Is Black The New Green?

Hollywood typically only sees one color, and that's the color of money.

So is black the new green?

Consider: "American Gangster," the Denzel Washington flick about a real-life African-American drug lord, is a no-brainer smash. Washington and co-star Russell Crowe are huge box office draws. The movie, which came with plenty of advance buzz, is getting great reviews and is being eyed as an early Oscar favorite. It already has grossed $80 million, and will shoot well past the $100 million mark.

"Stomp the Yard" marched it way straight to the top, grossing $61 million overall. The plot revolved around "stepping," a practice deeply rooted in African-American fraternities and sororities.

"Dreamgirls," last year's all-star adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name that featured Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy, won "American Idol" also-ran Jennifer Hudson an Oscar, grossed more than $100 million, and a counted a No. 1 soundtrack among its riches.

And then there's Tyler Perry.

Perry, the phenomenally successful 38-year-old playwright, actor and director, doesn't do big budgets. He doesn't do A-list actors. Most of Hollywood doesn't know his name. But it's learning — fast — thanks to three chart-topping movies in two short years including "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion." His films are part of a trend away from black stereotypes toward a more grounded, realistic view of black families, relationships and culture.

Source: STLtoday.com