NEW EDITION MOVIE REVIEW

Normally my reviews are movies on the big screen. However I was so compelled and moved by the New Edition trilogy, it warranted a movie review. It is an autobiography of the six members of New Edition and their plight from projects to fame. As I watched, I experienced a myriad of emotions. Like most, I could relate to their humble beginnings, having big dreams, pursuing those dreams, and making it to the pinnacle of success. They were honest in sharing the highs and lows of fame, the disagreements and power struggles of the group. However, one thing that resonated throughout the film is there love, admiration, and brotherhood they shared with each other. They are blessed beyond riches, because they have a friendship which is lasted for more than 30 years. Through thick and thin, they always recognized the importance and treasured their friendship and were man enough to apologize for wrong doing. I heard the group doing an interview on SiriusXM radio. It was interesting because they said people always thought of them like family members (except the teenage & adult groupies). It made their story relatable as we felt like they were neighbors or cousins and apart of the family. We are around the same age and felt like they were my cousins who happened to make it to the big league. In my tweens, I referred to myself as Candy. If you remember the bubble letters, mine would say Bridgette A.K.A. Candy! I distinctly remember when the phone rang, my mother saying, “Who the hell is Candy, you have the wrong number”! I would be in the background telling her it was me, I’m Candy, like Candy Girl! They did a great job casting for the movie depicting each stage of life. The characters not only resembled the members, but they were believable in singing and their mannerisms. They embodied the characters. You can tell it was a collaboration of the group as they were all Executive Producers of the movie. It was truly a pleasure and treat for New Edition to share their story to include, dreams, disappointments, defeats, and triumphs. The movie is larger than life. Most people, including non-famous people don’t realize how they are impacting the lives of others. New Edition impacting many people to dream big and accomplish their goals, regardless of the circumstances. They have stood the test of time. Thank you BET for telling the story. The Legacy continues as they are still making great music and producing great artists.
 As far as my favorite New Edition, I love them all. However, I think I may have a special affinity for Ronnie DeVoe because he is a fellow Realtor. So, Ronnie we can always collaborate on a real estate deal so give me a call, aka Candy. 

HIDDEN FIGURES - Movie Review

If you haven't seen Hidden Figures, I encourage you to do so. This movie will leave you inspired and empowered! It is a long overdue story of three amazing African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) who were instrumental in launching John Glenn into space in 1962. They broke barriers, loved life, raised families, stuck together and accomplished goals, even in a segregated world.They were women of many firsts and it reminded me that I am standing on the shoulders of the many women who have gone before me. Instead of cat fighting and backbiting like The Real Housewives of (fill in the blank), it was refreshing for the big screen to show women who were supportive with mutual respect for each other. That is the REAL STORY.

In 2001, I became one of the first African American woman Vice Presidents at a national restaurant chain. Fast forward, I am the owner of a Real Estate School where there are very few women Owners of a huge profession of every ethnicity. Aside from my personal journey and feeling connected to the movie, it is entertaining, inspiring, funny and has a plethora of great actors.

Furthermore I'm glad my children saw the movie because it confirms that there will always be obstacles in life, but with faith, hard work and determination, there are no limitations or boundaries. Just like our accomplishment to space, the movie deserves the accolades to celebrate the accomplishments of the women in NASA and beyond. I give this movie a 10! A must see.