By Bill Vaughan
Entertainment Writer
One of the most anticipated films of the year is at long last here as Netflix premieres “The Harder They Fall,” boasting an all-star cast and Jay-Z among its producers, on Nov. 3.
In this new school western, Jonathan Majors (“Lovecraft Country,” “Da 5 Bloods”) portrays Nat Love, an outlaw who discovers that his enemy, Rufus Buck (Idris Elba), is being released from prison, so he reunites his gang to track Rufus down and seek revenge.
Those riding with him include his former love Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz of “Atlanta”), his right- and left-hand men — hot-tempered Bill Pickett (Edi Gathegi) and fast drawing Jim Beckwourth (R.J. Cyler) — and a surprising adversary-turned-ally.
Rufus Buck has his own fearsome crew, including “Treacherous” Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (LaKeith Stanfield), and they are not a group that knows how to lose.
Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, the movie features a red-hot soundtrack with new music from Lauryn Hill and Jadakiss, among others; and an impressive supporting cast including Delroy Lindo, Danielle Deadwyler, Damon Wayans Jr., and Deon Cole.
CAUSE WORTHY: Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Doctor Strange,” “12 Years a Slave”), David Oyelowo (“Midnight Sky,” “Selma”), and B.J. Novak (“The Office,” “The Premise”) will serve as honorary gala chairs for the GEANCO Foundation’s annual fundraiser on Oct. 29 at The 1 Hotel to rally support for vulnerable women and children in Nigeria.
Expected guests include Whitney Cummings (fresh off of fill-in hosting the Wendy Williams show), Dania Ramirez (“Sweet Tooth”), Denzel Whitaker (“Black Panther”), Jimmy Akingbola (“Ted Lasso”), Megalyn Echikunwoke (“Night School”), Tehmina Sunny (“Chicago Med”), Joshua Uduma (“Little America”), director and Oscar-nominated writer Billy Ray (“Captain Phillips,” “Hunger Games”), Oscar- and Emmy-winning producer Mark Johnson (“Rain Man,” “Breaking Bad”), and legendary Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.geanco.org/.
CLIPPETTES: Renowned hip hop group the Lox are live at The Novo on Oct. 29; as Latin superstar Marc Anthony holds court at the Toyota Arena; and reggae progeny Stephen Marley rocks the Vina Robles Amphitheatre …
Also that evening, Robert Glasper Electric Trio headlines the virtual “Dinner Party” with Terrace Martin and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah through www.onair.events/; and Kool Keith is at Catch One …
Meanwhile on the comedy front, Largo presents Margaret Cho and Friends; and The Mint hosts Unprotected Sets: Ronnie Jordan …
Megan Thee Stallion is releasing a new compilation album this day called “Something For Thee Hotties: From The Archives” featuring previously unreleased songs and freestyles …
Rap rules Oct. 30 as Too $hort commemorates “Getting It” 25th Anniversary Live at The Novo; PartyNextDoor and special invited celebrity guests throw a Halloween Party at The Majestic; Devin The Dude and Aceyalone hold down Transplants Brewing Company; and Death Row Records’ 30th Anniversary is toasted at Boomtown Brewery with the release of an official IPA described as full-bodied with notes of citrus, pine and grapefruit …
Halloween arrives Oct. 31 with eclectic vocalist Moses Sumney at The Ford; and Don Toliver’s “Life Of A Don Tour” at the Hollywood Palladium …
Nov. 2 is all about the groups as jazz fusion faves Snarky Puppy is on the bill of the Orpheum Theatre; and New York funk/rock ensemble Phony PPL bring their “Nowhere But Up Tour” to Echoplex …
John Leguizamo, Wilmer Valderrama, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz and Maluma are among the stars expected to walk the red carpet for the premiere of Walt Disney’s “Encanto” at the El Capitan Theatre on Nov. 3. Arrivals are likely between 5 and 6:30 p.m. …
Later in the day, Vieux Farka Touré, “The Hendrix of the Sahara” and son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, is in concert at the Lodge Room; while rapper 24KGoldn is at The Novo …
New York’s famed Apollo Theater is hosting a virtual screening of the musical documentary “Devil’s Pie: D’Angelo” on Nov. 4. Visit www.apollotheaters.org for details.
TC ON TV: Oct. 29 – “Fairfax” (Amazon): Music maker Teddy Riley is co-creator and executive producer of this adult animated comedy series following four middle school best friends on their never-ending quest for clout in L.A. Kiersey Clemons (“Antebellum”) voices one of the leads. “Swagger” (Apple TV+): A drama inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant‘s experiences in the world of youth basketball from Reggie Rock Bythewood. The new series is led by an ensemble cast of stars including O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah Hill, Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis and Tristan Mack Wilds. “Army Of Thieves” (Netflix): Nathalie Emmanuel (“F9,” “Game of Thrones”) and Matthias Schweighöfer (who also directs and reprises his fan favorite role of safecracker Dieter) star in this prequel to “Army of the Dead.” “Friday Night Vibes” (TBS): Amanda Seales (“Insecure”) and Flame Monroe visit for the double feature of “Rampage” and “Kong: Skull Island.” “Christmas In Harmony” (Hallmark): The first of the holiday movies is here with a cast toplined by Michelle Williams, Luke James and Loretta Devine. “The Shop: Uninterrupted” (HBO): Maverick Carter welcomes David Beckham, James Corden, Saweetie, Bubba Wallace, Yvonne Orji and Paul Rivera. “Roy Wood Jr.: Imperfect Messenger” (Comedy): “The Daily Show” mainstay takes the stage in Denver for his new hour of stand-up.
Oct. 30 – “Torn From Her Arms” (Lifetime): Amidst the ongoing crisis at the U.S. border, the timely film depicts the harrowing true story of a mother and daughter who must find their way back to each other after being separated. Judy Reyes (“Claws,” “Devious Maids”) takes on the role of Thelma Garcia, a Texas Immigration lawyer who works tirelessly to reunite the pair, and Gloria Reuben (Mr. Robot, ER) portrays Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist ProPublica reporter, Ginger Thompson, who broke the story.
Oct. 31 – “Delicious Miss Brown” (Food): Edisto Island, South Carolina cook Kardea Brown, who was just resigned by the network for two years, makes sea island classics today in an episode followed by the 19th season premiere of “Barefoot Contessa: Modern Comfort Food” with Ina Garten preparing weeknight dinners.
Nov. 1 – “Judy Justice” (IMDbTV): Television icon Judge Judy Sheindlin returns to the courtroom with a new original series available every weekday. “Speakeasy” (Ovation): Episodes of the 2014 series pairing artists airs each morning this week kicking off with Carlos Santana and Harry Belafonte. Later this week, it is Cyndi Lauper and Billy Preston; Wynton Marsalis and David Crosby; Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan; Lenny Kravitz and Sean Lennon; and Nile Rodgers and Valerie Simpson.
Nov. 2 – “Life Therapy” (TV1): Actress turned counselor AJ Johnson (“Baby Boy”) encourages her clients such as Gabrielle Union to live their best lives by examining the hard truths that have kept them stuck in unhealthy situations.
Nov. 3 – “Live With Kelly & Ryan” (ABC): Paula Patton “The Canvas: Los Angeles” (Fuse): Stylist Ann-Marie Hoang
Nov. 4 – “Aida Rodriguez: Fighting Words” (HBO): The comedian, actress and producer takes the stage in the Bronx for her first hour-long stand-up comedy special which concludes with a documentary of Rodriguez’s travels to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic for a celebration of these vibrant cultures as cameras capture her reuniting with her estranged father and paying it forward for up-and-coming comedians. “Lace” (AllBlk): A new series starring Maryam Basir as a prolific Los Angeles attorney who often finds herself blurring the lines between right and wrong to protect her rich and powerful clientele. Look for guest appearances by Leonard Roberts (“Heroes”) and Kellita Smith (“The Bernie Mac Show”). “The Queen Family Singalong” (ABC): A celebration of the legendary rock band’s 50th anniversary with performances from Adam Lambert, Alessia Cara, Jimmie Allen, Orianthi, Pentatonix, the Broadway casts from Disney’s “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” and more.
TASTY QUIP: “This was an opportunity to open a window into experiences inspired by my high school years. I want Black and brown kids and their communities to find guidance in how we can combat racism and oppressive systems. I hope someone can see that they too can come out on the other side and be able to say, “I faced those struggles. I’ve worked through them, and I was able to be successful and come out the other end, keeping my dignity and my identity intact.” – COLIN KAEPERNICK on Netflix’s autobiographical limited series “Colin In Black & White” (co-created with Ava DuVernay) premiering Oct. 29
As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly one million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached at tastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.
