Movies: Summer 2024

Monarch Movie Recommendations

BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
Director: Adil El Arbi &Amp; Bilall Fallah Starring: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence

Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers a high-octane thrill ride that fans of the franchise have been craving. With Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprising their roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, the film packs the same explosive action and buddy cop chemistry that made the previous installments so beloved. The movie kicks off with a bang as the duo finds themselves embroiled in a dangerous case involving a ruthless drug cartel. From there, it’s non-stop adrenaline as Mike and Marcus race against the clock to take down the criminals and save the day. While the plot may feel familiar to fans of the series, Bad Boys: Ride or Die injects enough new twists and turns to keep things fresh. The action sequences are bigger and more explosive than ever, with the directors pulling out all the stops to deliver jaw-dropping set pieces that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Of course, the heart of the film lies in the dynamic between Smith and Lawrence. Their banter is as sharp as ever, providing plenty of laughs amid the chaos. But Bad Boys: Ride or Die also allows the characters to evolve, delving deeper into their personal lives and relationships in a way that adds emotional depth to the story. Overall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a worthy addition to the franchise that delivers everything fans could ask for and more. With its explosive action, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartfelt moments, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves a good buddy cop movie.

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE
Director: Michael Sarnoski Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Djimon Hounsou, And Alex Wolff

A Quiet Place: Day One dives back into the terrifying world of silent survival, delivering a gripping prequel that explores the origins of the deadly creatures and the early days of the apocalypse. Written by John Krasinski, who reprises his role as Lee Abbott in flashback sequences, the film delivers a fresh perspective while maintaining the tension and atmosphere that made the original a hit.

Set before the events of the first film, A Quiet Place: Day One follows the Abbott family as they navigate the early days of the alien invasion. Krasinski and Emily Blunt, returning as Evelyn Abbott, anchor the story with their compelling performances, portraying a family struggling to survive in a world where even the slightest noise could mean death. The film introduces new characters, including Djimon Hounsou as a hardened survivor, who add depth and complexity to the narrative. The suspense is palpable as the characters face off against the relentless creatures, with each encounter ratcheting up the tension to heart-pounding levels.

Sarnoski’s direction is masterful, building tension through expertly crafted suspense sequences and breathtaking visuals. The sound design is once again a standout, with every creak and rustle serving as a reminder of the constant danger lurking just out of sight. But what sets A Quiet Place: Day One apart is its emotional depth. Amid the scares and thrills, the film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience, grounding the story in a relatable and humanistic core.

Overall, A Quiet Place: Day One is a worthy addition to the franchise that expands the mythology while delivering plenty of scares and emotional resonance. It’s a must-see for fans of the original and anyone who loves a good thriller.

SING SING
Director: Greg Kwedar Starring: Colman Domingo And Clarence Maclin

Sing Sing offers a delightful escape into the vibrant world of music and dreams, delivering a heartwarming story that will leave audiences singing along and tapping their toes. Directed by a newcomer to the scene, the film boasts an ensemble cast of talented performers who bring their characters to life with infectious energy and charm. Set in a bustling city where animals and humans coexist, Sing Sing follows the journey of a young koala named Joey, who dreams of becoming a singing sensation. When he discovers a singing competition with a life-changing prize, Joey teams up with a motley crew of fellow contestants, each with their own hopes and dreams, to compete for the chance of a lifetime.

The film is a visual feast, with stunning animation that brings the colorful world of Sing Sing to life in all its glory. From the bustling streets to the glittering stage of the singing competition, every frame is bursting with detail and imagination. But what truly sets Sing Sing apart is its infectious soundtrack featuring a mix of original songs and beloved classics that will have audiences singing along from start to finish. Whether it’s a toe-tapping pop number or a soulful ballad, each song is expertly crafted and performed with passion and flair.

At its core, Sing Sing is a celebration of the power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift. It’s a feel-good film that reminds us to chase our dreams, embrace our talents, and never give up hope, no matter the odds. Sing Sing is a joyful and uplifting cinematic experience that will leave audiences of all ages smiling and tapping their feet. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves music, animation, and the magic of storytelling.

SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSUM TROT
Director: Joshua Weigel Starring: Nika King, Demetrius Grosse

Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible—adopting 77 children—this East Texas community proved that with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won. The film is directed by Joshua Weigel, known for his work on The Butterfly Circus, and written and produced by Joshua and Rebekah Weigel, the creative minds behind the same project.

Through Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, the filmmakers aim to shed light on the foster care crisis and inspire others to take action and make a difference in the lives of children everywhere. Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot not only raises awareness about the challenges within the foster care system but also serves as a call to action, encouraging viewers to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities. With its powerful message and compelling storytelling, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is a film that will touch hearts and inspire change.

MY OLD ASS
Director: Megan Park Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, And Percy Hynes White

My Old Ass has received glowing reviews thanks to stellar performances from its lead as well as the whip-smart script. The film follows bright-yet-irreverent Elliott (Stella) the summer before college as she comes face to face with her older self (Plaza) during a mushroom trip. The encounter spurs a funny and heartfelt journey of self-discovery and first love as Elliott prepares to leave her childhood home. While Elliot dips her toe in the waters of first love throughout the movie, her relationships with family members and friends are equally as significant to her journey. Stella’s real-life friends, Kerrice Brooks and Maddie Ziegler, join her on screen, and the trio are a delight to watch in every scene. But the secret sauce of the movie is, of course, the strange chemistry between Stella and Plaza and younger and older Elliot.

SEPTEMBER GRAY
Proprietor of September Gray Fine Art Gallery

BIO 

Gray’s life’s work is a reflection of her enduring passion for the arts. Following a noteworthy career in the performing arts, Gray launched a successful fine art consultancy practice wherein she was celebrated for her ability to assist corporate and private collectors with articulating and executing single acquisition and long–term collecting strategies. Gray’s career in the arts and decade as an art consultant inform her role as gallerist. An avid collector, Gray has a talent for “speaking the language” of both artist and collector and a knack for connecting the gallery’s clients to works by artists whose vision and methodologies resonate with their individual tastes, complement their existing collections and honor their overall investment strategy and appetite for risk. Gray holds a B.A. in Art History from DePaul University. A committed art education advocate, Gray serves on a number of non-profit boards and is co-founder of The Gray Foundation, an organization committed to building a world of enriched life options for youth through the promotion of art and education. Gray shares art news and collection strategies in her electronic quarterly journal, The Gray Book.

https://septembergrayart.com/

JUSTIN SULIVAN, CFP
Senior Vice President Market Leader

BIO 

Justin oversees a team of professionals striving to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction. His top priority is that the team not only meets, but also exceeds the client’s expectations. Through Justin’s leadership and commitment, he helps ensure that the client benefits form a full complement of investment, trust, financial planning and private banking services to help them achieve their financial goals.

XAVIER DANIELS

BIO  

Paintings are influenced by his experiences with brotherhood at both Morehouse and as a firefighter. In creating his art, he is actively thinking about the perception of black men and attempting to be a catalyst for a different view on the black male experience. According to Daniels, the conversations happening in popular culture about black males leave them invisible in discussions about themselves. The portraits of black men Daniels creates are large in an effort to symbolically assert black male presence into those conversations. His work has been shown around the world through Almine Rech and Richard Beavers Gallery. Xavier lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://xavierdaniels.com/

MARRYAM MOMA

BIO

A Tanzanian-Nigerian visual artist based in Atlanta, GA, is renowned for her prolific exhibition history. Moma’s dedication to her art has earned her prestigious residencies at The Migration Artist Residency, Atlanta, GA, and a blended residency and teaching opportunity at The Swimming HoleFoundation in Upstate NY. The Hambidge Center for the Arts awarded her a Distinguished Artist Fellowship, enriching her narrative-driven solo exhibitions like “ICONoclasts.” This showing intertwines paper cut elements to celebrate and empower revolutionary Black figures. Moma continues to innovate within her practice, expanding her presence through murals, public art installations and exhibitions including an indoor mural for Clark Atlanta universities student innovation lounge sponsored by Dell Technologies and Home depot, ICONoclasts Atlanta building-wide public installation sponsored by Dashboard and If Not Us then Who public digital art mural sponsored by A&E Atlanta. 

https://www.marryammoma.com/

DL WARFIELD

BIO

Atlanta-based artist DL Warfield, a veteran artist who has consistently proven himself a talent of the highest caliber – one who has delivered at the highest levels repeatedly throughout his life and career. Yes, many artists are talented; DL Warfield is prolific.

Warfield’s body of work proves his instinctive knowledge and understanding of pop culture and has given him a permanent place at the cutting edge of the new and next. From St. Louis to New York City, Atlanta and worldwide, his talent, skill and endless creativity have taken him to the top of his field again and again, and he intends to push forward wherever a path to artistic excellence can be forged.

The following is a snapshot of his works and clientele. 

Nike, Sprite, Heineken, Anheuser-Busch, Geffen Records, Sony Entertainment, DreamWorks, Sony Music, OutKast Inc., Universal Records, Boys & Girls Clubs, HBO, Virgin Records, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Vibe Magazine, automotive giant Ford Motor Company. He designed the branding for the City of Atlanta’s Film and Entertainment office and at the same time, His fine art has been featured at national landmarks, including the Time-Life Building in New York City, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY, which he loaned two original pieces for three years.

https://dlwarfield.com/

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region. 

www.eddiefontno.com

RSVP

We are no longer accepting RSVPs for the Art of Luxury Lifestyle Dinner, but you are welcome to RSVP Here for the Portrait Reveal Event from
9:30PM to 11:30 PM!

ROBERT KOOL BELL| LE KOOL CHAMPAGNE

BIO

For many years, Robert Kool Bell, Leader and Co-founder of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot a Multi-Vintage producer since 1884. Voila The Celebration Champagne was born! 

https://lekoolchampagne.com

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region.

Website: www.eddiefontno.com