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Reviews
The Photograph (2020)
Boring Film
LaKeith Stanfield is the same in every film, and he has zero charisma or screen presence. This film is boring, poorly written, and not well acted. I want to support cinema that features Black artists, but this story was basic and uninteresting. Why make this film when I'm sure there is better material out there? The best part of the film is Anita Baker's Rapture song. A romantic film like Claudine, back in the day, is a model for how to develop complex, interesting Black characters with good dialogue not to mention a killer Curtis Mayfield/Gladys Knight & The Pips soundtrack. The right music sets the tone and mood of a good film. LaKeith mumbles and grunts through the film. How Issa Rae's character would ever be interested in LaKeith Stanfield's character is a mystery. There was little chemistry between LaKeith and Issa. I can't even remember their character names. I wasted my time watching this film.
The Woman King (2022)
Rise Up
This film shows not only the ugliness of the slave trade but the complicity of warring African tribes, but make no mistake it was a European and American enterprise. Not only does this film show the barbaric nature of the slave trade, but the equally barbaric treatment of women which persists to this day in many parts of the world. Viola Davis was great in this film and remains one of my favorite actors, but Thuso Mbedu, the actor portraying Nawi, captivated my heart. I love films that depict strong women, which now puts this film high on my list. The plot was good and held my attention throughout, but the acting really brought this story to life. The Director, Gina Prince-Blythewood, has directed some of my favorite films and did a wonderful job on The Woman King. The telling of this story is long overdue. People who have given low ratings for this film are way off the mark. I would recommend this film, and I am grateful for its making. I am Agojie.
Sistas (2019)
Guilty pleasure
I watch because I want to see Black people on screen. I keep watching too see what ridiculous plots will unfold. The acting is soap opera, and I think it's influenced either by the direction or lack thereof. The dialogue in the show is not well written. In fact, it's horrible. Actors are probably improvising a lot which yields inarticulate ummhmms and yups in many scenes. These actors deserve better material. Too many caricatures and not enough real characters. It's trying to be contemporary and sexy, but it comes off cheap and taudry. Tyler has power in TV and film, but he's not producing quality. Still I watch. It's like my mid-week junk food for the senses.
Thunder Force (2021)
Funny and Fun Film
This was such a heartwarmingly funny film about friends who become superheroes. Hilarious in many parts and so entertaining. Melissa McCarthy always makes me laugh. The pairing of Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer as two unexpected superheroes was so cool, and Melissa McCarthy is one of the best comedic actors on screen. The premise of the film and its cooky plot were a welcome treat. Enjoy this film and don't pay any attention to some of these less than flattering reviews here. The world is full of cynical, critical people these days, and besides it appears that when women are the main characters in film a lot of shade gets thrown. Get some popcorn, enjoy the movie, and be prepared to laugh out loud. 🤣
Deliver Us from Eva (2003)
Enjoyable film
After reading amateur critics here, I am compelled to weigh in. This film is fun, light, and enjoyable. Gabrielle Union is a wonderful actress. She effortlessly handles this role and plays Eva so well that her character is quite annoying (and that's the point). LL Cool J does a decent job, but this role is earlier in his career and he has shown improvement over time as an actor. Overall the ensemble cast is plausible and good. This is a subtle comedy that is meant to tickle your funny bone not make you laugh out loud. I love to support Black cinema, so I recommend watching this film at any time, but especially during Black History Month. I support Black filmmakers and actors. Watch this film, you'll enjoy it.
Passenger 57 (1992)
Kevin Hooks Directed Film
Enjoyable action film with a rare Black lead cast as hero -- Wesley Snipes. Music by jazz bassist, Stanley Clark. So few films in 90's had Black people in front of and behind the camera. Most Black characters depicted as a hoodlum, junkie, or prostitute. Script could have been stronger. Some racist references, e.g., "boy" from the Louisiana rednecks, and "emotion without the benefit of intellect" uttered by Rane. Otherwise, nice to see a Black film that doesn't degrade the community.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Female Empowerment
Watched this film again recently. I enjoyed it even more. Great film to affirm female empowerment. Diverse cast challenges the imagination. Themes of humanity and compassion are universal. No pun intended. This is a film the whole family will enjoy. Captain Marvel is a badass and I love that Samuel L. Jackson is also a strong lead throughout the film. We need more Captain Marvel!