THE ROBERTSON TREATMENT: Morris Chestnut & Movies, Movies, Movies, Galore!!!

(Nov. 19, 2002) Wanted: Strapping, black leading man. Solid acting skills a must. Seeking actor willing to stretch his wings and step out of the box. Able to make women swoon on sight, a plus. Not Denzel

If this is your ad, then Morris Chestnut is the man for you. Now starring in action-thriller "Half Past Dead," opposite Steven Segal and Ja Rule, Chestnut warns that this time out he's not playing the guy that gets the girl. No, this time around he plays the villain.

"This is a departure from the way that people are used to seeing from me," he says. "But I had fun and it was a welcome challenge."

Most of us remember Morris from his role as Ricky in the John Singleton classic "Boyz in the Hood."

"I've really learned a lot since then," says Chestnut over breakfast at the Four Seasons Hotel. "I've made some mistakes choosing roles and having people in my life who may have delayed my career a bit -- but overall I'm very happy with what I've done." Now 33, Morris is one Black Hollywood's most sought after talents, starring in favorites such as "The Best Man," "The Brothers" and "Two Can Play That Game."

"Morris should open some new eyes as Donny in the film," says "Half Past Dead" writer and director Don Michael Paul. "We wanted to someone to bring a cool and sophistication to the role and that is the essence of who Morris is." He's so cool in fact that he was affectionately labeled 'Dark Gable' on the set. Though the audience will be taken aback and won't believe Morris is doing all the things that he's doing. But he handled everything well and I think that film goers will find it engaging."

"I just want to keep working and develop myself as an actor and a person," he says.

He seems to be headed in the right direction. - Marvin Neil

Movies, Movies, Movies, Galore!!!

-"8 Mile" - at 85-million and counting, look for "8-Mile," starring rapper Eminem and Mekhi Phifer to top the magic 100 million dollar milestone within the next week. Loosely inspired by the true story of the rapper and featuring break-out performances by newcomers Eugene Bryd and Anthony Mackie, "8 Mile" goes the distance in delivering a solid slice of entertainment.

-"Empire" - John Leguizamo heads up this urban drug flick that finds a Latino drug dealer trying to go straight who trusts his money to a yuppie business investor only to find out he's been duped. This is one of my favorite independent films of the year as it features a very talented array of established actors (Isabella Rossellini, Denise Richards) and new talent (Vincent Laresca and Nestor Serrano) all delivering combustible action on screen.

-"Fast and the Furious II" - Actor Paul Walker returns to square off against Tyrese in this sequel to the 2001 surprise hit movie, The Fast & the Furious. Under the direction of John Singleton and featuring Michael Ealy, Eve Mendes and Ludacris, expect this film to be one of the most highly anticipated releases of the 2003 summer film sweepstakes.

Special Note: My heartfelt thanks to each of the markets that carry The Robertson Treatment Syndicated Column: Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, EUR, Houston, Ft. Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Jackson, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Savannah, St. Louis, Tampa and Wichita. It's been a great 5 years. Now, let's do it again!!! Peace!

-- Gil Robertson, creator/founder

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