5) Death at a Funeral

Original movie: A British version.  Nothing against our neighbors in language, but a lot of the humor just went over my head.  Still a hilarious movie, but lacking that Apple pie feel.

The black version: And so enter these proud Americans:  Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Danny Glover, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Luke Wilson, Regina King…okay stop, stop, stop.  We’d be here all day if I named all the great actors.  The point is, black funerals are crazy enough as is…if you put this many all-star comedians together, the only Death at a Funeral is going to be of laughter.

4) The Princess and the Frog

Original movie: Technically it was called the Frog Prince, but it was still about a Frog and the Princess.  I don’t recall any movies made about the Frog Prince, but it certainly was a popular fairy tale.

The black version: A mildly successful Disney flick moved out of the forest and into the magical swamps of New Orleans.  I haven’t seen it yet, but The Princess and the Frog does inspire that southern comfort feeling.  No not that southern comfort.

Original movie: Kung-Fu theater.  Pretty much anything with Bruce Lee in it was the inspiration for the Last Dragon.  Bruce Lee was one of the greatest martial arts actors of all time and I don’t know anyone in a urban neighborhood that isn’t a fan.

The black version:  Which gives birth to Bruce LeRoy!  Sho’nuff!  I know this isn’t exactly a remake of Enter the Dragon, but the Last Dragon pretty much put a African American spin on the entire kung-fu genre so I’m adding it anyway.  And the soundtrack?  Killer.

2) Bad Boys

Original movie: Bulletproof Hearts.  Most people don’t realize that Bad Boys was written for Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey.  I think I speak for all parties involved when I say, I’m glad this version never got made.

The black version: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were obviously the more hilarious choices. And the more cop-ish choice.  But considering Bad Boys is my absolute favorite movie of all times, I don’t think I need to elaborate anymore.

So what could be a better black-casting (I just made up a new adjective) than my favorite movie of all times?  Well…

1) The Wiz

Original movie: The Wizard of Oz.  A definite classic.  I can’t speak ill of the Wizard of Oz at all.  But wasn’t it a little juvenile?

The black version: Are you freaking kidding me?  I’m sorry but Judy Garland — as wonderful as she was — don’t got nothing on Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.  The music was phenomenal.  Seriously sick.  Even though the Wiz scared the bejesus out of me when I was younger and I used to have nightmares about those motorcycle riding monkey birds, I still can’t stop easin’ on down the road.

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