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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (May 17, 2017)
May 17, 2017 The Skanner Page 7 Arts & Entertainment FILM REVIEW: Schumer and Hawn Share Vacation from Hell in ‘Snatched’ Interview cont’d from pg 6 KW: What interested you in “Underground”? AV: Misha Green and Joe Pokaski’s writing. It’s smart, dynamic, and bold! KW: Congratulations on your character’s ex- panded role during the second season. AV: Thank you. Ms. Er- nestine is such an amaz- ing, complex woman that I was thrilled to get the opportunity to go deeper into her story. Amirah was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Ernestine in “Underground,” WGN America’s critically acclaimed series. and stewed chicken with rice and beans. KW: How would you describe her in 25 words or less? AV: She’s like so many women I know: strong, resilient, wise and beau- tifully flawed. KW: Sherry Gillam would like to know what is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? AV: Live honoring your truth, not in response to others. KW: Has her plight ever struck an emotional chord in you? AV: Most definitely! These are our ancestors, and what they had to en- KW: What’s the cra- ziest thing you’ve ever done? AV: Daring to pursue my dreams. It’s not such a crazy idea y’all! “ The fact remains that Ms. Er- nestine found the courage to get up and face another day. So, it is my duty to share her courage and her humanity dure is almost unimag- inable. But the fact re- mains that Ms. Ernestine found the courage to get up and face another day. So, it is my duty to share her courage and her hu- manity. KW: What message do you want people to take away from the series? AV: Let’s all be soldiers! Join me on the front lines. I am arming myself with a voice that speaks for equality and justice, a spirit of love, and a walk with God. KW: AALBC.com founder Troy Johnson asks: What was the last book you read? AV: “God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man” by Cornelia Bailey. It beau- tifully reflects both the Gullah Geechee Nation, my African American father’s history, and my mother’s stories of Puer- to Rico. KW: What is your fa- vorite dish to cook? AV: My favorite meal is pollo guisado with arroz con habichuelas and a side salad with avocado, View movie trailers at TheSkanner.com KW: If you could have one wish instantly grant- ed, what would that be for? AV: Leadership that re- flects the diverse citizens they represent. KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your fa- vorite clothes designer? AV: Hmmm... That’s tough. I can say I love baggy jeans and a hoodie as much as I do an elegant dress. KW: The Anthony Mackie question: Is there anything that you prom- ised yourself you’d do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet? AV: Give back! Love doing that and will con- tinue. KW: Harriet Paku- la-Teweles asks: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in? AV: I would love to be in a remake of “Set it Off.” KW: Judyth Piazza asks: What key quality do you believe all suc- cessful people share? AV: They pressed on through the storm. KW: Finally, what’s in your wallet? AV: A Metro card. Al- ways ready to jump on the train. KW: Thanks again for the time, Amirah, and good luck with “Under- ground.” AV: Thank you, Kam. To see a scene from Un- derground, featuring Amirah singing “Move, Daniel,” visit TheSkanner. com. Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer and Tom Bateman in ‘Snatched’ by Kam Williams For The Skanner News E mily Middleton (Amy Schumer) is just having one of those days. First, she’s fired from her sales job in a boutique for irrespon- sibly ignoring customers in order to try on outfits for herself. Second, her boyfriend (Randall Park) callously dumps her on the eve of their planned romantic getaway to Ecuador, stating, “You don’t have any direction in life.” Then, she cries on the shoulder of her mother (Goldie Hawn) who only proceeds to rub salt in her wounds with, “Michael was the best you’ll ever do.” Nevertheless, against her better judgment, Emily invites her on the trip because the pre-paid vacation package is non-refundable. Trouble is, Linda is also highly neu- rotic — a worrier who rarely leaves the house, let alone the country. Plus, she’s a helicopter mom, which means she’ll be hovering around Emily the whole time, and thus probably pre- venting her from meeting a new guy. In the end, Linda grudgingly agrees to step out of her comfort zone, and hastily packs for what ought to be an uneventful stay an exclusive resort in paradise, judging from the brochure. That is the stock setup of “Snatched,” a screwball comedy far more enter- taining than it might read on paper. For while the script does unfold like a generic “Vacation from Hell” yarn, it’s actually way above average, since it’s executed by a stellar cast topped by a quartet of consummate comediennes. The picture co-stars Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn as the aforemen- tioned mother-daughter at the center of the story. It also features a couple of veterans in scene stealers Wanda See SNATCHED on page 11
