(This is NOT the real Biggie lol)
There are two major things happening in my life this today. My sorority celebrates it's 89th year of service (Happy Birthday ZPB) and NOTORIUS The Movie hits theaters ...
Now some aren't really interested in a biopic about B.I.G., but the film buff (and nosy ass celeb-watcher) in me just HAS to see it!!!
I'm almost surprised it actually CAME to the SBC, but knowing Diddy, he was going to make SURE the masses saw this film.
The plot is pretty basic -- The life and death of Christopher "Biggie Smalls/Notorius B.I.G." Wallace"; The rise and fall of one of the best rappers of all time. PERIOD.
(Jamal Woolard aka Gravy)
The movie stars first-time actor Jamal Woolard as B.I.G. He beat out hundreds of Big Poppa hopefuls to win the role.
He says he put himself through a BIGGIE BOOTCAMP to prepare -- studying Biggie's mannerisms, music, etc. He also packed on 65 extra pounds to his already-extra-large frame ... to match BIG's weight. He checked in at 340 when he auditioned.
(Biggie on left, Woolard on right)
Woolard is Brooklyn-born rapper (who goes by the name GRAVY). He grew up just a few blocks from BIG's home .. even attended BIG's funeral (but they never met when he was alive).
Both also have a history dealing with violence. Woolard was shot outside Hot 97 right before an interview (hoping to get his music on the air). Word is he took the bullet in the butt and STILL went upstairs and did the interview!
But because of a new policy of not airing music by artists who have altercations at the studio, the music of "Gravy" was never aired.
Even with all those similarities, and an eery resemblance to the slain rapper, Woolard almost didn't get the role. The director didn't think he could pull it off AND was weary of his checkered past. Woolard owes his role to Mama Wallace, who, after seeing Woolard at the audition, said under her breath "That's my son!" ... The director heard her, and cast Woolard for the starring role. (Check out Essence's interview with Ms. Wallace HERE).
Woolard is not just on the big screen now .. he's ALL OVER the web, so check him out:
- Check out his personal website or his old MySpace page.
- Check out his interview concerning the Hot 97 incident HERE.
- Check out this NYMag.com story on him winning the big role
- GREAT Interviews: NY Daily News and Movie Fone: 5 Questions with Jamal Woolard
- And check out the New York Post's story on the biopic HERE.
NOW ON TO THE REST OF THE CAST ...
THE OTHER MALE LEADS:
Derek Luke (who knows a little something about big first-time roles) playing "Diddy" and Anthony Mackie (one of my favorites) taking on the role of Tupac Shakur. (Some are a little iffy about this choice but we'll see!).
Biggie's own son and namesake, C.J. Wallace (pictured above with mom, Faith), plays the younger B.I.G. in the movie.
In an interview with Essence, Faith said C.J. he worked hard at the role and if it were any other movie, she wouldn't have let him do it ... She also said he learned a lot about his dad through the project ... He was just a baby when BIG was killed.
(Check out Essence's interview with Faith HERE).
THE LADIES:
Veteran and favorite Angela Bassett plays BIG's mom Voletta Wallace, and playing his wife/songbird Faith Evans is Antonique Smith (who is NOT an original blond lol). They even have a chick playing Lil' Kim (I can't WAIT to see that cat-fight!).
- Check out Antonique's interview with Essence about preparing to play Faith HERE.
The 2-hour-3-minute movie is rated R (of course) and is directed by George Tillman (Men of Honor, Soul Food, Roll Bounce) who also produced both Barbershops and Beauty Shop.
- Check out movie trailers and clips HERE.
- Get showtimes for Tinseltown and the Boardwalk HERE.
And bypass the bootleg and go SEE THE MOVIE!!!! I am ... and I'll have a review later this weekend :)
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