(***) “No man left behind.” During America’s Revolutionary War that was the First Continental Army’s motto. That credo is a driving force in this very engaging war/act/thr. This film’s unlikely creator is director Guy Ritchie, who’s noted for making smug, densely plotted British capers (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and lavish family films (Aladdin). […]
Juneteenth Juice
You’ll find “Juneteenth Juice” in the May/June issue of Essence Magazine.
Chevalier
(***1/2) It’s not the same as it was. This retelling of 18th century French violinist-composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ life is steeped in history but rocked with a modern imagination. Screenwriter Stefani Robinson’s (Atlanta) research and ingenuity resurrects Bologne (Kelvin Harris Jr.) as a European superstar, given the honorary title Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Queen Marie […]
Sweetwater
(**) This b-ball, biofilm dribbles but can’t shoot. The direction, acting, script and production team are all in play, but nothing scores. Part of the problem is its subject. OG b-baller Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was a pioneer. His achievements are worth retelling, but a bit murky. Technically, he was the first African American to sign an NBA contract. In fact on November 4th, […]
Little Richard: I Am Everything
(***1/2) Shut up!!! Before Elvis, David Bowie, Prince, Harry Styles and Lil Nas X there was Little Richard. The bright, shiny North star of rock and roll. Richard Penniman, a pioneer rock ‘n roller, was the third of 12 children in 1930s Macon, GA. His brash personality got him the attention he desired. Banging piano keys like […]
Air
(***1/2) “I love that brown ball.” That’s what a 7-Eleven cashier says to a Nike basketball exec as he buys magazines with NBA stars on the covers. The young man expresses what kids, teens and adults around the country feel. An affinity for basketball, its heroes and camaraderie. A fellowship. There are legends in sports, but […]
A Thousand and One
(****) She’s like the girl next door. The young woman from around the way. The one you think you know, but you don’t. Mary J. Bilge has radiated that kind of approachable vibe her entire career. It’s disarming and endearing. That don’t-I know-you feel helps Teyana Taylor turn a very feisty and troubled mom into […]
John Wick: Chapter 4
(***1/2) Artistic, balletic and acrobatic violence separates the John Wick franchise from other action/crime/thrillers. That ritual continues as the hitman’s hitman discovers friends can be foes and foes can be friends. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a badass, hired killer. He works under the mandates of a clandestine council, “The High Table.” The group of 12 crime […]
65
(**) It wasn’t enough! Whatever they paid Adam Driver for holding this feeble movie together, it wasn’t enough. Screenwriters turned directors Scott Beck & Bryan Woods created a winning formula as the writers of A Quiet Place. Build a family atmosphere, then put the wretches in constant peril. It worked once, so why not now? For starters AQP took place in […]
Creed III
(***) For a first-time director, actor Michael B. Jordan lands a solid punch. As soon as the bell rings, it’s on. Continuing a boxing movie franchise that started back in 1976, with the Oscar-winning film Rocky, and sustaining that winning spirit for 47+ years is quite a responsibility. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Creed and Creed II) was up to that […]
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