Scottscope Talk Radio 1/29/2013: Fade To Black

This week, Scottscope celebrates Black History Month a few days early with an in-depth look at the current state of Black cinema!  Have Spike Lee’s contributions to the form been properly acknowledged?  Does he overestimate his own value as a filmmaker?  Why does he feel the need to openly criticize his peers?  Are Black filmmakers taking their craft seriously, or are they treating it like a hustle?  Should Black film critics feel obligated to give good reviews to Black movies regardless of quality?  Should Black audiences feel obligated to support Black movies regardless of quality and content?  Has Tyler Perry been unfairly criticized by his peers? 

We’ll also talk about J.J. Abrams being hired to direct Star Wars: Episode VII.  Is he the right choice?  Can he pull it off?    Will he take a different approach to the material than he did with Star Trek?  Will this cause the rivalry between the Star Wars and Star Trek fans to intensify?  Will he take a dark and serious approach to material, a la The Empire Strikes Back, or will he veer more in the direction of the prequels?  Can his first Star Trek movie be considered a Star Wars rip-off given the obvious influence?  Can he bring the franchise back to its former glory?   

The roundtable will discuss the recent drive-by shooting attempt on Rick Ross’s life in Fort Lauderdale.  Could Ross find himself being Hip-Hop’s next casualty?  Are the Gangster Disciples finally making good on their threats?  Should Ross consider changing his rapper image?  Should he retire from Hip-Hop altogether?  Should aspiring rappers take heed and adjust their persona accordingly?  Is 50 Cent right about this incident being staged Ross?  Is the whole thing a hoax?