Dear Pennies & Pens,
For the first event of 2019, 8515 hosted one of our movie meetups, Pen’s Flicks: What Men Want. Pen’s Flicks is a collection of movie meetups, film screenings, and panel discussions curated by 8515. Inspired by the film section of de la Pen, Pen’s Flicks is about creating a unique experience for film lovers. Pen’s Flicks features unique and original films that chronicle as well as depict the multicultural experience.
Whether it’s a major Hollywood release, an independent film, or a classic 80s or 90s movie, each film we select tells a story that captures the essence of the multicultural lifestyle. The films we choose will be from the following genres: Comedy, Drama, Action, Documentary, and Romance. Pen’s Flicks will focus on highlighting the work of multicultural creatives in the film industry.
Pen’s Flicks is about creating a unique experience for multicultural millennials who love film. In essence, every film we select captures the essence of the multicultural lifestyle as well as depicting the multicultural experience. We do this so that during each event, Pennies & Pens can see films that they can relate to and identify with. Furthermore, Pen’s Flicks is about supporting the work of multicultural creatives in the film industry. By spotlighting the work of multicultural creatives, Pen’s Flicks creates a platform to increase the amount of films made about multicultural people and their experiences.
Lastly, Pen’s Flicks is about connecting multicultural millennials whom we call Pennies & Pens. Pennies & Pens are African American & Hispanic creatives. Pennies & Pens are a unique mix of bloggers, writers, influencers, photographers, stylists, and designers; in essence, Pennies & Pens are influencers in their own write. Pen’s Flicks helps multicultural creatives connect and network to gain new business contacts as well as make new friends.
We chose What Men Want for a Pen’s Flicks feature because it’s a remake of Mel Gibson’s 2000 film, What Women Want. We thought it was pretty cool that the movie was remade but this time it stars Taraji P. Henson, a Black female actress. This is why we started Pen’s Flicks in the first place! We want to support the work of multicultural creatives by hosting offline events and also support them online by blogging about their work.
Passed up for a well-deserved promotion, sports agent Ali Davis wonders what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world. Hoping to find answers from a psychic, Ali drinks a weird concoction that suddenly allows her to hear what men are thinking. Using her newfound ability, Ali starts to turn the tables on her obnoxious male colleagues while racing to sign the next basketball superstar.
What Men Want stars Taraji P. Henson as Ali Davis, Aldis Hodge as Will, Tracy Morgan as Joe “Dolla” Barry, and Richard Roundtree as Skip Davis. I actually really liked this movie but then again, I enjoy pretty much anything that Taraji and Aldis star in. I know people are going to write it off as a cheesy romantic comedy – but that’s what it is, lol!
It’s a feel-good movie that isn’t supposed to be taking too seriously. Yes, there are parts of the movie that make you look beyond and dig a little deeper but overall, it’s supposed to make you laugh. And it’s supposed to make you feel all oooey and goooey hence why Ali does get the guy in the end.
I liked it because it was a cute storyline, it had great acting, and it was pretty damn funny. There were several scenes when I found myself cracking up. I also liked the fact that it showed that men have an emotional side too. Taraji’s character Ali, was actually more like a stereotypical man in that she was selfish, obsessed with work, and non-emotional. But as she finds out, everybody needs love and that if she really wants to get ahead, she’s going to have to be a team player.
So, it was a dope movie overall. For this Pen’s Flicks, the guest list included Michelle Nelson (@OurWordsHavePower), KMO @blackgirlsofdallas, and Jay. After the flick, Shelley & I headed over to Blue Sushi Saki Grill for sushi — they have thee best Vegan sushi! Thank you and S/O to all who attended and stay tuned for the next Pen’s Flicks!
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.
