The Blackening – Tribeca 2023

The Blackening is a hysterical laugh riot that subverts every single genre trope when it comes to the horror film genre. The basic question that this film is asking comes down to what is on the tag line. If the entire cast is Black, which of them will die first? It goes back to horror films where the Black person is usually the first person to die. Of course, I would not know because I…

"The Blackening – Tribeca 2023"

Late Bloomers – SXSW 2023

Late Bloomers is a coming-of-age dark comedy about a recently single musician who ends up in physical therapy and has to grow up. Director Lisa Steen and screenwriter Anna Greenfield return to SXSW for the first time since short film Step Daddy premiered in 2019. Steen directed all four of Greenfield’s short film scripts–including Sundowners in 2019–so it’s only natural that she’s behind the camera for the feature film. This time around, Greenfield’s script focuses…

"Late Bloomers – SXSW 2023"

Coming 2 America: A Non-Review Review

The highly anticipated Coming 2 America arrives on Amazon Prime Video with a number of not-funny jokes and date rape as a plot device. Maybe it was for the best that this sequel bypassed theaters for Amazon Prime Video.  Or maybe it was for the best that the press screener also had video lag.  It means thankfully not having to spend all afternoon and evening being angry.  I’m just going to cut straight to the…

"Coming 2 America: A Non-Review Review"

The Opening Act: Stand-Up Comedy Isn’t Easy

The Opening Act is a fictional account depicting the harsh realties that come with trying to make it in the business as a stand-up comedian. Writer-director Steve Byrne injects some of his own real-life experiences into the script.  Byrne has been in the industry for two decades so basically, he’s calling friends and casting them in the film.  This aspect certainly shows through in the production.  It honestly feels like one agrees to this kind…

"The Opening Act: Stand-Up Comedy Isn’t Easy"

Sorry To Bother You is Wild and Bonkers

Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, one of the most buzzed about films at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, is one of the best feature debuts during the fest. The star-studded cast of Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews, Steven Yeun, Omari Hardwick, Jermaine Fowler, and Danny Glover was one of the few films that showcased diversity with POC in leading roles.  Much in the same vein as last year’s hit film, Get Out, Sorry…

"Sorry To Bother You is Wild and Bonkers"