You watch the Cool Factor movie each week on TV One, but here's where you can not only learn more about your favorite films, you get to see sneak peeks, trailers and most importantly, share YOUR opinion on some of the biggest Black films out there. From the latest hits to classics and even premiere, the Cool Factor blog is the best place for Black movies.
It’s not every day I get to sit down with a celebrity, so I figured I’d tape it and show everyone. Recently, I got to sit down with Rob Brown — you may remember him from Finding Forrester, Coach Carter and Take the Lead. I’m pretty sure he played basketball in each one, but coming Oct. 10, Brown is strapping on the cleats and shoulder pads to play Ernie Davis, the first Black Heisman trophy winner in college football.
Brown took some time to talk about his new role and the new movie. Watch the clips below.
WATCH: Brown answers the question “Why did Davis’ story take so long to become a film?”
WATCH: Brown answers the question “What would Davis think about how Black folks are performing in today’s game?”
WATCH: Brown answers the question “What was the real Ernie Davis all about?”
Let’s be honest, Wesley Snipes could use some help — and we don’t just mean paying his taxes either. It’s been years since his hey days of the 1990’s when he mixed compelling dramas like Down in the Delta(airing on TV One Sunday at 10pm [ET]) and big-budget action flicks like Passenger 57 into a big career. And let’s not forget his humanitarian efforts that made it cool to be dark skinned in Hollywood (you’re welcome Djimon Honsou!).
But that was a while ago. Even if you’re a fan of his Blade series, the last one was four years ago so we think its high time Mr. Snipes got some career advice. We say, skip the trip to Oprah’s couch – it didn’t help Tom Cruise. Instead, Dr. Cool Factor is here to offer three career-boosting paths to put Mr. Snipes back on top.
1. The Tyler Perry Treatment
Ask Idris Elba, Angela Bassett, Sanaa Lathan or any other top-rate Black actor who Hollywood just can’t find a slot for – a leading role in a Tyler Perry film could find you in a number one movie and back in the hearts of Black folks everywhere. It might also find you playing opposite Perry in a dress but considering that you’ve already done the cross-dressing thing (we remember To Wong Foo), it shouldn’t be too big of a problem, right? Watch Idris Elba in Daddy’s Little Girls below.
2. Biography Treatment
Don Cheadle’s done it, Forest Whitaker won an Oscar for it, hell, even Cuba Gooding Jr.’s done it twice, so why haven’t you signed-up for at least one of those Oscar-bait biography films? One of the best ways to get a leading role in a big film is to choose a role only you can play – a Black guy. When it comes to picking your role, may we suggest someone topical and with a great story like Ray Nagin or Kofi Anan? If someone says offers you The Flavor Flav Story, promise us you’ll say “no.” Watch Forest earn his Oscar below.
3. The Who’s That Treatment
Do you know who Chewitol Ejiofor is? Most people don’t. But this British import has gone from making small foreign films like Dirty Pretty Things to co-starring with Denzel (twice), he’s made two Spike Lee joints and, perhaps most remarkably, he was the first Black lead in a Woody Allen movie. Point is, you may have to forget about all your hard won fame, movies and start small. Be prepared to have your ego a bit wounded and also be prepared to get second billing behind that Chris Brown kid, he’s everywhere these days. Watch Chewitol in Kinky Boots below (he’s the one in the dress)
QUESTION: What should Wesley do to get his groove back?
