Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh puts on his producer’s cap for the Black love story “Love, Brooklyn.” Rachael Abigail Holder makes her directorial debut with the film from a screenplay by Paul Zimmerman. Rodger (André Holland), Nicole (DeWanda Wise), and Casey (Nicole Beharie) are three longtime Brooklynites navigating careers, love, loss, and friendship amidst the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.
The film opens with Rodger, an easygoing young man, cycling through sunlit streets, a gentle breeze tousling his hair. He soon meets up with Casey, his ex-girlfriend, who exudes an artistic flair with her eclectic style and thoughtful demeanor. Their friendly outing ends on a low note for Rodger, who was hoping for a nightcap.
However, fate intervenes when his current friend with benefits, Nicole, a single mother, reaches out to him for a late-night session, and he’s more than happy to oblige. Rodger also finds time to chop it up with his best friend, the married Alan (Roy Wood Jr.), who often has fantasies about cheating on his wife but will never actually do the deed.
The crux of “Love, Brooklyn” is Rodger going back and forth between his emotions for Nicole, who represents his future, and Casey, who represents his future. Holland uses his natural charm to make Rodger a relatable character. One of the standout aspects of the script is the impressive layering of his arc. He owes his editor a story about the rejuvenation of Brooklyn post-COVID, yet he adamantly refuses to finish it. Holland is one of the best actors working today, and it’s always great to see him play a lead role.
The ladies in the film are extraordinary. DeWanda Wise gives a no-frills approach to her character. She sees what he can become but is unafraid to call him on his BS. The elegant Nicole Beharie, who can merely light up her room with a smile, is excellent as a woman who doesn’t know what she wants from life. Roy Woods provides the occasional punch line in a small but memorable role. Wood’s limited screen had me yearning for a spin-off film focused on his character.
Viewers going into “Love, Brooklyn” should know that the film has a very avant-garde feel, from the cinematography to the pacing. While the film features melanin-lead leads, this is a universal story anyone can relate to.
“Love, Brooklyn” is Rachael Abigail Holder’s impressive debut. It features heartfelt performances from its cast and an organic plot.
Final Grade: B+
“Love, Brooklyn” is currently seeking distribution.
By Derrick Dunn
Renowned Latino comedian Ken Flores was found dead in his home in Los Angeles. The artist, who launched his career in Chicago before making a name for himself in California, was 28 at the time of his passing.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death, while his family shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,” the statement read. “Please respect our privacy at this time, as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.
The comedy and Latino entertainment communities, particularly those based in the U.S., expressed their condolences in response to the family’s post, mourning the loss of the beloved comedian.
“
speechless! 
RIP Bro” wrote Jimmy Humilde, founder of the record label Rancho Humilde.
TV host and actor Mario López shared three heart emojis, while Mexican-American rapper Snow Tha Product said she was heartbroken: “
Hollywood Improv, a well-known comedy club that features stand-up and improvisational comedians, also paid tribute:
“We were honored to share your talent on our stages. You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it. You were also kind and a tremendous friend to all lucky enough to know you. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs. #kenflores #rip.”
“Tragic. I saw him @hollywoodimprov several times and he was always first class. I loved it when audiences had no idea what to make of him but they always got on board and he killed it. Such a loss.”
Ken Flores first gained recognition on YouTube, where he showcased his humor while working as a bank teller. His stand-up routines focused on representing marginalized voices in urban America, blending raw reality with humor to highlight life in poverty and social exclusion.
His breakthrough came with LatinXL, a comedy routine where he openly and humorously addressed his experiences with obesity.
“There’s a lot of people like me around the world that think like me, and we just don’t have a voice,” Flores said in an interview with the Comedy Gazelle.”There are Latino comics, like Gabriel Iglesias, but he’s not like me. He didn’t grow up in the hood. He wasn’t a drug addict. He didn’t grow up like me, so he doesn’t speak for me. “There are so many people out there like me, who think like me, but we just don’t have a voice.”
“But there’s a lot of people that I can speak for that don’t really have a voice in comedy. One of the things that makes me the happiest is when people tell me, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever gone to a comedy show. I relate to all your (stuff), bro, and I had to come see it,’ ” he added, and those were the moments he lived for.
Ken Flores’ raw and unapologetic humor resonated deeply with audiences who saw themselves reflected in his stories. His passing leaves a void in the Latino comedy scene, but his impact and voice will live on through those who connected with his work.
–Originally appeared on ‘Latin Times.’
For the first time, Eddie Murphy is looking back on the extraordinary journey of his career — and looking ahead at what’s still to come.
EDDIE, a forthcoming documentary, chronicles his meteoric rise from teen comic phenom to Saturday Night Live breakout and stand-up supernova to box-office titan. It illuminates the evolution of Eddie Murphy — the trails he blazed and the records he broke on his way from Brooklyn upstart to Hollywood icon. In this intimate portrait, the Oscar-nominated actor opens up his home and dives deep into his eclectic career of nearly 50 years.
Murphy discusses entertaining three generations of fans with a filmography that spans comedy, action, drama, animation, musicals, and family fare. Friends, co-stars, directors, and fellow comics offer insight into Murphy’s singular life and career, and the influence that it has had on breakthrough stand-up films like Raw, ’80s megahits Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Trading Places through ’90s classics like The Nutty Professor, the Shrek franchise in the 2000s to his Oscar-nominated performance in Dreamgirls.
Director and two-time Oscar winner Angus Wall takes fans on an emotional ride, offering laughter and tears and an EDDIE they’ve never seen before. The film is produced by John Davis, John Fox, Charisse Hewitt, Terry Leonard, and Kent Kubena.
Check back for more news about EDDIE, coming to Netflix in 2025.
D.L. Hughley has fired back at Snoop Dogg with some choice words following the rap legend’s response to the backlash he’s received following his performance at the Crypto Ball at Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this month.
The comedian was brutally honest while condemning Snoop on Tuesday’s (Jan. 28) episode of The D.L. Hughley Show, during which he dug into how the 2017 version of Snoop is really the one at odds with the 2025 edition, and it’s time for the Doggfather to look in the mirror.
“The very person who you perform for is doing just that: tearing this country apart, families apart. He’s dismantling DEI and affirmative action and long-set precedents,” Hughley said. “And every time somebody gets into a situation of their own doing, it is always ‘a communal attack’ or ‘a community’s attack.’ I mean, no. People love you, but they dislike what you did. And there’s nothing more loving than that.”
He continued: “It isn’t us you have a problem with — it is you. The 2025 version of you is at odds with the 2017 version of you. So it ain’t the us that gotta get it together, it’s you. You need to have a conversation with the man in the mirror. What is so different about the 2017 Snoop and the 2025 Snoop? It ain’t us, we ain’t in it.”
Snoop brushed off the haters over the weekend in an Instagram post in which he essentially told the fans chastising his performance to touch grass and worry about their own lives.
“It’s Sunday I got gospel in my heart,” he said in a video posted to his Instagram. “For all the hate I’m going to answer with love, I love too much.”
He added: “Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100 percent Black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”
It wasn’t only Snoop representing hip-hop at the inauguration, as Rick Ross and Soulja Boy also pulled up to the Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., while Nelly performed at the Liberty Ball on Jan. 20.
Listen to the show below. D.L. Hughley’s comments about Snoop begin around the four-minute mark.
Source: Billboard
Nia Long and Larenz Tate will serve as ambassadors for the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
This year’s ABFF, presented by Nice Crowd, will be held in Miami Beach June 11-15, followed by an online segment June 16-23 on ABFF PLAY.
In their role as ambassadors, the “Love Jones” stars will help bring awareness to the festival’s mission of showcasing Black content and fostering opportunities for creators of color to succeed in the film and TV industry. Plus, ABFF has set a special salute to their hit 1997 classic romance, dubbed “ABFF Remembers: Love Jones,” an intimate conversation and musical tribute celebrating the legacy of the film. Long and Tate will reunite to reflect on the making of the film, their experiences on set and their enduring friendship.
“Their work in ‘Love Jones’ remains iconic, and they have long been trailblazers in the industry,” stated Jeff and Nicole Friday, founders of Nice Crowd, announcing the actors’ involvement. “Their contributions to ABFF’s mission have been immeasurable, dating back to the festival’s early days in Acapulco in the late ’90s. We are honored to count them as dear friends.”
In fact, Jeff Friday was inspired to launch ABFF (originally known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival) after seeing “Love Jones” at another film festival. Since its inception in 1997, the ABFF has been dedicated to “supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts.”
Long and Tate join a lineup of stars that have served as ambassadors to the festival, including Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Halle Berry, Magic Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Common, Taye Diggs, Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lala, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Omari Hardwick, Idris Elba, Jay Ellis and the late John Singleton.
Long is a four-time NAACP Image Award-winning actor, Grammy-nominated performer and author, who next stars in Lionsgate’s “Michael,” the highly-anticipated biopic of Michael Jackson. She was also selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her upcoming memoir will be published by Gallery Books.
Tate currently stars as Congressman Tate in “Power Book II: Ghost” on Starz and his film resume includes “Menace II Society,” “Dead Presidents,” “Crash” and “Girls Trip.” Tate is also an entrepreneur, co-founding TateMen Entertainment with his brothers to develop and produce content that champions Black storytelling. The company launched the hit podcast “Bronzeville,” which has garnered over 20 million downloads.
Source: Variety
Sony Pictures has Eddie Murphy poised to star in Blue Falcon, a two-hander action comedy. Studio acquired a script by Chad St. John, the London Has Fallen scribe who most recently scripted the just-wrapped Alan Ritchson-starrer Motor City.
In Blue Falcon, Murphy will play a retired superspy who heads for the destination wedding of his estranged son and finds himself in proximity with his archrival.
The film will be produced by Davis Films’ John Davis, Cliff Roberts through Syndicate Entertainment, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster through Eddie Murphy Productions.
Murphy, who’s repped by WME, ML Management, and Ziffren Brittenham, most recently starred in Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and among the projects he’s got percolating is a reteam with Dreamgirls‘ Bill Condon on the life of Parliament Funkadelic founder George Clinton.
He also is set to return as Donkey alongside Mike Myers as Shrek and Cameron Diaz as Fiona in Shrek 5, with DreamWorks Animation setting a December 2026 release date.
St. John is repped by UTA, Syndicate and Hansen Teller.
/EINPresswire.com/ – The legendary Laff House Comedy Club, known for launching the careers of comedy greats like Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Deon Cole, and Michael Blackson, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in Atlantic City. This iconic comedy hub will reopen at Caesars Pier (formerly The Playground), celebrating with a grand opening event on April 1, 2025, hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian and host of The Talk Sheryl Underwood and acclaimed comedian David Raibon (Snowfall, Insecure, Ballers).
The event, aptly named “Comedy Homecoming,” will honor the rich legacy of the original South Philadelphia Laff House while setting the stage for a new era of comedic brilliance. Guests can expect performances from a lineup of celebrated stand-up comedians, with more names to be announced in the coming months.
“This new chapter for the Laff House is deeply personal to me,” shared Rod Millwood, CEO and founder of the Laff House brand. “It’s a tribute to my late wife, Mona, who was not only my partner in life but the driving force behind our dream of creating a thriving, independent, Black-owned business. Reopening the club on her birthday with the incredible Sheryl Underwood and David Raibon is a meaningful way to honor her legacy.”
With the Grand Opening being a stop on her highly-anticipated Mix & Mingle Tour, Sheryl Underwood, who first performed at the original Laff House in 1997, expressed her excitement about the reopening by stating, “Rod Millwood is the perfect person to own a comedy club. He cares deeply about supporting comedians and strengthening the stand-up comedy community. I am so thrilled that he is honoring his beloved wife Mona by continuing the legacy of the original Laff House Comedy Club in Atlantic City. I’m calling all stand-up comics, family, friends, and fans to join me at the party on April 1 so we can kick off this grand opening right!”
Co-host David Raibon added, “As creators of humor, we must continue to grow venues where African-American comedians and others have a place to perform and perfect their acts so they may continue to feed their families. The Laff House Atlantic City Comedy Club is that kind of space, and I’m honored to be part of its return.”
A Comedy Institution with a Rich Legacy:
The original Laff House Comedy Club, founded by Millwood and his late wife Mona Wilkerson in 1997, became a Philadelphia landmark and a platform for diverse and emerging comedic talent. It was one of the few venues offering opportunities to comedians of all backgrounds based solely on talent, providing a launchpad for future superstars.
Kevin Hart’s first stand-up performance took place at the Laff House in 2006, while other alumni like Bill Burr, Mike Epps, Deon Cole, and Sheryl Underwood have gone on to enjoy global success. The club’s commitment to inclusivity helped shape the careers of countless comedians, making it a cultural cornerstone in the comedy world.
The New Laff House in Atlantic City:
The Laff House Atlantic City Comedy Club, powered by Java Monster Coffee & Energy, is located at ACX1 Studios on the Entertainment Pier at Caesars. The 300-seat venue combines modern entertainment with a nod to its storied history, featuring a living museum filled with memorabilia from the original club, including photos and promotional materials of legendary performers.
Guests will also enjoy a specially curated menu crafted by celebrity Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson, which can be ordered conveniently through the LAFF EXPRESS app.
A Night to Remember:
The grand opening promises to be a night of celebration, honoring the past while embracing the future of comedy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Laff House or new to its legacy, this event is not to be missed.
Event Details:
What: The Laff House Atlantic City Comedy Club Grand Opening
When: April 1, 2025
Where: Caesar’s Pier | One Atlantic Ocean Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Tickets and Information visit: www.thelaffhouseatlanticcity.com
Marlon Wayans is not a supporter of bandwagon hate, especially not within the Black community. The talented and multifaceted entertainer recently spoke out in defense of Snoop Dogg, who has been the subject of criticism for what many perceived to be an alignment with Donald Trump.
The Long Beach native performed at the Crypto Ball in support of the 47th president during the inauguration weekend. Also in attendance at the event were Rick Ross and Soulja Boy. The “Crank Dat” rapper has been vocal in combatting the hate he has faced. During an Instagram Live, he boasted that he secured a hefty payday for his gig and dismissed the qualms naysayers expressed.
Nelly, who performed at the Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, explained that his appearance was out of an abundance of respect and honor for the presidential office and not necessarily an indication of his political views. Snoop has not addressed his critics. Wayans, however, has a theory about the controversial topic, which he addressed during an interview with Cincinnati radio station The Wiz WIZF-FM on Friday (Jan. 24).
In the new “R&B Money Podcast” published on Saturday (Jan. 25), Snoop guest appeared and spoke briefly about how he has managed to navigate backlash and conflict, whether it comes from the streets or from within the industry. He told hosts Tank and J. Valentin, “You ‘gon deal with hate when you get to the top, no matter who you are. How do you deal with that hate? Do you answer it with hate, or do you answer with love and success? Me, personally, I answer it with success and love. That’s my answer to any hate and negativity that comes my way, ‘cause it’s the strongest force that can beat it.”
Check out the full podcast episode below.
Source: Revolt, BY Angelina Velasquez /
The 26th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, an official NFL-sanctioned event and a cornerstone of Super Bowl weekend for over a quarter of a century, is now set to dazzle audiences with an unforgettable evening of music, faith, and football during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans with a star-studded live taping on FOX. This year’s celebration is led by acclaimed hosts Bill Bellamy, comedian and actor known for his scene-stealing roles in Love Jones and Any Given Sunday, and New Orleans native Rocsi Diaz, Emmy Award-winning media personality who currently serves as co-host for Tubi’s We Got Time Today with sports legend Deion Sanders.
Joining Bellamy and Diaz to celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage and unbreakable spirit of New Orleans with epic performances and mashups is an incredible slate of award-winning artists, including The Isley Brothers, Muni Long, Yolanda Adams, Tori Kelly, and Jonathan McReynolds; New Orleans’ own Master P, Big Freedia, Lucky Daye, and Trombone Shorty; as well as the soulful harmonies of the NFL Players Choir, and heartfelt tributes to NFL players and leaders. This celebration under the theme “Keep Going” will premiere as a primetime special on FOX on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT, with additional airings on FS1, FOX Sports VOD, FOX Soul, and Tubi.
“Hosting the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is like hitting the trifecta—music, faith, and football all in one show! And you can’t beat doing it in New Orleans. I’m excited to bring some laughs, some energy, and to be part of this incredible night with an amazing lineup,” said Bellamy.
“Growing up in the lively vibe of New Orleans, I’ve felt the magic, resilience, and soul that make this city totally unique,” Diaz said with excitement. “Joining forces with Bill to host Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is a blast—it’s my moment to spotlight the beauty and spirit of the Big Easy! This isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of faith, community, and unity—values that define New Orleans and inspire the world. I’m beyond excited to help bring this epic night to life in my hometown!”
Honoring outstanding achievements on and off the field, the Lifetime of Inspiration Award will be presented to former NFL player and FOX Sports’ award-winning broadcaster Michael Strahan,celebrating his impact on sports, media, and philanthropy.
“Being recognized with the Lifetime of Inspiration Award is such an incredible honor,” said Strahan. “When I think about the legends who’ve received this award, it’s truly special to be part of this group. The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is more than just music or football; it’s about making a real impact on and off the field. I’m thrilled to participate in this exceptional event which showcases a commitment to fostering positive change.”
The Community Award will recognize New Orleans Saints player Cameron Jordan for his dedication to service and leadership, while Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams will be honored with the Rising Star Award. Additional honorees and show participants will be announced.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is brought to life by an outstanding production team dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience. The event is founded and executive produced by Melanie Few, with Valarie Benning Thompson serving as executive producer. Veteran television creative Leon Knoles serves as showrunner and director, with GRAMMY®-nominated artist Adam Blackstone as music director, ensuring a seamless blend of performance, storytelling, and inspiration.
“As we celebrate the 26th year of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration as an official NFL-sanctioned event, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey that has brought us here,” said Few, Founder and Executive Producer. “Returning to New Orleans, a city that embodies resilience, culture, and faith, feels like the perfect way to honor the essence of what this event has always stood for. New Orleans is a city with a heartbeat of music, a legacy of strength, and a deep sense of community—qualities that reflect the very soul of this celebration.”
TICKETS:
Tickets are available to the public and on sale now! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of inspiration, music, and celebration. Visit https://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.
For interview opportunities or additional information, please contact: Tosha Whitten, FrontPage Firm, tosha@frontpagefirm.com
FOLLOW THE CELEBRATION:
Follow us @superbowlsoulful or visit superbowlsoulful.com for show updates and exclusive content.
BET+ and Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, have announced their first-ever original adult animated series, Lil Kev. Created by Hart himself, the highly anticipated half-hour series is set to debut in Spring 2025.
Inspired by Hart’s childhood experiences and comedic sensibilities, Lil Kev takes a satirical and unfiltered approach to real-life challenges. The series reflects Hart’s signature no-holds-barred humor and promises a mix of sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling.
The series is set in 1993 North Philadelphia and follows 12-year-old Kevin Hart, whose vivid imagination and boundless optimism clash hilariously with the gritty realities of his neighborhood.
Wanda Sykes stars as Kevin’s tough, God-fearing mother, Nancy, who juggles night shifts as an ER nurse while keeping Kevin on a straight path. Deon Cole joins the cast as Uncle Richard Jr., Nancy’s fitness-obsessed, hustling younger brother who recently returned from prison. Additional casting will be revealed in the coming months.
Nancy’s challenges include managing Kevin’s mischievous older brother Robert, dealing with her ex-husband Henry’s chaotic attempts to reconcile, and contending with Richard Jr.’s questionable advice. Despite these hurdles, Kevin’s journey is infused with humor, resilience, and heart as he navigates his path toward comedic greatness.
“I’m excited to deepen the partnership between Hartbeat and BET on a project so close to my heart,” said Kevin Hart. “With comedy veterans Wanda and Deon alongside me, we’re bringing Lil Kev to life—a hilarious celebration of stories inspired by my Philly roots, a place that will always be home to me.”
“Lil Kev marks an exciting milestone for BET+ as we continue to expand our content portfolio with bold, fresh, and culturally resonant storytelling,” said Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group. “Kevin Hart’s unique comedic voice has long been a favorite across our platforms, and we’re thrilled to bring his personal journey to life through this groundbreaking adult animated series.”
Jason Harvey, EVP of Strategy and Operations at BET+, added, “The story of Lil Kev is one we knew we wanted to develop from the moment it was pitched. With its dynamic cast and authentic narrative, the series perfectly represents the multifaceted experiences of our diverse audience.”
Lil Kev premieres in the spring of 2025.