BlackCinemaNow Reviews

Us (II) (2019)

Requires you to watch twice!

[10/10 · 3 April 2019]

When the movie started, I knew that the film would convey a message beyond the surface of just your ordinary slasher movie and I was correct. For those who haven't seen it yet, practically everything in the movie can be viewed as a subliminal message, from the clothes, music, names, and food. Peele is truly using his platform to make a statement on social and economic views in the "United States". You will see a few nods to earlier classic horror films including his. Again, for those who haven't seen it, be open-minded and know that the movie isn't your typical "cut-em up" style film. I definitely enjoyed piecing together the plot and it's a film that's worth the second watch and honestly requires it.

Girls Trip (2017)

Great Movie!

[9/10 · 3 April 2019]

"Girl's Trip" starring Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Tiffany Haddish was definitely a long overdue movie for women of color. Originating off what I call the "four friends formula", the movie was funny, had an entertaining story line and even referenced Jada and Queen's former movie "Set It Off"! The story follows four Florida A&M graduate friends, who are reuniting on a trip to New Orleans during the Essence Festival. During the trip, they have a couple fun to watch unexpected hiccups & reveals. I've followed Tiffany Haddish before the movie, and if you remember, she was in a play "What My Husband Doesn't Know" and she was hilarious in that as well, so it's great that this movie was her break out role. I'm looking forward to the sequel! Hopefully, we can expect more movies like this to remember years later.

Tyler Perry's a Madea Family Funeral (2019)

One of his better movies lately

[7/10 · 12 March 2019]

I checked out Madea's Family Funeral and it wasn't half bad. The movie is about a family who originally came together to celebrate their parent's anniversary but end up coming together for an untimely death. I felt at some scenes, I was watching one of the old Tyler Perry movies. The movie was funny & had its serious parts & a storyline that wasn't as predictable. It could have done without some of the characters and cameos who didn't bring anything significant to the movie. This is supposed to be Madea's last movie but this wasn't the way I envisioned saying farewell to his biggest role, the catalyst to his success. Madea deserves a farewell movie, in addition to the farewell play tour, that will make us miss her for years to come. I do want to mention that the police scene which was supposed to be a comedic approach to police brutality honestly made me feel a little uneasy but I see what he was trying to accomplish. Hopefully, this movie is a step back in the right direction towards movies that evoke emotion, bring laughter and in true Tyler Perry fashion, makes us think.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Great Film

[10/10 · 16 February 2019]

Hidden Figures was an amazing watch. The movie is based on the true story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson who overcame racial obstacles to become essential roles in the NASA program. I loved how the movie shared their friendship and highlighted their individual stories. The movie also wasn't the racially driven type that you'd watch and get upset neither. The casting was amazing and felt so right for the movie.

The Upside (2017)

Better than I thought it would be.

[8/10 · 5 February 2019]

Before watching The Upside starring Kevin Hart & Bryan Cranston, I thought "Okay this movie seems a lot like B.A.P.S. with a twist" It's actually based on a French movie, The Intouchables. The comedy-drama journeys the bond of a wealthy man, who has to adjust to being disabled after a recent accident & an ex-con trying to take full advantage of this caregiver job & be supportive to his family. I enjoyed that the movie seemed to paid homage to Aretha Franklin with some of her well-known hits. I usually don't find Kevin Hart all that funny in his roles but this movie genuinely made me laugh with a great uplifting story-line.

This Is Us (2016–2022)

Great, Emotion Evoking Show

[8/10 · 29 January 2019]

This Is Us is entertaining and a dramatic emotional rollercoaster, (now 2019 SAGaward-winning series). It has put me through all levels of emotions including happiness, anger, and definitely sadness. It journeys a family, their beginnings, and then individually stories each cast member. The narrative is told in parallels with flashbacks, flash-forwards, & present day exploring topics of alcoholism, adoption, obesity, cancer, sexuality, poverty and the list goes on. I found myself sympathizing & empathizing as I was taken on this ride of why & how! If you want to watch a series that's not short of amazing, this is definitely one to check out.

Proud Mary (2018)

Potential for future black female leads

[7/10 · 22 January 2019]

It's rare you see an action movie with a black female lead which made "Proud Mary" starring Taraji P. Henson exciting to watch. Matter of fact, the last leads I could think of was Zoe Saldana in "Columbiana", and before Pam Grier during the early 70s. The movie definitely had potential with its fun action scenes, casting, and emotional storyline. Henson plays Mary, an assassin for an organized crime family. She's given a job to kill a target but after its completion, discovers the man has a young son in the home. Stricken with the guilt; she later goes on a journey to find & protect him. I love just about anything Taraji stars in and I definitely appreciate her taking on this unique much-needed role. Hopefully, we will see more women of color in action leads.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

Beautifully done but...

[8/10 · 22 January 2019]

Based off the James Baldwin novel the film is a beautiful way to shine light on the social injustice black people faced then and still now. If you think you're about to watch another hardcore racially driven movie, you're only partially right. It was reminiscent of Moonlight's cinematography as Barry Jenkins used an artistic & poetic way to tell the story. It is about a young couple and their story of love, new life, and family. The movie kind of dragged out at times as I was ready for the closing & just as Moonlight, it concluded with you asking questions. Nonetheless, it was a captivating movie about true love prevailing against all odds.

The Last O.G. (2018–2021)

Great crude street humor

[8/10 · 10 January 2019]

About Trey Barker who is recently released from jail after 15 years for "hustling" drugs. He now has to get adjusted to life in modern-day New York as he tries to reconnect with his old now married girlfriend and newfound kids. I will admit that with Tracy Morgan being the star of the show, it felt like I was watching the afterlife of "Hustle-Man" from Martin which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The show has real street comedic punchlines & actual humor between the full cast which is becoming rarer on new sitcoms. It also has entertaining story lines & a positive undertone.

B*A*P*S (1997)

Classic Black Cinema

[8/10 · 10 January 2019]

B.A.PS. is definitely one of those quotable movies you can just hang with friends and everyone is laughing like it's the first time. For those who haven't seen the iconic classic, the movie is about two women who dream of a better life so they take a chance and audition for a Heavy D(RIP) music video. After a failed attempt, they're approached by a man who gives them a golden opportunity they couldn't pass. Every Halloween with people 20 years later dressing up in their infamous audition outfits is a reminder that the film is still relatable and relevant today.

The Color Purple (1985)

All time favorite movie

[10/10 · 20 December 2018]

The iconic movie documents the lives of three women struggling with sexism, racist, sexual and physical abuse. The movie starts with Celie played by first Desreta Jackson then Whoopi Goldberg, Sofia played by Oprah Winfrey and Shug Avery played by Margaret Avery. These talented, iconic actresses tell their character's story so well that each role is as important as the others and plays off one another. At the end of the film, they come together and share in Celie's reunited happiness among a field of purple flowers. Between the quotable memorable scenes, the amazing orchestrated music and actors also including Danny Glover; the Steven Spielberg film eternally goes on the Holy Grail list of must-watch films not only for black people but everyone to enjoy.

The Cool Kids (2018–2019)

Very funny first season!

[8/10 · 18 December 2018]

Fox's new sitcom "The Cool Kids" debut this fall and I believe they have a hit. The show revolves around four friends who are all living in a retirement community coincidentally named "Shady Meadows" sounds familiar? Upon watching I immediately thought about a modern-day twist on golden girls. The show is genuinely funny with entertaining storylines. Also with this variety of actors, it will appeal to a broader audience which will definitely work in its favor. Each character brings something unique to the show seeing how different they are and this formula works perfectly. The sitcom isn't short of laughs from beginning to end each episode so I truly hope FOX keeps the show for the long haul.

Til Death Do Us Part (II) (2017)

Modern twist on a classic.

[6/10 · 10 December 2018]

So I saw buzz about this film "Til Death Do Us Part" on social media about, if it was good? that it's good and comparing it to 1991 "sleeping with the enemy" which is basically what it is with an all-black cast; starring Annie ilonzeh, Stephen c bishop and Taye diggs. I must say without seeing the original I can appreciate the modern day take on the Julia Roberts original. The film is about a woman who fakes her death to get away from her abusive husband while also being pregnant. She then relocates and starts a new life under a new identity. The undertone of the film is about domestic abuse and it was well developed and thought out even with this being a remake. The film had a great twist without knowing its origin and will keep you entertained while not being too predictable. It did give me lifetime movies vibes but that's not always a bad thing and Stephen c bishop did play one hell of a scary ex-husband. If you enjoyed movies like 2002's "Enough" or 2015 "The Perfect Guy" check it out.

A Different World (1987–1993)

Shows like this aren't common, miss this era of TV.

[9/10 · 6 December 2018]

I have been watching a different world from Lisa Bonet to Jada Pinkett. The show became more than just a sitcom showing our community early on a glimpse of life in college to tackling racism, sexual harassment, stds, sexism, colorism, and positively introduced us to sororities and fraternities. "A Different World" helped glorify not only going to college but an HBCU and inspired a lot of people to take that step after high school even after realizing Hill man College was a fictitious institution . The show became even more important and relatable after I myself attended an HBCU. I met those Whitleys, hung with Dwaynes, had classes with Kims, worked with Charmaines and partied with Winnys. .

Green Book (2018)

Great Movie!

[8/10 · 6 December 2018]

So despite my reservations about watching another racially driven movie, I checked out green book. First, let me say that the Italian rhetoric made the film genuinely enjoyable to watch from beginning to end. The 1960s based film is about Tony Lip who is a rough around the edges back streets Italian who is hired to drive slightly eccentric Dr. Don Shirley who is a classically trained black pianist on tour with his trio through the Deep South. Despite being socially accepted in the north, Dr. Shirley takes on this tour where he knows he will encounter issues along the way. Without spoiling the movie, the film explores an unfamiliar narrative of a white person hired to do a job of somewhat servitude for a black person, which I don't remember seeing on this caliber since the body guard. What's interesting to note are two things, the development of the relationship between the two characters from the time they first met to the end of the film and why Dr. Shirley even made the decision to perform in the south which I will leave you to figure out. Both Mahershala ali Viggo Mortensen put on a great performance and the movie definitely has a well-developed storyline.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Great film if you want to watch something informative and entertaining.

[8/10 · 30 November 2018]

Based on a true story, I watched the Spike Lee Joint Blackkklansman. The movie is about a black man played by John David Washington infiltrating the KKK. The movie starts with Washington's character Ron Stallworth being the first black officer hired to the police department in Colorado spring. He is later given the task of infiltrating the KKK and the Black Panther. He and his partner played by Adam driver becomes one person as Ron voices the Ron used to join the KKK and his partner plays the actual in-person Ron. It's interesting because they're both placed in a situation that may have comprised their loyalty to the police department and their case. Worth mentioning, there is a scene where Ron Stallworth is mentioning an officer on the force who killed an unarmed black kid and when asked why the force keeps him around he was told "they're a family and we stick together, right or wrong, we stick together" Ron replied "that reminds me of another group" if that doesn't make you think. I will say your ear will burn from the use of racial, ethnic and homophobic slurs so if you're sensitive you may want to consider not watching. The film was very entertaining and informative although it would have been nice to get some action movie type action; it wasn't that type of movie. I commend spike lee on retelling this story and putting that reality in art at the end. .

The Neighborhood (I) (2018– )

Not very funny but not a total failure.

[5/10 · 28 November 2018]

So I watched the new family sitcom on cbs tv the neighborhood starring Cedric the entertainer Tichina Arnold, Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs. Now I had high hopes for this show seeing how it has some comedic sitcom heavy hitters but it definitely fell flat for me as far as being funny. I see where they were going with the show, but I'm kind of confused by the concept. So the show revolves around two families in Los Angeles, one of them being a white family moving into a predominantly black neighborhood. Cedric the Entertainer plays Calvin who is upset that a white family is moving into his neighborhood right next door to him at that. It felt like the show is trying to do a reverse Archie Bunker meets The Jeffersons type deal. If anyone remembers all in the family Archie Bunker was upset that a black family was moving into his neighborhood; it being George Jefferson's son. The odd thing about the show is that I don't really see black people caring too much that white people are moving into their neighborhood, you're cool, we're cool normally, if anything probably just the adjustments one has to probably make when they're your direct neighbor is all. Also, the show gave me the initial impression that it would revolve more around Calvin's family but it also exclusively revolves around the other family as well which probably lands it a more diverse audience. Maybe the show will progressively get funnier as a lot of scenes felt forced, also some much-needed guest appearances would be ideal.

In Living Color (1990–1994)

Great Sketch-Comedy to start off the 90s.

[10/10 · 26 November 2018]

Keenan Wayan's "In Living Color" was one of the catalysts for shows like MADtv and Allthat. Stemming from the origins of SNL and other sketch comedy shows alike, In Living Color brought funny into the 90s with an edgy flare. The show introduced a full line up of cast members including standup comedians, DJs and let us not forget the fly girls; also ending every episode with a special music performance. I want to name some of the cast but that would take multiple posts so I will say that Keenan Wayans definitely put his entire family on. The show not only brought the funny, but it also tackled at that time current events from a comical perspective and at times pushed the envelope for TV. Decades later, some of these same cast members and fly girls have graced our TV and movie screens. The show is still popular today with singers like Bruno Mars doing an In Living Color themed music video. I ain't one to gossip but my favorite skit was definitely Miss Benita Butrell starring kim wayans

Widows (2018)

Great Movie!

[9/10 · 26 November 2018]

Based on 3 women whose lives are impacted by their husbands sudden death; one including Liam Neeson character. Their husbands die owing a candidate running for alderman $2 million. Viola Davis character Veronica Rollins recruits and orchestrate the women plus one Cynthia Rivo to join them in the effort to pay back the debt. What's interesting is that each woman is given a task in preparation for the heist and how each woman utilizes their strengths to get what they need is captivating, and empowering depending on how you look at it. The movie highlights how politics is a big business ran with corruption and scams. Daniel Kaluuya definitely plays one hell of a bad guy, as he assists the candidate who he is related to in getting his money back. Spoiler alert, the plot twist reminded me of double jeopardy and definitely made me say wow. You will see today's social relevance in the film which I will leave it at that for you to figure out. Overall the movie was very entertaining with some great "edge of your seat" scenes, and great twist and turns. Towards the end, you will definitely get a set it off vibe as I did as you're waiting to see if they can actually pull off the heist. Definitely go check out this film!

Book Club (I) (2018)

Not a grand slam, more a All american

[6/10 · 20 November 2018]

I thought the movie was well written yes, but didn't have the comedic punch we love from movies like this. I was hoping for a little more sex and the city with a older pairing mixed with the comedic element of first wive's club. I found myself just watching it to complete it. We all knew what was going to happen towards the end but it's all about the ride getting there but I just wasn't as entertained as I thought I would be. The movie does have a few laughs and It's great seeing actresses their age still turning it out on the big screen.

Random Acts of Flyness (2018– )

Gripping Social Satire with a Message!

[8/10 · 13 November 2018]

So I was recommended to me to watch this so I did. Now initially watching it I was like what the hell am I watching? after a few sketches I realized I was watching a documentary-style sketch comedy show with a satirical twist. Every episode takes that particular approach to cover some touchy topics from Black face, toxic masculinity, trans living, rape culture, body dysmorphia to good hair in the black community. The show also give clips revealing a black history that most wouldn't learn in school. The show displays strong cultural and political significance to the black society with a unique yet gripping approach. The narrative kept me intrigued enough to binge watch the entire season. The overall vibe gave me adult swim, chappelle show with some controversial but needed plots. I can see why it's on HBO at midnight but I'm glad I was recommended it.

Sorry to Bother You (2018)

A funny twist on social norms

[7/10 · 12 November 2018]

So finally I was able to watch this film starring Lakeith from "Get Out" and Tessa from Dear White People, and what a interesting way to prove several points. Where do I start first? The narrative that people of color have to conform to society behavioral norms to succeed in the workplace? How big companies use modern-day slave labor for mass production and will do anything to make more profit? The lengths struggling people go in order to get ahead short of selling their soul? Worry-Free corporation in the film may have been a glimpse into what big companies such as google, apple, and amazon may become but I don't want to come off like i'm reaching. Slight spoiler alert, the ending will throw you for a loop. Needless to say, it was a captivating movie with fantasy, satire, comedy sprinkled with some science-fiction.

A Simple Favor (2018)

Reminded me of Gone Girl...Meh but not bad.

[8/10 · 7 November 2018]

I enjoyed the movie overall and it's something very unique about Anna Kendrick's acting that makes you want to keep watching. The plot was different and made you play the guessing game. it felt more like a comedic-thriller more than anything with Kendick's dry but mesmerizing humor in the film. The ending definitely was like really? but I guess that's what makes it a movie. I also enjoyed Kendrick and Lively's chemistry in the film. Kendrick's backstory in the film definitely caught me off guard.

Love That Girl! (2010–2014)

Loved the 1st season, changed a lot afterwards

[8/10 · 7 November 2018]

This showed revolved around Tatyana Ali character who worked for her father at a real estate brokerage, while also dealing with her funny inspiring comedian brother. Season 2 Tatyana's left the show and was replaced by Reagan Gomez and the show started revolving more around break out star Bresha Webb who played ImUnique. This show had the bones to at least give us two more seasons but just didn't make it. It was also produced by the same executive producer who did Martin and also executive produced by Martin Lawrence himself a few episodes. This is definitely a show I wouldn't mind seeing rebooted. It had somewhat that same comedic element possessed and touched on that time popular black pop-culture.

Empire (2015–2020)

A Cameo filled entertaining musical drama.

[8/10 · 7 November 2018]

So I'm sure a lot of people have something to say about long-running Lee Daniel's Empire now on it's 5th season. While other may have stopped watching after the second or third season I've stayed loyal to the musical-drama since day one. Not because it's the absolute best television show on tv but because it's a show that has brought on some of the best actors and actresses together including Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard and introducing some new ones; in addition to many cameos including but not limited to Raven Symone, Alicia Keys, Naomi Campbell, Mariah Carey and Demi Moore. The show's musical element also has been key to its continued success 4 seasons later with sountracks included. Empire in a nutshell, is about a wealthy family with a musical hop-hop background running a public-shared multi-million dollar record label. The family does whatever it takes to get to the top and stay on top which does include from time to time violent scenarios. I do see the series coming to an end sooner than later as we've seen so many transitions in characters, relationships, and even ownership but wouldn't be surprised if a spin-off happened.