle Jangle is available on Netflix on November 13th, 2020. 

Melting the Tin Man’s Heart: 1on1 with Terrell Carter

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In FOX’s epic series Empire, power is everything. Now in its fourth season, Empire continues to tell distinct stories and creating unique characters that break stereotypes in the genre. Following the lives of the Lyon family, the show continues to tackle a wide variety of social issues while also offering some of the finest music on television in the process. As series newcomer Terrell Carter indicates, the chance to join a show with such rare sensibilities was simply too good to pass up.

“I was able to play a role that wasn’t a traditional gay character. It also was the music. Music is my first love and, although he’s a civil rights attorney, he’s a singer also. He wants to be a singer. So, being able to play a character who’s a singer that’s also not traditional and also the nephew of Phylicia Rashad: all of those things add up to the role of a lifetime for me. Everybody on this show is amazing but Phylicia was one of my favourites.”

In addition to the appeal of working on such an incredible show, it was the opportunity to work with Phylicia Rashad that proved to be the clinching factor in his decision.

“The excitement about working with Phylicia Rashad isn’t just that she was The Cosby Show’s mother,” he reflects. “For me, growing up the way that I did… what Phylicia Rashad represented to me was something that I had never seen before. I’d never seen people live like that. It wasn’t just black or white, because, at that time, I was never thought about [that type of] separation and division, which is why it blows my mind right now. I just never thought things about it like that. I told her on the first day, that [she was] a hero to me because [she] gave me an idea that there was something else—another life—and [she] put the idea in my head that I could do something like this. [She’s] more than just an amazing actress for me in the black world. To work with her, to see that she’s gracious, beautiful, hilarious and wraps you up in all of this love but yet, at the same time, is like a queen [who is] graceful and amazing. To me, being able to work on a show like this with her, that’s a treat in itself. I couldn’t ask for anything better. [There are] all the other amazing actors on this show, but for her, it was someone who was a representation of something for all of us.”

In this season of Empire, Carter plays Warren, a relative to Rashad’s maniacal Diana Dubois who is hell-bent on destroying the Lyon family. Playing a key role in her plot, Warren is tasked with seducing young Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett), in an effort to put a wedge in the family unit. Nevertheless, as their relationship develops, Carter says that Warren has become conflicted.

“Warren is a pawn for Phylicia Rashad’s character, [Diana Dubois],” he says. “Warren is a little bit different than the rest of members of the Dubois family, actually. Warren has a little bit of a conscience. From the very beginning, he was kind of excommunicated and his father has kind of done things to be pushed away from the family. He kind of says yes to do this whole mission because of that situation. Kind of like a Kennedy who wants to be back in the family because your father is the one who got thrown out. So, he says yes to her before he realizes what it actually all entails. If you watch the first episode, and Diana Dubois is lying on the table, she looks at him and says she wants to pick the meat off of their bones… He kind of looks at her and says “Wow”. I don’t think it was that deep for him. I think he was just more interested in becoming a part of the family so he has a heart.”

“In his relationship with Jamal, Jamal is one of the few Lyon family members that always seems to have a heart and it just really the nicest one. So, Warren is just a guy who’s sort of guided himself into a position where he has bitten off more than he can chew, even with his own family. He’s trying to figure out whether or not blood is thicker than love or water. He’s always wanted to be a singer and, even those he’s in a position where this is a guy he’s supposed to take down, this is a guy who’s showing him things he’s always wanted to see. I think Warren is a bit torn or shaken to say ‘Wait a minute now. What am I doing?’”

Of course, one might assume that it would be intimidating to step onto the set with a cast that’s been so well established. However, Carter’s previous relationship with series regular Jessie Smullet helped make his entry onto the team much easier.

EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Terrel Carter and Jussie Smollett in the “Evil Manners” episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Oct. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Jean Whiteside/FOX

“The good thing was that I already knew Jussie Smollett prior to coming. So, it was good to know someone who was part of the original cast who can sort of show you the ropes. I think that, although this was a breakout role for me, it was a role I was ready for. It was challenging, like the first day of school, for the first day or so but this was something that I’ve been preparing for so long that I was at the point where I was just excited and happy to be a part of it.”

It’s important to note, however, that Empire’s legacy extends far beyond its all-star cast and outstanding music. According to Carter, the true importance of Empire lies in its multi-dimensional portrayal of African Americans in a variety of roles.

“I think Empire is not only showing African Americans in a different light,” he argues. “It shows them in a light of power and especially with what’s going on politically and in society, it’s not just [about] African American characters. It’s talking about a lot of other social issues. The gay characters are not the traditional gay characters. There are different situations and scenarios, but, yet, at the same time, they’re still showing things that happen in the ‘hood’. They’re taking that to a different level. In Empire, they’re dealing with different issues that haven’t been dealt with in a long time in different ways. You have an all pretty much black cast (like in The Cosby Show, The Jeffersons) but that was a long time ago. This is a powerful show along with all this original music and [wraps] all of this stuff up into one.”

Given that a key theme of the show is the nature of power, Carter also asserts that power manifest itself in different ways. When asked what he thinks his character would say about power, Carter believes that Warren would argue that it relates to control.

“[Warren] would look at it from a number of different ways,” he begins. “He would say Diana Dubois. He’s torn with the same thing. Power for him would be looking at the matriarch of his family. She speaks and we all listen. But yet, at the same time, he looks at Jamal and I think he’d say the power of love and the heart. Power moves people. I think that Warren would say that, when people use the word ‘power’, it usually comes in the form of something mean or evil but not necessarily. Power is just getting people to get people to do what you want them to do by just being and saying who you are. It’s having the power over people. Jamal isn’t saying anything except adoring and loving him but, at the same time, it’s moving him to do something different than what he wants to do. He can’t help it… and that’s what power is. I think he’d say that power is just getting people to do what you want them to do when they’re powerless to just say no.”

While he thoroughly enjoys acting, it is music that is Carter’s first love, a talent that serves him well on a show like Empire. Having recorded several independent albums, he believes that music unlocks the key to his soul in a way that he could never do otherwise.

EMPIRE: Pictured L-R: Terrell Carter and guest star Phylicia Rashad in the “Noble Memory” episode of EMPIRE premiering Wednesday, Sept. 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Chuck Hodes/FOX

“Everything that I do, when it comes to acting, writing, comes back to music,” he muses. “Music is such a passion because it was a way for me, even as a kid to express myself. All of the things that I couldn’t say to someone in a conversation, I could sing it. Then, I learned to do it in a way that people loved how it sounds but I could write the things that are in my heart. So, music is a passion for me because it’s a way for me to express myself comfortably when I wasn’t comfortable in any other aspects in my life.”

Throughout his journey to success, Carter and his family have fought against numerous challenges that have caused them to struggle emotionally. As a result, he has also started to write a memoir that tells his story in a way he hopes will inspire others.

According to Carter, “I’m writing a book about my life story but it’s more about from a motivational standpoint. It’s for everyone who are dealing with the things. It’s about my mom. My story is that, my mom was 10 years old and she was raped by my dad who was 23-year-old who was from the same family. She was mentally retarded. All of her organs were supposed to fail. So, I was kind of this baby who just didn’t have this connection growing up and just dealing with all of that. And becoming this guy who ends up on this number one show. It’s not about ‘this is what I did’, it’s more about the journey. The book takes you on the at roller coaster ride.”

With Empire returning from its brief hiatus, Carter suggests that Warren is soon heading towards a crossroads in his relationships within the show, potentially having to choose between his love for Jamal and his loyalty to Diana Dubois.

“In the last episode, you could see on his face that there is some type of unsettled about the entire thing,” he hints. “When that comes in, the direct orders of Diana Dubois aren’t so easily delivered. Now, she is not the type of woman that you toy with. She is like the Godfather in so many ways. She doesn’t have to raise her voice and she has no loyalty to anyone. So, if you do that and don’t do what she wants, what is she going to do?”

Empire returns this Wednesday night at 9pm on FOX.

To stream our full interview with Terrell, click below.

 

Terrell Carter image credited to Eric Hobbs